The Women27s NCAA Tournament continues to surprise fans, with the First Four showcasing an exhilarating match between the High Point Panthers and the William & Mary Tribe, both vying for advancement in this pivotal series. The final battle of the First Four, featuring No. 16 seeds, captivated viewers on March 20, 2025, as the teams faced off at the Moody Center, with the game being broadcast live on ESPN2 at 9:00 PM EDT.
Coming into this matchup, High Point carried a commendable record of 21-11, concluding their Big South play with an impressive 13-3 record. Their season was punctuated by a crucial win against Longwood, where they triumphed with a scoreline of 59-53 in the conference tournament. Nevaeh Zavala, a standout player for the Panthers, showcased her talent throughout the season, averaging 10.6 points per game and boasting a phenomenal 60.6% shooting mark from inside the arc.
On the other side of the court, the Tribe of William & Mary entered the tournament with a more modest overall season record of 15-18 and a mixed bag in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, finishing 8-10. However, the team made headlines as they secured the CAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, an achievement marked by an impressive run through the conference tournament. They stunned the competition, defeating Hofstra, North Carolina A&T, Drexel, and Campbell over a whirlwind four-day stretch.
The game itself proved to be dramatic, with both teams keenly aware of the stakes: the winner would earn the right to face the powerhouse Texas Longhorns in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The excitement was palpable as William & Mary, spurred on by the emotional leadership of Bella Nascimento, emerged victorious with a score of 69-63 over High Point.
In a stirring reflection on the team's journey, Bella Nascimento encapsulated her squad's resilience, stating, "We are not quitters." These words rung true throughout the tournament, especially following William & Mary's decline earlier in the season when they finished ninth in the CAA after a series of defeats. However, their turnaround in the conference tournament rallied the team toward history—marking the first appearance of William & Mary in the NCAA Tournament.
In reflecting on their victory and what lies ahead, Nascimento fervently expressed the team’s determination, saying, "We're excited to step on this floor again. It's another opportunity to play basketball, which we're all here to do. This is a business trip. We think we could beat any team, and that's what we're going to out and show the world that we can do." Such declarations fueled the Tribe's tempo in an electrifying postseason journey.
The gameplay presented a mix of strategic brilliance and nerves, with both teams attempting to establish momentum early. Nascimento's contributions were pivotal; she led the game in scoring with 24 points and added crucial rebounds—five in total—effectively undermining High Point's defensive strategy.
William & Mary capitalized on its physical advantage on the boards, converting 15 offensive rebounds into 12 second-chance points, while successfully holding High Point under 40% shooting—an impressive feat given the pressure of the game. Coach Erin Dickerson Davis noted the nervous energy in her squad before the game; she admitted to spending significant time calming them and ensuring they were focused on the immediate task rather than the size of the occasion. "They were so nervous... I kept saying, 'Oh, I need to figure out what things I want to execute after timeouts and all of this stuff,' and I couldn’t focus on it because I needed to make sure that my girls were OK," she explained.
This tactical approach yielded dividends, and for the fifth consecutive win-or-go-home contest, Dickerson Davis saw her players rising to the occasion. They demonstrated resilience and a commitment to their coach’s strategy. As the game progressed, William & Mary exhibited confidence, a vital ingredient in rising to the challenge presented by their impending matchup with Texas.
Reflecting on their upcoming encounter with the Longhorns, Davis conveyed excitement balanced with respect: "I do want them to embrace this... you're about to play against a team that should get to the Final Four. It's just going to be such a fun time, a fun environment... how could you be mad?" This sentiment echoed amongst fans who were eager to see this underdog squad step onto one of the biggest stages in college basketball, eager to prove themselves against a formidable opponent.
As the dust settles on the First Four games, the story of High Point and William & Mary epitomizes the spirit of March Madness. This year's tournament promises not just thrilling performances but also narratives of determination, craftiness, and seizing opportunities against the odds. With the spotlight now on the Tribe, their success against Texas will not only signify a pivotal moment in their program's history but also fuel aspirations for future seasons in NCAA basketball.
