South-Carolina

Record 5 women’s basketball teams score 100 points in March Madness first round blowouts

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2025

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Record 5 women’s basketball teams score 100 points in March Madness first round blowouts

How’s your women’s March Madness bracket doing? If you picked chalk, you should be in prime position.

The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament officially tipped off Friday and aside from a couple of upsets — like No. 7 Vanderbilt falling to No. 10 Oregon in overtime or No. 10 South Dakota State defeating No. 7 Oklahoma State — higher-seeded teams have taken care of business against lower-seeded teams in the opening round.

All four of the No. 1 seeds in the tournament — UCLA, South Carolina, Texas and USC — comfortably cruised to the second round after defeating their first-round opponents by an average margin of victory of 47 points.

And a total of six teams — South Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee, UConn, Texas and LSU — surpassed 100 points in the first round, a tournament record for a single round, according to ESPN.

The largest blowout in the first round belonged to No. 2 UConn, which tied the seventh largest margin of victory in women’s March Madness history with a 103-34 win over No. 15 Arkansas State. (More on that later.) The tournament record was set in 2017 when No. 1 Baylor defeated No. 16 Texas Southern by a whopping 89 points in a first-round matchup that ended 119-30.

Before we set our sights on the second round of this year’s tournament, lets that a look at the biggest blowouts in the opening round of 64:

MARCH MADNESS: Big upsets are rare in women’s NCAA Tournament. Is this the year that changes?

MORE: NCAA women’s basketball tournament bracket breakdown, best games, players to watch

69 points — No. 2 UConn vs. No. 15 Arkansas State

UConn is in pursuit of its first national championship since 2016 and the Huskies got off to a great start in the first round with a rout of Arkansas State. Azzi Fudd dropped 27 points (10-for-13 FG, 6-for-9 3PT) in her first tourney appearance since 2023 and had a career-high seven assists. Freshman Sarah Strong recorded her fourth straight double-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and five blocks, the first player in 25 years to record that stat line. The Huskies scored 35 points off turnovers alone and held Arkansas State to 12-of-70 from the field.

WHO IS AZZI FUDD? UConn star dropped 21 points in first half vs. Arkansas State

61 points — No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Lehigh

The Blue Devils recorded their largest margin of victory this season, while holding Lehigh to the second-lowest point total in NCAA Women’s Tournament history. Duke did so with both their offense and defense. Three Blue Devils scored in double digits, led by sophomore Oluchi Okananwa’s 15 points (6-of-10 FG, 2-3 3PT), seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. The Mountain Hawks were held to single digits in each quarter in the game. “This is March. Doesn’t matter who your opponent is. You address each and every one with the same intensity,” Okananwa said after the win.

60 points — No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 16 Tennessee Tech

South Carolina entered Friday’s first-round matchup with extra motivation after being snubbed for the No. 1 overall seed. The Gamecocks came out and made a statement with a 60-point victory over Tennessee Tech. Freshman Joyce Edwards had a team-high 22 points (9-of-12 FG), while MiLaysia Fulwiley added 15 points. South Carolina leads the nation in bench points per game (42.2) this season and showcased its depth on Friday. The Gamecocks’ 66 bench points Friday marked the most in NCAA Tournament history.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Raven Johnson brings energy in March Madness beatdown of Tennessee Tech

DAWN STALEY: South Carolina women’s basketball super fan Plies gifts head coach gem-studded chain

52 points — No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin

Notre Dame entered the NCAA Tournament losing three of its last five games, but the Fighting Irish corrected course with a dominant first-round win, which marked the second time in program history that Notre Dame surpassed 100 points in March Madness. Five players scored in the double digits, led by Sonia Citron (24) and Hannah Hidalgo (24). Notre Dame placed an emphasis on defense, swiping 18 steals and forcing 28 turnovers. It wasn’t all smiles for Notre Dame — Olivia Miles’ night ended early due to an ankle injury.

OLIVIA MILES INJURY UPDATE: Notre Dame guard exits Stephen F. Austin game after hurting ankle

46 — No. 1 USC vs. No. 16 UNC Greensboro

Final score: USC 71, UNC Greensboro 25
Largest lead: 46 points

The Trojans held the Spartans to the second-lowest point total in NCAA Women’s Tournament history and their 46-point margin of victory marked the program’s largest in a March Madness game. Sophomore JuJu Watkins led the way with a game-high 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals. She’s scored double digits in every game this season. Senior Kiki Iriafen added a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, marking her 12th of the season. The Trojans scored 32 points off of 23 turnovers and held the Spartans to 7-of-54 from the field.

JUJU WATKINS INJURY UPDATE: Rolled ankle in USC March Madness game today

44 — No. 5 Kansas State vs. No. 12 Fairfield

Kansas State soundly defeated Fairfield by 44 points following the return of star center Ayoka Lee, who put up a double-double with 17 points (7-of-10 FG) and 10 rebounds in her first game in nearly a month. Guard Serena Sundell flirted with a double-double with 18 points (8-of-10 FG), nine assists and two steals. Kansas State out rebounded Fairfield 44-19 and held the Stags to 15-of-51 from the field.

