NCAA Women's Tournament Sweet 16 Standouts
The story couldn't have been written any better for TCU guard Now in her fifth collegiate year, Van Lith is the first player in NCAA history, men's or women's to lead three separate schools to the Elite Eight. In fact, it will be Van Lith's fifth straight Elite Eight appearance.
It's always hasn't been easy for Van Lith, who's documented her struggles with mental health. After spending the first three years of her collegiate career at Louisville, the Washington native earned ACC All-Freshman and two-time First-Team All-ACC honors. Although leading Louisville to an Elite Eight and Final Four, she made a shocking decision to transfer to LSU last season.
It's clear Van Lith didn't fit well under Kim Mulkey's system, along with several talented players such as Angel Reese. Her desire to chase a ring didn't go as planned, and LSU got bounced by Iowa in the Elite Eight.
That's when Van Lith made the difficult decision to transfer to Fort Worth, Texas. Hailey Van Lith transferring to TCU wasn't on my bingo card, however, it turned out to be an ideal fit. Under Mark Campbell, she's regained her confidence and then some. It's safe to say Hailey Van Lith is back!
Notre Dame Was Rocked by TCU
Arguably their most challenging matchup of the year, TCU stunned Notre Dame 71-62. A monumental reason for their victory, Van Lith's performance was pure cinema. Surviving the Fighting Irish lethal trio of Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron, Van Lith recorded a game high 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Stepping up when it mattered the most, Van Lith finished the night shooting 10-21 from the field, and 2-5 from beyond the arc. Setting the single scoring record, her 12 fourth quarter points outscored the Fighting Irish's abysmal ten points. She undoubtedly put the nail in the coffin with a three point shot with less than five minutes remaining.
Along with a blistering offense, we have to give credit to TCU for disrupting Notre Dame's offensive scheme. How many teams can say they held the Fighting Irish to 30 percent from the field, and 20 percent from deep? At 5 foot 9, who is Hailey Van Lith? Sedona Prince? That unforgettable block over Hannah Hidalgo will go down in the history books.
Hailey Van Lith Is The Ultimately Success Story
One of the best stories in Women's basketball, this standout involves a woman with resilience. While under such scrutiny in Baton Rouge, Van Lith's ability to overcome and adapt is quite remarkable.
Hailey Van Lith never lost her touch on the hardwood, she just needed a perfect system and coach to believe in her. Named First-Team All-Big 12, Big 12 Player of the Year, and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, Van Lith is the ultimate winner.
The unlikely team to advance this deep into the NCAA Women's tournament, Van Lith and TCU will face off against No.1 Texas in the Elite Eight. Averaging 21.6 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in the NCAA tournament, Van Lith will continue to lead her team as far as destiny takes them. This isn't Van Lith's first rodeo against Texas. Get your popcorn out, Van Lith last defeated Texas 73-51 in the second round with Louisville.
Leading TCU to the NCAA Women's Tournament for the first time since 2009, Van Lith not only has the support of her coach and teammates, but most importantly, she believes in herself. Although always a top ten WNBA Draft pick in my opinion, this recent performance silence plenty of critics. Don't get it twisted, she's one of the most elite players in the country. If you forgot, Van Lith is an Olympian.
While Cinderella teams don’t quite exist anymore, Hailey Van Lith and the TCU Horned Frogs are the biggest success story. Ultimately, March is where Van Lith thrives the most. With the upmost confidence and Van Lith at the helm, TCU is just as dangerous as anyone right now.
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) March 29, 2025Have a day, Paige Bueckers! 🔥
A career-high 4️⃣0️⃣ points, and the UConn Huskies advance to the Elite 8!
🎥: MMWBB
waited until one of her last games with UConn to have a career day. One of the most unselfish players in the game, Bueckers torched Oklahoma for a career-high 40 points, six rebounds, one assists, three steals, and two blocks.
In fact, Bueckers made history Saturday evening. The Minnesota native became the first UConn Husky ever to record 40 points in an NCAA Tournament game. That certainly puts Bueckers abilities and skill sets into perspective. Think of all the UConn greats to pass through Storrs, Connecticut: just to name a few.
Her nickname isn't 'Paige Buckets' for nothing. Bueckers 40 piece was a long-time coming for the Husky star. How many players can say they've passed Maya Moore for the most 25 point games in their collegiate career?
Although a shaky first half against Oklahoma, Bueckers and the Huskies prevailed. Down 8-0 against the Sooners, it was Bueckers who scored 11 of the Huskies 17 first quarter points. To point out, this is a UConn team that declared victory by 23 points. In the matchup, Bueckers failed to score a bucket in the second quarter. That's how commanding this team is.
Defense isn't Oklahoma's strong suit, and the Sooners failed to cover the screens for Paige Bueckers. Time and time again, Bueckers was going to pull the shots, and she changed the landscape in the second half.
With 10 third quarter points, Bueckers performed how head coach Geno Auriemma has been pushing her to play all season. With 19 fourth quarter points, it was the Paige Bueckers show. Showing confidence and poise, the guard finished 16-27 from the field (66.7 %), and 6-8 (75 %). from beyond the arc.
The only player in the country to finish the season shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from the three-point, and 90 percent from the free-throw line, Bueckers is in elite company. Yet Bueckers never makes it about herself, accrediting her teammates for the squads success.
After the performance, according to OptaStats, Bueckers joins Steph Curry as the only player to record 40+ points, 5+ three-pointers made, and 5+ stocks (stocks and blocks). If Bueckers keeps playing at this elite level, can anyone stop UConn? Set to rematch with USC in the Elite Eight, the Huskies have a legitimate chance of making a NCAA title run.
Much like Van Lith, this year has been the story of Bueckers comeback story. Limited several years to ACL tears and various injuries, Bueckers finally gets her shot at winning it all. The No.1 projected pick in the WNBA Draft, it's been her story of determination and resiliency.
Although the Huskies have several stars, including Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, Bueckers will need to keep up the momentum to make it through the end. With back-to-back 30 point games, Bueckers is averaging an impeccable 28.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists,3.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks in the NCAA Tournament.
Just how far can the Huskies go with the Final Four in sight?
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
