Three takeaways from opening day in women’s college basketball

Women’s college basketball is officially back after a thrilling 2023-24 season.

While star players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have departed for the WNBA, there are several talents on display in the women’s game.

After a loaded opening day slate on Monday, here are three takeaways from the biggest games of the day.

No. 1 South Carolina overcomes poor shooting performance 

On a night that Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks did not shoot the ball well, No. 1 South Carolina found a way to get past a pesky Michigan team in Las Vegas. Led by junior forward Chloe Kitts’ 19 points and 14 rebounds, the Gamecocks overcame a slow start and outscored the Wolverines, 31-24, in the second half.

The defending champions will need to improve on their 33% shooting and 19% from behind the arc going forward. With a loaded nonconference slate that continues with No. 9 NC State on Sunday, as well as No. 5 UCLA, eighth-ranked Iowa State, No. 11 Duke and a showdown with Paige Bueckers and No. 2 UConn on Feb. 16, South Carolina will need to be more efficient from the floor than they were on opening night.

JuJu Watkins, No. 3 USC survive against 20th-ranked Ole Miss

In the first marquee game of the season, USC and Ole Miss squared off in a top 20 showdown in Paris. Despite blowing a 37-26 halftime lead, the Trojans were able to hang on and get the victory. Watkins led all scorers with 27 points and added 10 rebounds while Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen posted 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Just 1-11 from three-point range, USC will need to find a way to make more long-distance shots going forward. With a big matchup looming against No. 6 Notre Dame on Nov. 23 and a road contest at No. 2 UConn just before Christmas, the Trojans will get tested, especially if their inability to make three-point shots continues.

No. 5 UCLA outlasts 17th-ranked Louisville in top 25 matchup

In the second game from Paris, the Bruins used their defense, allowing only 32% shooting, and the balanced effort from center Lauren Betts, who posted an 18 point, 13 rebound double-double. While the Bruins only shot 41.3%, junior forward Timea Gardiner contributed 15 points and made five of her seven three-point attempts to add to the Bruins production. Despite freshman guard Tajianna Roberts scoring 21 points for the Cardinals, Louisville was unable to put together a run down the stretch.

The next big test for UCLA comes on Nov. 24 when they face No. 1 South Carolina. If the Bruins can sustain their defensive prowess and maintain a balance on offense, they could pose a threat to the top team in the country and challenge for a conference title in their first season in the Big Ten.