Madness of March in November

The Daytona Beach Classic Delivered Big Time

Wisconsin's Gift Uchenna displays her post game at the Daytona Beach Classic

If you were anywhere near the Ocean Center this past week, you might have been confused about what month it actually is. Outside? Classic Daytona November breeze. But inside? It felt a whole lot like March. We’re talking about the Daytona Beach Classic, presented by Coast 2 Coast Basketball. If you slept on this event, you missed out on some serious hoops. This wasn’t just a casual run-of-the-mill tournament; we were treated to matchups that looked suspiciously like second or even third-round NCAA postseason games.

Here is why this tournament was a total slam dunk for local sports fans.

The "Steal of the Century" Seats

Let’s be real for a second. If you wanted to watch a Big Ten powerhouse take on an SEC juggernaut in March, you are likely shelling out major cash. But here in Daytona? You got it right in your backyard. While watching the Ole Miss vs. Wisconsin game, it became crystal clear: we were watching a premium product. Ole Miss arrived as a Top 25 team representing the SEC, and Wisconsin looked every bit the part of a team poised to compete at the very top of the Big Ten.

Sitting there, you couldn't help but think, "These exact same seats for this exact same matchup could easily go for $200 in a few months." Getting to see that level of intensity and skill up close—without the nosebleed section prices—is what makes these early-season tournaments so special.

A Who's Who of Women’s Basketball

The field was absolutely stacked. Coast 2 Coast Basketball didn’t just bring in teams; they brought in programs. We saw representation from some of the best conferences in the nation:

Coach Blair-Lewis patrols the sidelines

• Ole Miss (SEC): Fast, physical, and ranked.

• Wisconsin (Big Ten): Gritty and talented.

• Boston College (ACC): A rebuilding squad with that classic ACC toughness.

• The Field: Strong showings from James Madison University and Murray State rounded out a bracket that offered no "easy nights" for anyone.

  
  

A Sweet Homecoming for Coach VBL

For the locals, there was an extra layer of warmth to the weekend (and not just from the Florida sun). It was a homecoming for Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis.

Local fans know her well from her legendary stint at Bethune-Cookman University. This time, she returned to Daytona leading George Mason, the defending A-10 Champions. Watching her patrol the sidelines again was a treat. She’s currently on the watch list for "National Coach of the Year," and seeing her team play, it’s easy to see why. Her return brought a distinct "hometown hero" vibe that elevated the energy in the building.

The Ultimate Tune-Up

Why do teams come to Daytona for this? It’s the perfect measuring stick.

For a rebuilding Boston College or a hungry Murray State, this is the time to figure out who they are before the grind of conference play begins. For heavy hitters like Ole Miss and Wisconsin, it’s a chance to flex their muscles against legitimate competition rather than padding stats against smaller schools. The Daytona Beach Classic served as a crucial tune-up, proving that the road to March Madness might just make a pit stop through Daytona Beach in November.

Tap the graphic below to watch the electric highlight reel captured by Nunlarger Films on Instagram!