Oregon rallies from big deficit to overcome Vanderbilt in NCAA Tournament

In Durham, North Carolina, the NCAA Tournament matchup on March 21, 2025, between No. 10 seed Oregon and No. 7 seed Vanderbilt resulted in a dramatic overtime finish. Oregon, who entered the game with a 19-11 record, found themselves in a precarious position after allowing the Commodores, with their 22-10 record, to claw back from a 19-point deficit in the second half. Throughout the game, Oregon displayed both resilience and a battling spirit. The first half ended with the Ducks maintaining a slim lead, but they faced a struggle in the latter part of the game as Vanderbilt rallied back, scoring an impressive 24 points to tie the game at 67 in the final seconds of regulation. Deja Kelly, who contributed significantly throughout the game, tallied 20 points, while Nani Falatea and Peyton Scott added 17 and 13 points respectively, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive effort from Oregon. Mikayla Blakes shone brightly for Vanderbilt, scoring 26 points, showcasing her skills as the SEC freshman of the year. The intensity of the game highlighted Oregon's fighting spirit, as noted by their coach Kelly Graves, particularly concerning their defensive prowess demonstrated during critical moments. As they transitioned into overtime, both teams faced challenges, including foul troubles that forced key players like Blakes and Pierre off the court for the final minutes. In the end, it was a series of free throws from Kelly, Scott, and Amina Muhammad that sealed the victory for Oregon, marking the Ducks' first March Madness win since 2021. This win not only emphasizes the Ducks’ ability to perform in clutch situations but also indicated a trend as they improved their season record to 20-11, notably winning 7 out of 8 games this season that were decided by four points or less. Moving forward, Oregon will prepare to face the winner of an upcoming matchup between No. 15 Lehigh and another team, further vying for a spot in the tournament's later stages. Overall, the thrilling comeback, the high stakes of the tournament, and the efforts shown by both teams in this gripping game are a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of NCAA Women's Basketball. The dramatic shifts in momentum kept viewers on the edge of their seats, providing a memorable chapter in this season's tournament saga.