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Charlie Creme
Las Vegas has already hosted important and exciting early-season games, but nothing tops next week’s Players Era Women’s Championship, a chance for players to earn NIL money and for teams to separate themselves from the other elite squads in the country.
Four of the nation’s best — Duke, South Carolina, Texas and UCLA — will compete at Michelob ULTRA Arena, the home of the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day in a Final Four-caliber event. In the first game Wednesday, the Longhorns (6-0) got up big early on before holding on for a win over the third-ranked and previously unbeaten Bruins (6-1).
That event is the highlight of the holiday week tournaments and games — but not the only intriguing action across the globe over the next week. Games from Puerto Rico to Cancun and from Florida to Texas help create one of the best stretches on the women’s basketball calendar this season.
Many of these games will have far-reaching implications into March and could be the difference between being in or out of the NCAA tournament field.
It’s a crowded sports calendar at this time of year, but this is your guide to the best games and how to watch them. Come back after the final whistle to see how each contest ended and for analysis on how it might impact March.
All times Eastern
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Players Era results and analysis
In a game expected to provide some answers in determining which team lines up behind UConn as the second best in the country, Texas stepped forward. Early on, the Longhorns looked headed for a runaway win after a dominant opening two quarters and 20-point lead at halftime. But UCLA made a run in the fourth quarter that left the game in doubt into the final minute. Rori Harmon led a stifling first-half defense that held a UCLA team averaging 82.8 points per game to 25 — then made big plays late that helped the Longhorns hang on. She finished with 26 points to go with five assists.
This was the first real test for Texas, which entered the game with an average margin of victory of 53.6 points. UCLA entered the matchup ranked third in the AP poll and as the No. 2 team in the latest Bracketology — ahead of Texas in both instances — and already has wins over Oklahoma and North Carolina on its résumé. Texas will certainly overtake the Bruins in both rankings following this win, which gives the Longhorns breathing room in their bid for a No. 1 seed.
UCLA will stay on the top line for now, but its margin for error isn’t as great — and Thursday’s consolation game will determine whether the Bruins stay there.
No. 2 South Carolina 83, Duke 66
With Duke‘s recent struggles, South Carolina entered the second Players Era matchup as a big favorite — and delivered. The Blue Devils weren’t an easy out, but the Gamecocks leaned heavily on the frontcourt duo of Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot to dominate inside. With Edwards and Okot combining for 45 points, South Carolina outscored Duke 58-28 in the paint to set up SEC rivals South Carolina and Texas in a “nonconference” game for the Players Era championship. The winner of Thursday’s game will emerge as the clear No. 2 team in the country.
Duke drops below .500 at 3-4, and unless the Blue Devils upset UCLA in Thursday’s consolation game, they will fall out of Bracketology’s next projection on Tuesday. Duke has plenty of opportunities to get back into the field with games against LSU and South Dakota State before ACC play begins, but early losses to Baylor, West Virginia and South Florida have put the Blue Devils in a hole. A top-four seed with the opportunity to host first- and second-round NCAA tournament games seems unlikely now.
Thursday games
South Dakota State vs. North Carolina
11 a.m., FloHoops, Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
After the Players Era Championship, this is the next-best event of Thanksgiving week. The Jackrabbits and Tar Heels lead off a great first day. South Dakota State’s Brooklyn Meyer is off to a great start and ranks among the national leaders in scoring. North Carolina’s success starts with defense. The winner of that matchup likely wins the game.
4 p.m. ET, FloHoops, Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
The Wolfpack and Phoenix represent a contrast in styles. NC State wants to run. Green Bay likes to control the pace. This is a dangerous game for the Wolfpack, who can’t afford any more nonconference losses if they want a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament.
Texas vs. South Carolina
8 p.m. ET, truTV, Players Era championship game (Las Vegas)
In a game between SEC rivals that officially counts as a nonconference game, the Longhorns and Gamecocks will meet to decide the clear No. 2 team in the country.
