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William and Mary shocked the college basketball world last night with a stunning 69-63 victory over High Point in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four. Senior guard Bella Nascimento led a historic run that delivers the Tribe’s first-ever March Madness win in program history.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: William and Mary 69, High Point 63 in the First Four matchup
- Star Performer: Bella Nascimento dropped a game-high 24 points to carry the Tribe
- Historic Achievement: This marks William and Mary’s first NCAA Tournament victory for the women or men
- Location: Game played at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on March 20, 2025
Nascimento’s Heroics Lift Historic Tribe Squad
Bella Nascimento was absolutely unstoppable when William and Mary needed her most. The senior guard scored 24 points to power the Tribe past High Point in the First Four. Nascimento had already proven her mettle in the CAA Championship run, where she recorded 33 points and 11 rebounds in the title game.
This victory caps an improbable postseason journey for a program that had never reached March Madness before. William and Mary drew the lowest seed possible at 16, yet delivered one of college basketball’s most feel-good stories.
William and Mary tops High Point 69-63 in NCAA tournament
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First Four Drama in the Lone Star State
The First Four contest provided nail-biting intensity at Moody Center as both teams battled for a trip to the main tournament draw. High Point kept the game competitive throughout, finishing with 63 points. But William and Mary’s defense held firm when it mattered most.
The Tribe controlled possessions and forced crucial turnovers late in the game. This gritty defensive stand prevented High Point from mounting a comeback despite staying within six points for much of the second half.
Historic Tournament Journey by the Numbers
| Metric | William and Mary Tribe | High Point Panthers |
| Seed | 16th Seed | 16th Seed |
| Record | 16-18 (CAA) | 21-12 (Big South) |
| Leading Scorer | Bella Nascimento, 24 pts | TBA |
| Final Score | 69 | 63 |
“This experience is one I will never forget.”
Bella Nascimento, Senior Guard, William and Mary
What’s Next After the Stunning Upset Victory?
William and Mary advances to face No. 1 seed Texas in the first round on March 22. The Longhorns are one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball this season. Despite being massive underdogs, the Tribe has already exceeded every expectation.
The Texas matchup represents a David versus Goliath scenario. Nascimento and company will look to upset the upset and somehow extend their miracle run. Win or lose, William and Mary has already secured legendary status in program history with this First Four victory.
Will This Cinderella Story Continue Against the Nation’s Best?
The question now becomes whether William and Mary can catch lightning in a bottle twice. The CAA Championship win over Campbell came with Nascimento’s heroic clutch jumper with 11 seconds left. Her composure under pressure and leadership have become hallmarks of this historic run.
Facing Texas will test everything the Tribe has learned. The Longhorns have superior size, depth, and athleticism. But William and Mary has already proven nothing is impossible with enough heart and determination on the court.
Sources
- ESPN – Official game recap and final score reporting from the First Four contest
- Tribe Athletics – Historic analysis of William and Mary’s first NCAA Tournament victory
- USA TODAY Sports – Commentary on the unlikely women’s March Madness success story
