As Thanksgiving approaches, sports enthusiasts have more than just feasting to look forward to; it’s also an exciting week for women’s college basketball. Top teams across the nation are converging in warmer locations for tournaments, providing fans with an ideal opportunity to catch thrilling matchups while they enjoy their holiday meals.
On Wednesday, November 26, a standout clash will occur in Puerto Rico as Maryland takes on Kentucky at the San Juan Shootout. Both teams come into the game ranked, with Maryland’s strong start, primarily against mid-Atlantic teams, giving them vital experience. Freshman Addi Mack has emerged as a player to watch, but she will face a formidable challenge against Kentucky’s Tonie Morgan, who recently helped her team secure a victory against Louisville.
In Las Vegas, the Players Era Championship will showcase two more powerhouses: UCLA and Texas, alongside Duke and South Carolina. Fans can anticipate an exciting matchup between UCLA and Texas, which is a rare treat given their substantial NCAA history. UCLA’s Lauren Betts will need to capitalize on her height advantage over Texas’s Madison Booker, while transfer Gianna Kneepkens aims to further impress against a tough Texas defense. The rematch between Duke and South Carolina, a repeat of last year’s Elite Eight contest, should be equally captivating. Despite Duke’s rocky start this season, the talented South Carolina roster—fresh off scoring over 100 points twice—will be a crucial test for them.
On Thanksgiving Day, Richmond will look to bounce back against TCU in Cancun after slipping out of the rankings following a previous defeat. The game will highlight the impressive performances of Maggie Doogan, who’s averaging 24.4 points and 11 rebounds for Richmond, and TCU’s transfer Olivia Miles, contributing significantly with her averages of 17.5 points and 7.8 assists.
The tournament will conclude on Friday, November 28, with another exciting game featuring Wisconsin and Ole Miss in Daytona Beach. Missed opportunities in this matchup may be less significant, considering Ole Miss’s trajectory under the leadership of Yolett McPhee-McCuin and the impressive contributions from their leading scorer, Cotie McMahon.
Lastly, heading into Sunday, November 30, fans can catch UCLA for a second time as they host the Tennessee Lady Vols. This match will provide further insight into UCLA’s readiness for an intense Big Ten schedule, making the Thanksgiving week one filled with high-stakes basketball action.
This festive week promises not only exhilarating games but also an opportunity for teams to solidify their standings as they head into conference play. With so many critical matchups lined up, fans can look forward to an entertaining intersection of holiday spirit and competitive sports.