Fran Belibi throws down 3rd dunk in NCAA women's tournament history as Stanford demolishes Montana State

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Fran Belibi added an exclamation point to the Cardinal's 78-37 win over the Bobcat in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Belibi, a junior forward, blocked a Montana State shot attempt on the perimeter and then slammed it down with her right hand, sending the Maples Pavilion crowd and her teammates into a frenzy.

It was Belibi's third career slam, with the other two coming last season when the Cardinal played games in front of no fans, as well as the third dunk in the history of the women's NCAA basketball tournament, according to the Associated Press. The other two were recorded in 2006 and 2013.

Belibi said that they knew their post players like to shoot, so he was trying to recover back.

Fans are familiar with the scene of Belibi dunking in practices and warm-ups from social media posts. The live-game dunk in front of an already excited crowd, right after the Cardinal had jumped out to a 20-0 start, made the moment all the more special.

Belibi was one of three players to finish in double figures with 12 points and 13 rebound.

It was a long time since we were able to do it in a game. It took 30 seconds. Belibi said it was a highlight to hear how loud it was.

Belibi's teammates pretended to faint on the bench because they were so excited by her display.

Belibi said it was cool to see that on their faces. It was cool to get it and to make it happen, and then to just get engulfed, I felt really loved.

Lexie Hull said that people remember the dunks, but they don't remember the cool 3-point shot. I will have a memory of being right and being super cool.

The coach said she was excited that Belibi got to have a special moment, but it was just one play in one game in their quest to win back-to-back national titles. The second round of the NCAA tournament will be played on Sunday.

I reminded her that it was two points and the next play was a layup.