9 p.m., FloHoops, Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
Coming off the most successful season in program history and with All-American candidate Maggie Doogan back, the expectations are high for Richmond. Four games removed from a 29-point loss at Texas on Nov. 7, this represents a chance to check the Spiders’ progress. The players have meshed quickly for the Horned Frogs, who should be unbeaten heading into Big 12 play with a win over the Spiders.
9 p.m., ESPN+, Paradise Jam (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Coach Scott Rueck always seems to find a way at Oregon State — and how he defends Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes will be another test. After the Beavers’ win over Illinois, they are back in the NCAA tournament hunt.
UCLA vs. Duke
10:30 p.m., truTV, Players Era consolation game (Las Vegas)
Despite the quality of the opponents at the Players Era Championship, two losses in Las Vegas will be devastating to No. 1 seed aspirations — or possibly even No. 2 seed prospects given how many more challenges in and out of conference await the Blue Devils, Bruins, Gamecocks and Longhorns.
Friday games
Iowa State vs. Marquette
11 a.m., FloHoops, Coconut Hoops (Fort Myers, Florida)
The Cyclones won’t have been challenged until this trip to Florida. Minnesota dominated Marquette two weeks ago, the Golden Eagles should approach this game with some desperation if the NCAA tournament is part of their future.
1:19
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Milwaukee Panthers: Game Highlights
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Milwaukee Panthers: Game Highlights
1 :30 p.m., FloHoops, Coconut Hoops
Allie Turner of Gonzaga and Indiana’s Shay Ciezki are two of the best small guards in the country. Ciezki is off to a fast start and is one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation.
7:30 p.m., ION, Fort Myers Classic (Fort Myers, Florida)
Neither team was on the NCAA tournament radar until a combined 9-0 start. This could be the game that proves whether postseason hopes are realistic.
Saturday games
Oklahoma State vs. Miami
11 a.m., FloHoops, Cayman Islands Classic (Grand Town, Cayman Islands)
Expect plenty of points in this one. The Cowgirls hit the 100-point mark four times in their first five games.
South Dakota State vs. Kansas State
11 a.m., FloHoops, Cancun Challenge
Spin the wheel again in Cancun and more good matchups emerge. The Wildcats have eight players averaging at or around seven points. That kind of balance will help against a SDSU defense that is consistently good, especially in the half court, under coach Aaron Johnston.
Paradise Jam, Island Division championship game
1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., ESPN+ (U.S. Virgin Islands)
The Vanderbilt-Oregon State winner will meet either BYU or Virginia Tech. Regardless of the matchup, this game will have meaning. If the Beavers come out of the Paradise Jam with two wins, they are not only the clear WCC favorite but also in a position to earn an at-large bid. The Hokies won’t likely threaten for the top of the ACC, but their at-large chances increase significantly with a championship here.
1:30 p.m., FloHoops, Cancun Challenge
The Lions’ Riley Weiss scored 24 points in an NCAA tournament win over Washington last season. If you missed that, here is another chance to watch Weiss, who is having an even better junior season.
George Mason vs. Ole Miss
3 p.m., BallerTV, Daytona Beach Classic (Daytona, Florida)
If the Atlantic 10 is going to get multiple bids to the NCAA tournament like it did a season ago, George Mason is the key. A game at Maryland right before this trip to Florida and this matchup with Ole Miss gives the Patriots their two biggest opportunities for a foundational résumé win.
Georgia Tech vs. Florida
5 p.m. ET, FloHoops, Cayman Islands Classic (Grand Town, Cayman Islands)
In the four games with sophomore Liv McGill, the Gators have scored at least 87 points. In the game she missed with a leg injury, they scored 54. If she’s on the floor, Florida is a must-watch.
Paradise Jam, Reef Division championship game
8:30 p.m., ESPN+ (U.S. Virgin Islands)
LSU and Washington State is the likely matchup here. The Tigers’ nonconference schedule once again doesn’t provide many challenges, and the Cougars are struggling this season. But this might be a chance to see MiLaysia Fulwiley in her new surroundings. She’s leading LSU in scoring despite still coming off the bench.
