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We will have plenty of college basketball games as we kick off a weekend filled with conference tournament action. Tournaments are just tipping off, so these early rounds generally do not feature higher-profile teams, as they have a bye (or double bye) and will not play until later.
However, we’ve already had some unexpected outcomes among the opening games. Here are the results that surprised us from Wednesday’s action:
Clemson upsets Stanford
The most notable result was No. 14-seed Clemson beating No. 11-seed Stanford 63-46 in the first round of the ACC Tournament. While the Cardinal weren’t a heavy favorite, a defeat in the opening round was unexpected—and puts their 36-year run in the NCAA tournament in serious jeopardy.
Clemson breezed through this contest thanks to Loyal McQueen scoring 17 points, along with eight rebounds and six assists. Mia Moore also had a strong game with 14 points on 50 percent shooting from the field.
Stanford only had one player in double figures: Courtney Ogden, who scored 13 points off the bench. Clemson will now take on No. 6-seed Louisville on Thursday.
Forks Up!
In the Big 12, No. 15-seed Arizona State defeated No. 10-seed Cincinnati 82-75, and they got it done thanks to their backcourt players, Jalyn Brown and Tyi Skinner. Brown had 27 points, and Skinner was right behind her with 26. They both did a great job drawing fouls and went a combined 17-for-21 from the free throw line.
The Bearcats struggled to score in the second quarter and never really threatened after that. Reagan Jackson played well in the loss, scoring 24 points and going 7-for-14 from the field. Still, Arizona State came out victorious and celebrated appropriately, dancing as they placed their name on the big board to signify their advancement.
Washington handles Minnesota
No. 12-seed Washington’s defeat of No. 13-seed Minnesota wasn’t an upset, but it was a strong showing for the Huskies in their first Big Ten Tournament.
They won 79-65, led by Elle Ladine, who scored a team-high 21 points. Grace Grocholski of the Golden Gophers matched that point total, but the Huskies had a more balanced attack and were hot from behind the arc, with a total four players scoring in double figures. Minnesota, however, was without leading-scorer Maura Braun due to a broken foot
Now, Washington will take on No. 5-seed Michigan on Thursday and try to kickstart a Cinderella run.
Thursday will feature games all day, so tune in and see if any underdogs intrigue you. Be sure to come back to Swish Appeal the following morning for more conference tournament updates.
