MTSU upsets Louisville with 3rd-largest comeback in history of NCAA women's tournament

Middle Tennessee guard Savannah Wheeler, the Conference USA player of the year, missed her first six shots, committed two fouls and a turnover during the first 18 minutes of the Blue Raiders' women's tournament opener against Louisville.

But when she finally scored her first points on a layup with 1:16 left in the first half, a game that Louisville had dominated early was about to change.

Jalynn Gregory scored 24 for MTSU (30-4), which has won 20 straight and has not lost since falling to Grand Canyon on Dec. 30. MTSU will play Sunday against No. 3 seed Louisiana State University.

Centre Anastasiia Boldyreva had 11 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots for the Blue Raiders, who matched the third-largest comeback in women's tournament history to advance to the second round of the tournament for the fifth time and first since 2007.

Olivia Cochran had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Nina Rickards scored 12 points for Louisville (24-10), but Cochran was whistled for her fourth in the middle of the third quarter, and was subbed out with Louisville still holding a five-point lead.

LSU star Angel Reese couldn't seem to make a shot and the Tigers turned the ball over a season-high 24 times.

The defending champions just had to be thankful — if not relieved — that they're good enough to overcome even that.

Reese overcame 1-of-7 shooting to finish with 10 points and 19 rebounds, and third-seeded LSU fended off a feisty performance by No. 14 seed Rice for a 70-60 victory.

LSU had a hard time putting the Owls (19-15) away. Reese turned the ball over six times. Williams and fellow guard Hailey Van Lith each committed five turnovers and reserve point guard Last-Tear Poa, who as coming back from a concussion, had three turnovers.

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