1:19
LSU Tigers vs. Tulane Green Wave: Game Highlights
LSU Tigers vs. Tulane Green Wave: Game Highlights
Sunday games
Coconut Hoops, Blue Heron Division championship game
11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., FloHoops (Fort Myers, Florida)
An Indiana–Iowa State meeting seems most likely here, and the Hoosiers have size to throw at Cyclones star Audi Crooks, who already has a 43-point game this season.
Coconut Hoops, Great Egret Division championship game
4 or 6:30 p.m., FloHoops (Fort Myers, Florida)
With their fast pace, ability to shoot and the addition of freshman Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma is fun to watch. The Sooners meeting Florida State here is the likely matchup in one of the final games of the weekend.
Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo, Junkanoo Division championship game
6:30 p.m., FloHoops (Nassau, Bahamas)
Michigan State and Clemson will be the big favorites to meet in this one. The Tigers’ early losses were to South Carolina and Louisville, but they played well for long stretches in both. The Spartans opened the season by scoring at least 92 points in four straight games, sparked by Grace VanSlooten and the best assist totals in the country.
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Wednesday
Ohio State 83, No. 21 West Virginia 81
Ohio State handed West Virginia its first loss of the season thanks to a strong fourth quarter. It gave Ohio State the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo championship, Goombay Division, in Nassau, Bahamas. It’s a big win for Ohio State, which has now won three consecutive games after a tough 100-68 loss to No. 1 UConn on Nov. 16, and should help propel the Buckeyes, who were already on the rise as a No. 7 seed in ESPN’s latest Bracketology.
This loss will sting for West Virginia, which led by eight with less than four minutes left and won the rebounding battle 38-28. Most things lined up for a West Virginia win. But the Mountaineers committed 25 turnovers to Ohio State’s 17 — West Virginia is typically on the right side of turnover margin — and shot 4-of-17 from 3-point range.
Ohio State guards Jaloni Cambridge, the team’s leading scorer this season, and her sister, Kennedy Cambridge, both fouled out in the last 4½ minutes. Two other Ohio State players, Kylee Kitts and Bryn Martin, also fouled out of the game. Yet the Buckeyes still managed to outscore the Mountaineers 28-20 in the final period.
Ohio State guard Ava Watson made two free throws with three seconds left to give the Buckeyes an 83-80 lead. West Virginia still had a chance to tie the score as guard Sydney Shaw was fouled on a 3-point attempt with six-tenths of a second left. She missed the first attempt, made the second and intentionally missed the third to try to get a rebound and putback for the Mountaineers. But Ohio State grabbed the ball and the victory.
Jaloni Cambridge led Ohio State (5-1) with 22 points. Guard Gia Cooke‘s 24 points led West Virginia. — Michael Voepel
Auburn has opened Larry Vickers’ coaching tenure with the Tigers with eight straight wins, and this one was by far the biggest. Cal had just moved into the field in the latest Bracketology as a No. 10 seed, and Auburn was among the First Four Out. If these two remain bubble teams come March, this could prove to be a difference-making win for the Tigers, who were led by senior guard A’riel Jackson‘s 17 points.
Another one of these matchups awaits Auburn on Sunday when the Tigers host Oregon. The Bears will fall entirely out of NCAA tournament contention for now if they drop a game at Missouri next Thursday in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Tuesday
The Cornhuskers (7-0) held off a furious fourth quarter rally by Virginia in the Emerald Coast Classic Beach Bracket championship to remain unbeaten. They should stay that way heading into Big Ten play. This was Nebraska’s toughest nonconference test, and the Huskers passed it. Britt Prince also won the battle of all-conference-caliber guards with 30 points. Kymora Johnson had 24 for the Cavaliers, who have a trip to Vanderbilt coming up next week. After suffering a stunning loss to UMBC, this was one Virginia needed. The Cavaliers will now have to pull an upset or two in the ACC to remain on the right side of the NCAA tournament bubble.
