William & Mary Makes History with First NCAA Tournament Win Over High Point
Daniel Jefferson | Mrch 20th, 2025
AUSTIN, TX — William & Mary’s women’s basketball team pulled off a historic win on March 20, 2025, beating High Point 69–63 in the NCAA Tournament First Four at Moody Center. This victory marked the Tribe’s first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament and capped off an incredible season turnaround.
The journey to the tournament was a story in itself. Entering the Coastal Athletic Association tournament as a No. 9 seed with a losing record, William & Mary defied the odds by winning four straight games, including a thrilling 66–63 win over Campbell in the CAA final. That unexpected run punched their ticket to the Big Dance.
In the game against High Point, William & Mary came out ready. Senior guard Bella Nascimento led the way, scoring 24 points and providing steady offense. Support came from Monet Dance, who added 15 points, and Natalie Fox, who put up a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, giving the Tribe balance on both ends.
Defense was the key all night for William & Mary. They forced 20 turnovers and converted many of those into easy points, disrupting High Point’s offense and preventing them from finding a rhythm. The Tribe’s lockdown defense especially stood out in the second quarter, holding the Panthers to just 13 points.
Rebounding played a huge role in the win. William & Mary controlled the glass, outrebounding High Point 45–31 overall, including grabbing 15 offensive rebounds. Those second-chance opportunities helped keep momentum on their side and limited High Point’s scoring chances.
As the clock wound down, High Point made a late push to close the gap, cutting the lead to four points with less than a minute to go. But William & Mary kept their cool, knocking down key free throws from Dance and Fox to seal the victory.
The excitement wasn’t just on the court. The Tribe’s fans packed the arena, cheering loudly and giving the team a boost when it mattered most. The energy was palpable, with students, alumni, and even college officials celebrating this milestone win together.
Next up for William & Mary was a matchup against top-seeded Texas. Although the Longhorns came away with a 105–61 win, the Tribe’s victory over High Point remained a landmark moment — proof of what hard work and belief can accomplish.
This win signals a new era for William & Mary women’s basketball. It put the program on the national stage and raised expectations for the future. The team’s grit and resilience throughout the season have inspired fans and players alike.
Looking back, the 69–63 victory over High Point wasn’t just a game — it was a defining chapter in William & Mary’s basketball history, a breakthrough that will be remembered for years to come.