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The Battle for the Top Seed
The unveiling of the women’s NCAA Tournament bracket this Sunday brought forth the debate over which team would claim the top seed.
In a season marked by parity, the SEC tournament champions South Carolina and the Big Ten tournament winners UCLA both presented compelling cases. Ultimately, the Bruins were awarded the overall No. 1 seed.
South Carolina, still a top seed, is joined by Texas and USC to round out the No. 1 line. The season has been defined by its balance, with four programs sharing time at the No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll, tying a record set in 2021.
UCLA’s Historic Season
UCLA (30-2) enters the tournament with significant momentum, having secured their first conference title since 2006 by defeating USC, their cross-town rival, in a thrilling contest. They spent 12 straight weeks at the top of the AP poll and achieved a historic 30-win season for the first time.
Junior center Lauren Betts has been a standout, leading the Bruins with averages of 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and a field goal percentage of 63.4%.
South Carolina’s Quest for a Repeat
The Gamecocks (30-3) aim to echo UConn’s back-to-back championships from 2015-16. Despite dropping three games this season, their most since 2020-21, they remain formidable. Freshman Joyce Edwards, sophomore Chloe Kitts, and MiLaysia Fulwiley have excelled, fortifying an already deep rotation.
With aspirations of a fifth straight Final Four appearance, South Carolina is keen on claiming a third national title in four years.
USC and Texas: Consistent Contenders
Both USC (28-3) and Texas (31-3) are No. 1 seeds for the second consecutive year. USC’s sophomore guard JuJu Watkins, a likely All-American, has scored 20 or more points in 26 games, leading the nation.
Texas boasts Madison Booker, an elite sophomore wing, and the two-time conference player of the year. Booker propels a Longhorns squad that ranks No. 2 in point differential per 100 possessions.
Potential Final Four Matchups
Should the top seeds advance, the semifinals would feature a fourth encounter for each pairing. UCLA and USC have met three times, as have South Carolina and Texas.
The tournament’s initial rounds are hosted by the top 16 teams, with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight held in Birmingham, Ala., and Spokane, Wash. UCLA leads Spokane Regional 1, South Carolina heads Birmingham Regional 2, Texas tops Birmingham Regional 3, and USC presides over Spokane Regional 4.
UConn’s Championship Pursuit
UConn (30-3) seeks a third championship this season, led by Paige Bueckers, the expected No. 1 WNBA Draft pick. UConn aims to end a drought since their last title in 2015-16, driven by Bueckers and freshman Sarah Strong.
Other Final Four Contenders
Notre Dame, a strong contender early on, aims to reach its first Final Four since 2018-19. Despite a late-season stumble, they possess a talented trio of Olivia Miles, Hannah Hidalgo, and Sonia Citron.
NC State, another potential Final Four team, relies on a formidable backcourt of Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James.
TCU, enjoying a record-breaking season, enters the tournament with Big 12 Player of the Year Hailey Van Lith at the helm. They lead at halftime in 24 straight games, setting a national best.
Anticipating the Tournament
Last year’s tournament was short on upsets but rich in excitement, setting viewership records with the Iowa-South Carolina final. This year, with emerging stars like Betts and Strong, promises continued growth for women’s basketball.
Newcomers and notable absences mark this year’s field. Six schools debut in the 68-team field, while Stanford, with a 36-year streak, misses out. Tennessee maintains its longest appearance streak, entering its 43rd tournament.
