The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, affectionately known as March Madness, has once again delivered an electrifying start, and the First Four did not disappoint. On March 18, 2026, basketball enthusiasts witnessed a captivating battle at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, as the No. 16 seed Missouri State Lady Bears clashed with the No. 16 Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks. In a game filled with grit, determination, and stellar performances, Missouri State emerged victorious with an 85-75 win, punching their ticket to the coveted Round of 64. [1, 2]
This triumph not only marks a significant milestone for the Lady Bears but also underscores the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of college basketball's biggest stage. As Missouri State prepares to face a formidable opponent in No. 1 seed Texas, let's delve into the details of this thrilling First Four encounter that captivated fans and set the tone for an exciting tournament run.
The opening half of the Missouri State vs. Stephen F. Austin matchup was a dynamic display of offensive prowess and strategic adjustments from both sides. From the tip-off, it was clear that neither team intended to give an inch, with both squads trading blows and showcasing their respective strengths. Missouri State started strong, jumping out to an 8-2 lead, thanks in part to an early six points from Kaemyn Bekemeier. [3] However, the Ladyjacks of Stephen F. Austin quickly found their rhythm, responding with a fierce determination that kept the game tight and competitive. [3]
The Lady Bears then unleashed an 11-0 run, featuring crucial triples from JaNyla Bush and Bekemeier, capped by a Faith Lee jumper, extending their lead to 13 points. Yet, the Ladyjacks, known for their resilience, refused to fade. Stephen F. Austin orchestrated a powerful 13-3 run in the final 1:39 of the first quarter, bringing the game back to a one-possession affair and highlighting their ability to quickly shift momentum. [3]
As the first half neared its conclusion, Missouri State utilized a pivotal 9-0 run to reclaim and solidify their lead. Angel Scott sealed this impressive spurt with a timely three-pointer, giving the Lady Bears a 45-37 advantage with just under two minutes remaining in the second quarter. [1, 4] The scoreboard at halftime reflected a fast-paced, high-scoring contest, with Missouri State holding a four-point lead, setting the stage for a tense second half. [3]
The third quarter proved to be the turning point where Missouri State truly asserted its dominance. After leading by just four points at the intermission, the Lady Bears came out with renewed intensity and focus, executing a decisive strategy that allowed them to stretch their lead significantly. At the 8:33 mark of the third quarter, Maiesha Washington's layup ignited a commanding 13-0 run for Missouri State. [3]
This explosive surge saw contributions from multiple players, including Lainie Douglas, Kaemyn Bekemeier, and Faith Lee, showcasing the Lady Bears' balanced offensive attack. This run propelled Missouri State to a game-high 15-point advantage, creating a comfortable cushion that would prove crucial in the later stages of the game. [3] The Lady Bears effectively maintained a double-digit lead throughout the remainder of the third period, carrying a significant 14-point lead into the final quarter. [3] This quarter's performance highlighted Missouri State's ability to not only create scoring opportunities but also to lock down defensively, limiting Stephen F. Austin's chances to mount a comeback.
Despite Stephen F. Austin's best efforts in the fourth quarter, Missouri State's commanding lead proved insurmountable. The Ladyjacks managed to hold Missouri State to a game-low 10 points in the final period, demonstrating their defensive tenacity. [3] However, the Lady Bears' defense also stepped up significantly, limiting Stephen F. Austin to just 14 points on a low 25% shooting from the field in the final quarter. [3] This defensive effort in the crucial closing moments ensured that Missouri State would hold on to their lead and secure the victory.
The final buzzer sounded with Missouri State celebrating an 85-75 triumph, a testament to their strong performance and ability to execute under pressure. This win not only propels them further into the NCAA Tournament but also adds another significant achievement to the program's history.
Both teams showcased remarkable talent, with several players delivering memorable performances in this high-stakes First Four matchup.
- Kaemyn Bekemeier: The undisputed leader for the Lady Bears, Bekemeier delivered a phenomenal performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds, securing her 15th 20-point game of the season and her 10th double-double. Her consistent scoring and dominance on the boards were instrumental in Missouri State's victory. Bekemeier also surpassed 600 points on the season, becoming only the fifth Lady Bear in program history to achieve this feat. [3]
- Lainie Douglas: Demonstrating her versatility, Douglas contributed a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Her defensive presence was particularly impactful, moving her into seventh place on Missouri State's career blocks list. [3]
- Maiesha Washington: The freshman guard showcased her potential with an impressive 18 points and six rebounds, providing a significant offensive spark.
- Kendal Brueggen: Another freshman making an impact, Brueggen added 13 points and a career-high nine rebounds, displaying her growing influence on the team.