44 — No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 William & Mary

Madison Booker showed exactly why she’s the SEC player of the year following a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double performance. The Longhorns pulled away from William & Mary in the second half and led by as many as 45 points in the win. Texas outscored William & Mary 56-22 in the paint and out rebounded the Tribe 51-26.

38 — No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 16 Southern

Final score: UCLA 84, Southern 46
Largest lead: 38 points

The No. 1 overall seed opened the NCAA Tournament by setting a program record for the largest margin of victory in March Madness history. Six Bruins scored in double-digits, led by Lauren Betts’ 14 points, six blocks, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Will this be the season UCLA women’s basketball breaks through? The Bruins have advanced as far as the Elite Eight twice (1999, 2018) and Sweet Sixteen nine times, most recently last season, but have never made it to the Final Four.

LAUREN BETTS: Stats, what to know of UCLA women’s basketball star

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Democrats celebrate redistricting win as governor hopefuls clash

Published

1 hour ago

May 30, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Democrats celebrate redistricting win as governor hopefuls clash

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Hundreds of South Carolina Democrats gathered at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday for the party’s annual convention, rallying supporters, hearing from candidates and celebrating what they called a major political win.

The event brought together candidates, elected officials, party activists and voters ahead of what many hope will be a competitive election cycle.

Party leaders and attendees praised the recent failure of a Republican-led redistricting proposal in the state Senate, calling it a victory for fair representation.

“I’m happy that the people responded with clear heads. I’m happy that we will have a fair and free election, and we’re maintaining our democracy in the state. I’m from Cluburn’s District. I’m from Colleton County South Carolina so this is personal to me,” said DeShawn Blanding, a candidate for South Carolina commissioner of agriculture.

Dr. Annie Andrews, a candidate for U.S. Senate, said, “That was a win for democracy people like to say it was a win for Democrats. Yes it was but it was a win for democracy. South Carolina has 40% Democrats. We deserve some representation in our congressional delegation.”

Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, a candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said the outcome showed statewide resolve. “That’s the power of the low country and the power of all the state, showing that we are no one to be directed from someone in Washington, that we are the ones that were gonna control our destiny here,” she said.

But as party members celebrated, a dispute between gubernatorial candidates created tension inside the convention.

Gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod announced he would not share the stage with his fellow Democratic candidates during the event.

“I just wanted to go on the record and tell you why I was not gonna share the stage with three people whose platforms would violate will of the people in South Carolina,” McLeod said.

McLeod also accused fellow Democrat Jermaine Johnson of siding with Republicans. “Jermaine Johnson is getting ready to tell all these people how he is for them, but he and I both know that he has voted with the Republican establishment more than 90% of the time,” he said.

Johnson, a Democratic state representative for District 52, responded to McLeod’s allegations and his decision not to appear onstage with the other candidates.

Hopefully he can get the help that he needs. We’re watching a mental health crisis in front of our eyes and I’m just praying for him,” Johnson said.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for May 29, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for May 29, 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 29, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 29 drawing

19-24-47-59-65, Mega Ball: 07

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 29 drawing

Midday: 6-1-2, FB: 0

Evening: 7-4-7, FB: 8

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 29 drawing

Midday: 5-0-8-1, FB: 0

Evening: 8-1-6-9, FB: 8

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 29 drawing

Midday: 09

Evening: 09

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from May 29 drawing

04-23-26-38-39

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

Trump jumps into 2 GOP governor primaries, backing Evette in South Carolina and Feenstra in Iowa – WTOP News

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Trump jumps into 2 GOP governor primaries, backing Evette in South Carolina and Feenstra in Iowa – WTOP News

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed two Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina and…

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed two Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina and Iowa that have pitted allies against each other in a fierce competition for their party leader’s blessing.

In a pair of social media posts, Trump gave his backing to South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra, as primary elections in both states approach.

Iowa’s primary is Tuesday, and South Carolina’s is on June 9.

For two terms, Evette has served alongside Gov. Henry McMaster, one of Trump’s earliest backers during his first presidential campaign. Earlier this year, the long-serving governor endorsed his No. 2, telegraphing to some that Trump’s backing could be next.

On Friday, Trump expressed both appreciation for Evette and the state she represents, noting that she stumped for him in 2024. He also said “A BIG added plus” for her campaign is that Henry McMaster Jr. — the sitting governor’s son — may be Evette’s running mate.

In the deep red state of South Carolina, the competition for the president’s support has been the most intense part of the primary race.

In a separate post, Trump described Feenstra as “MAGA all the way” and said he would “fight tirelessly” for the state on issues including the economy, border security and support of law enforcement.

Both Evette and Feenstra have been vocal about wanting Trump’s endorsement, in the hopes that it would carry weight in states that helped propel Trump’s return to office in 2024. Feenstra said earlier this year that he asked for Trump’s support, and much of Evette’s campaign media has featured photos of her next to Trump.

Along with Feenstra, four other Republicans — state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman and former conservative political director Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former director of the state Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen — are in the primary to replace outgoing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who opted out of a third bid.

Evette is competing for the South Carolina nomination against Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Both states are having their first competitive Republican gubernatorial primaries in years, with Reynolds and McMaster in office for roughly a decade each.

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Hannah Fingerhut contributed reporting from Des Moines, Iowa.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP

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