Women’s March Madness after the First Four: Virginia and Southern finalize the 64-team field
women’s march madness hit its first inflection point Thursday night, as the final two First Four games ended and the 64-team field became official.
Virginia advanced with a 57-55 win over Arizona State, while Southern U moved on by beating Samford 65-53. Both winners now turn immediately to Saturday’s first-round matchups, with game plans shaped by tight finishes, late-game decision-making, and clear individual standouts.
What Happens When Women’s March Madness turns from First Four urgency to first-round pressure?
The First Four closed with a one-possession finish in the late game. Virginia’s 57-55 win over Arizona State featured repeated late possessions where the margin swung on shot selection and execution under time pressure.
Arizona State tied the score at 51-51 on a 3-pointer by Marley Washenitz with 41 seconds left. Virginia answered when Kymora Johnson hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Down the stretch, Arizona State twice chose quick 2-point baskets rather than attempting game-tying 3-point shots, and Virginia made the free throws it needed to secure the win.
Washenitz led all scorers with 19 points, and Gabby Elliott added 11 for Arizona State. Virginia was led by Johnson’s 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. Caitlin Weimar added 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The result sets Virginia up for a Saturday meeting with No. 7 Georgia.
What If late runs decide early-round survivals?
The earlier game of the evening underscored how quickly a first-round path can swing on a decisive closing stretch. Southern U (20-13) defeated Samford (16-19) 65-53, pulling away late by outscoring Samford 14-2 over the final seven minutes.
Jaylia Reed and DeMya Porter each scored 15 points for Southern. Porter also collected 12 rebounds in the win. For Samford, Briana Rivera scored 16 points. Samford shot 36% from the floor, including 8-of-27 on 3-pointers.
Southern now advances to face the No. 1 seed South Carolina (31-3) on Saturday at 1 p. m. ET.
What Happens Next for the newly finalized 64-team bracket?
With Thursday’s results, the 64-team field is set following four First Four outcomes across Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, No. 16 Missouri State and No. 11 Nebraska advanced out of the First Four to claim their spots in the first-round bracket.
Missouri State will face the No. 1-seeded Texas Longhorns, noted as the team that claimed its first SEC title with a stunner over South Carolina earlier this month. Nebraska will face the No. 6 Baylor Bears.
Thursday’s winners now join them in transitioning from play-in intensity to seeded matchups with less margin for error. Virginia’s late-game composure and Southern’s closing surge offer two different templates for survival, but both will be tested immediately on Saturday as women’s march madness moves from field-setting drama into the full first-round slate.