The Buffaloes just moved back into the NCAA field in the latest Bracketology as the second-to-last team in. They immediately fall back out after this loss in the Hawaii North Shore Showcase. It’s an extremely damaging defeat since Colorado doesn’t have another potential résumé-building nonconference game on the schedule.
With upcoming games against Georgia Tech and West Virginia, both of which rank in the top-50 of the NET, the Aggies set themselves up nicely with this win. Texas A&M completely controlled the second half with 23 points from new point guard Ny’Ceara Pryor.
Mississippi State 69, Middle Tennessee 47
This was a must-have for the Bulldogs. They have gotten off to a good start, but this Emerald Coast Classic Bay Bracket championship game against Middle Tennessee marked their best nonconference game the rest of the way. A loss here would have been damaging to the résumé, so while a win guarantees nothing, beating the Blue Raiders sets Mississippi State up to have a solid record when SEC play begins.
Oregon stayed unbeaten (7-0) but more importantly did exactly what it needed to do in this matchup. With December games looming against Oregon State, UCLA, Stanford and Michigan, the Ducks can’t afford a stumble in the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Classic in Frisco, Texas.
Monday
Minnesota 57, South Florida 45
This was the kind of game South Florida needed to win to stay in the running for an at-large bid. Minnesota picked up a good résumé booster, and will have more chances to secure important wins in the Big Ten.
Sunday
Missouri 71, Washington State 54
After losses to Kansas and Troy, Missouri got a much-needed win Sunday — its fourth game in eight days — to move the Tigers to 5-2 in Kellie Harper’s first year as coach. Mizzou’s offense has scored at least 70 points in every game and has been ahead of its defense thus far. The victory at the WBCA Showcase in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, was a confidence-builder for the Tigers’ defense. They held the Cougars to 29% shooting from the field (21 of 72) while shooting 48% (27 of 56) themselves.
Mizzou is relying a lot on transfers as Harper begins a new era for the program. Junior guard Shannon Dowell (Illinois State), who has been Mizzou’s top offensive weapon, had 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting with 10 rebounds Sunday. Senior guard Jayla Smith (Purdue) had 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting. — Michael Voepel
Saturday
Through three quarters of Iowa–Miami, it looked like the more intriguing game Saturday at the WBCA Showcase might have already been played, as No. 7 Baylor needed overtime to beat Davidson 74-72 and avoid a second straight loss.
The No. 19 Hawkeyes looked comfortably in control and led the Hurricanes 61-49 with 8:30 to play — but then Iowa failed to hit another field goal in the game. The Hurricanes, who have 12 new players this season, looked like they might pull the upset in their first true test of the season, scoring 10 unanswered points to cut the Hawkeyes’ lead to two. But Kylie Feuerbach hit three free throws in the final 11 seconds to move Iowa to 6-0.
After beating Baylor on Thursday, the Hawkeyes looked like a team about to be in consideration for a top-16 seed in the NCAA bracket. Although they’re still undefeated and got a game-high 20 points from sophomore Ava Heiden, their offense disappearing for almost an entire quarter has to be concerning. — ESPN
Friday
The No. 6 Wolverines accomplished more in a loss than they will in winning their next six games. Hanging as closely as they did with the defending NCAA champion Huskies solidifies their place among the top-10 seeds and, more importantly, will serve them well in the battle to be a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. UConn, which got 31 points from Azzi Fudd, might not play a closer game all season. If the Huskies go unbeaten, the fact that Michigan made UConn sweat down the stretch will mean that much more. In the Wolverines, UCLA now has a new, legitimate threat in the Big Ten.
MORE: What makes UConn’s Sarah Strong so good
Thursday
No. 19 Iowa has three significant nonconference games on its schedule. This WBCA Showcase matchup was one of them. So getting this win, on a neutral court, could prove huge for the Hawkeyes, who can now enter the conversation of deserving to be in the top 16 seeds of the NCAA bracket. No. 7 Baylor, which suffered its first loss of the season, should still be one of the best teams in the Big 12, making this a foundational win for a young Iowa team whose two top scorers in the game — Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow — are sophomores.
