Oregon Ducks Stun Vanderbilt in NCAA Women’s Basketball Showdown

DURHAM, N.C. – The No. 10-seeded Oregon women’s basketball team delivered a stunning performance against No. 7-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday, March 21, at Cameron Indoor Stadium, advancing in the NCAA Tournament with a convincing 36-25 halftime lead.

After an exciting first day of the NCAA Tournament, the Ducks, returning to the field of 64 for the first time since 2022, were eager to make a statement. “This is my first time experiencing it, and just setting out a goal from the beginning to get to this point is a super-cool opportunity,” said Oregon guard Peyton Scott. “I’m super proud of our team to even have our name called.”

Entering the tournament with a NET ranking of 41, Oregon (19-11) made their intentions clear early, holding Vanderbilt to only 8 for 27 shooting in the first half. Freshman Katie Fiso provided much-needed scoring off the bench with 8 points, while Scott contributed 7 points of her own.

Vanderbilt, finishing their season with a 22-10 record, faced a challenging matchup, with Mikayla Blakes leading their scoring efforts with 14 points. Despite their offensive struggles, the Commodores were determined to capitalize on their previous NCAA experience, having made back-to-back tournament appearances.

The Ducks’ strong defense was a significant factor, containing the Commodores at a shooting mark of just 29.6% from the field. “March is where the best teams rise, so I’m really excited to see what we can do,” said guard Deja Kelly, emphasizing her belief in the team’s potential.

Oregon’s triumph sets the stage for a second-round clash against either No. 2 seed Duke or No. 15 seed Lehigh. The Ducks are focused on carving a path deeper into the tournament.

Oregon’s performance marked a significant milestone, showcasing their growth and determination throughout the season. They battled back from a slow start, including a recent slump in which they lost three of their last four games.

Coaches and players alike acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the tournament setting. “We know how good Vanderbilt is, and they have a connected group,” said Oregon coach Kelly Graves. “But we’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m glad to be in the field where every team is really good.”

This thrilling game not only showcased rising talent like Blakes, but also underscored the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where any team can seize the moment when it counts the most.