- Faith Lee: Rounding out the double-digit scorers for Missouri State, Lee contributed 10 points, adding to the Lady Bears' balanced attack.
- Ashlyn Traylor-Walker: Leading the charge for Stephen F. Austin, Traylor-Walker poured in a game-high 23 points, showcasing her scoring ability. [1]
- Aziyah Farrier: Farrier was a force on both ends of the court, tallying 13 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
- Harmanie Dominguez: A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, Dominguez hit three 3-pointers and finished with nine points. Her performance also saw her extend her program record for single-season three-pointers made to 100, ranking her third in Division I this season. [1]
To better understand the dynamics of the game, let's look at some key team statistics:
| Statistic |
Missouri State (MSU) |
Stephen F. Austin (SFA) |
| Field Goal % |
48% (33 of 69) |
- |
| Total Rebounds |
50 |
30 |
| Turnovers |
19 |
- |
| Points off Turnovers |
- |
22 |
| Season Record |
23-12 |
25-10 |
Missouri State's significant advantage in rebounding (50-30) played a crucial role in their victory, providing them with more second-chance opportunities and limiting SFA's possessions. While the Lady Bears committed 19 turnovers, allowing the Ladyjacks to convert them into 22 points, their efficient shooting and rebounding dominance ultimately offset this. [1, 4]
Historical Context and Tournament Journeys
This First Four game was not just about a single win; it carried significant historical weight for both programs.
For Missouri State, this victory marks their 20th NCAA Tournament win in program history. The Lady Bears have a commendable track record of performing well in the tournament, having now won at least one game in each of their last four NCAA Tournament appearances. [1, 3] Their consistent presence and ability to advance highlight a program built on strong foundations and competitive spirit. [5] Entering the tournament as the Conference USA Tournament champions in their inaugural year in the league, Missouri State earned their 18th NCAA Tournament appearance, showcasing their immediate impact in their new conference. [5]
Stephen F. Austin made its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament, a testament to its consistent success within its conference, securing their second straight SLC Tournament Title. [6] However, this loss extends a challenging streak for the Ladyjacks, as they have now lost eight consecutive NCAA Tournament games since a 73-72 first-round win over Xavier in 2000. [1, 4] Despite this tough tournament history, SFA's consistent conference championship wins demonstrate their strength and talent, and they will undoubtedly look to break this NCAA Tournament losing streak in future appearances.
With this hard-earned victory, the No. 16 seed Missouri State Lady Bears are now poised for their next challenge: a showdown with the top-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Round of 64. [1, 3] This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026. [1, 3] Playing on Texas' home court in Austin, the Lady Bears will face a formidable opponent with a strong season record and the added advantage of playing in front of their home crowd. [8]
The Lady Bears will need to bring their A-game, focusing on their strengths in rebounding and efficient scoring, while also minimizing turnovers against a top-tier opponent like Texas. The matchup promises to be a true test of Missouri State's resilience and their ability to compete at the highest level of college basketball. The stage is set for an epic David-and-Goliath encounter, where anything can happen in the magic of March Madness.
The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is just beginning, and Missouri State's victory over Stephen F. Austin serves as a perfect example of the excitement and drama that defines this annual spectacle. From the First Four to the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona, the journey is filled with unexpected upsets, heroic performances, and the sheer joy of competition. [9, 10]
Every game is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these student-athletes, and their pursuit of a national championship. The intensity, the passion, and the raw talent on display make March Madness one of the most compelling events in sports. As fans, we are privileged to witness these moments of triumph and heartbreak, cheering on our favorite teams and celebrating the spirit of college basketball.
Missouri State's 85-75 victory over Stephen F. Austin was more than just a win; it was a statement. It demonstrated the Lady Bears' ability to perform under pressure, execute key strategies, and leverage the strengths of their star players. Led by the exceptional Kaemyn Bekemeier and a strong supporting cast, Missouri State has proven they are a force to be reckoned with. Their advancement to the Round of 64 and the upcoming battle against No. 1 Texas will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated matchups of the early tournament rounds.
As the tournament progresses, the narrative of underdogs and powerhouses will continue to unfold, reminding us why March Madness holds a special place in the hearts of basketball fans worldwide. The Lady Bears have taken their first triumphant step, and the college basketball world eagerly awaits to see how far their journey will take them.
- washingtonpost.com
- reddit.com
- missouristatebears.com
- sfchronicle.com
- missouristatebears.com
- sfajacks.com
- missouristatebears.com
- nationaltoday.com
Featured image by Evelyn Wigmans-de Sain on Unsplash
