Even during the holidays, women’s basketball has no shortage of action. Here, every NCAA fan can enjoy the Christmas season with a beer on one hand, a TV remote on the other, and the NCAA match to top it off.
To make your holidays more merrier, here is a list of Christmas fixtures to look out for. Moreover, don’t forget to mark your calendar, as it’s going to be a fully packed schedule:
December 2
Iowa vs. Bowling Green
You’ll first get to see a match between the top 4, Iowa Hawkeyes and Bowling Green Falcons on December 2. In the 2023-24 regular season, the Hawkeyes’ stats speak for themselves, with a 90.30 average of points per game, a huge lead compared to the Falcons average of 70.20.
You’ll also have a thrilling time checking out the NCAAB Women’s games odds for these two teams. In their most recent games, the Hawkeyes and Falcons claimed wins for four consecutive times.
Last November 26, the Hawkeyes faced the Florida Gulf Coast and won with a lead of 38 points, ending the game with an overwhelming 100 to 62. On the other hand, the Bowling Greens took their most recent win against the Duquesne last November 28 with a two-point lead.
Utah vs. BYU
Utah will attempt a winning streak once they face BYU on December 2, 2024. On the other hand, the BYU Cougars will try to surpass their scoring average of 72.3, as opposed to Utah’s 100.7 points. Although the Cougars did outshoot their opponents in a few games this season, they must prove themselves in the upcoming match against Utah.
December 3
Duke vs. South Carolina
On December 3, be ready for a match against the Duke Blue Devils and the South Carolina Gamecocks. This game will surely be one to look out for, mainly as it features South Carolina, the national winners in 2022, and the team that earned an all-time winning streak from 2014 to 2017.
However, the Blue Devils also have their stats as this team reigns as the 1st placers in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Likewise, the team earned an average of 78.5 points per game, with #24 Richardson leading the team with 12.5 points this season.
NC State vs. Illinois State
Topping the AP Top 25 at the fifth spot is a significant achievement that makes North Carolina State a scary pack. To pair this, the team earns themselves wild stats, with an average of 80.5 points per game this year. Additionally, the team has star player Saniya Rivers, who shone in their game against Vanderbilt with 22 points and eight rebounds.
On the other hand, the Redbirds hold the 22nd spot in the rankings, but there’s no saying what will happen on the court. Moreover, Illinois State also boasts its own set of wildcards. Per game, the team holds an average of 82.5 points – with #24 Deanna Wilson holding 15 and Caroline Caite holding 14.3 points.
December 5
Colorado vs. UT Arlington
Top 7 Colorado Buffaloes face the UT Arlington Mavericks in a game this December 5. In their recent games, the Buffaloes have been riding a high tide with consecutive wins, whereas the Mavericks have yet to bounce back from their last four losses.
Although UT Arlington has had it rough this year, they did make headlines last year when they secured the Sun Belt win. Additionally, Mavericks’ player Starr Jacobs held the title as the tournament MVP, boasting a league-leading record of 28 points.
December 6
Virginia Tech vs. LIU
Wins only keep coming for Virginia Tech as the team holds the ninth spot in the AP Top 25. In a game last November 26, the Hokies cruised past Houston Christian with 61 points on the scoreboard – and that’s only at halftime.
Meanwhile, LIU Sharks hold fourth place in the Northeast Conference, trailing not too far behind Virginia Tech regarding records. Moreover, the Sharks earned their win against the Hampton Pirates last November 26 with a 7-point lead.
Iowa State vs. Iowa
Another game to watch is the Iowa State Cyclones against the Iowa Hawkeyes. With back-to-back setbacks in three games, the Cyclones deserved a much-needed win against St. Thomas. During this game, Iowa State bounced back with a dominating win, scoring 85 to 44 points.
December 7
UCLA vs. CSUN
You’ll start the day with a match from the UCLA Bruins against Cal State Northridge Matadors. The Bruins are, undoubtedly, a fan favorite, especially as they hold a 91.2 point average and even the second spot in the Top 25. Here, #23 Gabriela Jaquez earns the highest record with 16 points per game.
The plan for the Matadors’ Interim coach, Mitchell, is to start with victory-hungry freshman players. Although CSUN had a rough start, the promise of an improving team from their freshmen roster is the key to earning wins.
Final Thoughts
You’re guaranteed a full schedule in the first week of December, even more so if you add the matches in the following weeks. Nonetheless, it’s a week of endless basketball thrills from the NCAA.
