Biggest Blowouts in Women’s Basketball NCAA Tournament, from UConn to South Carolina
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has seen its fair share of thrilling games, but it has also witnessed some staggering blowouts. As the tournament has grown in popularity, the gap between the top programs and the rest of the field has become more evident, leading to dominant victories. Powerhouses like UConn, South Carolina, and Tennessee have often been on the winning side of these blowouts, showcasing their superiority and setting records along the way.
UConn’s Historic Domination
For over two decades, UConn has been the gold standard in women’s college basketball, and their dominance in the NCAA Tournament has often translated into commanding wins. One of the most memorable blowouts in tournament history occurred in 2009 when UConn defeated Purdue 90-50 in the Sweet 16. This victory was part of their remarkable 78-game winning streak and showed just how untouchable Geno Auriemma’s team was at the time. UConn’s combination of offensive firepower and suffocating defense made them nearly unstoppable, with this game serving as a prime example of their dominance.
Another blowout came in 2014, when UConn trounced Tulsa 112-82 in the opening round. The 30-point victory in the first round of the tournament wasn’t just an easy win—it was an assertion of their dominance. UConn scored over 100 points, something not often seen in women’s basketball at the NCAA Tournament level, further cementing their reputation for running up the score when the opportunity arose.
South Carolina’s Rise to Power
South Carolina has emerged as one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball in recent years. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have become known for their tenacious defense and well-rounded offense, making them a nightmare for any opponent.
A notable blowout in South Carolina’s history came in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, when they obliterated North Carolina A&T 102-63 in the first round. The 39-point victory marked just how far South Carolina had come in terms of building a powerhouse program. With stars like A’ja Wilson, the Gamecocks not only won but did so with a level of confidence and efficiency that left no doubt they were a team to be feared.
In 2021, South Carolina continued their march towards dominance with another impressive blowout, this time over UNC Greensboro, winning 79-53 in the first round. This victory was part of a larger narrative where the Gamecocks consistently outclassed their competition, ultimately winning the national title. South Carolina’s ability to dominate lesser opponents in the early rounds became a key feature of their successful tournament runs.
Tennessee’s Historic Wins
While UConn and South Carolina have dominated in recent years, Tennessee has a long history of blowouts in the NCAA Tournament. Under legendary head coach Pat Summitt, the Lady Vols built a dynasty that saw numerous lopsided victories. One of the most notable blowouts occurred in 1998, when Tennessee defeated Louisiana Tech 84-51 in the championship game. The victory marked the Lady Vols’ second national title and was emblematic of their ability to control the game from start to finish.
Tennessee’s dominance continued throughout the 2000s, with multiple blowouts against teams like Missouri (in the 2003 tournament) and Buffalo in 2018. These wins helped Tennessee maintain its status as one of the elite programs in women’s basketball, consistently showcasing their overwhelming talent and depth.
Blowouts as a Sign of Power
While blowouts in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament are often viewed as less exciting for fans, they offer a glimpse into the sheer power of the game’s elite programs. Teams like UConn, South Carolina, and Tennessee have set the bar high, and their dominance in the tournament has often translated into lopsided victories. These programs continue to set records, push the limits of what’s possible, and solidify their places as the most formidable forces in women’s college basketball.
As the tournament evolves, it will be interesting to see whether the power balance shifts and whether new programs emerge to challenge the established elite. But for now, UConn, South Carolina, and Tennessee remain the gold standard, with their massive blowouts serving as a testament to their sustained excellence.
