With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC
With the First 4 accomplished and the primary spherical of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match about to start, the general query is clear: Can anybody cease undefeated South Carolina?
It was the identical query final 12 months, and it turned out somebody did: Iowa. This 12 months, the Hawkeyes are a No. 1 seed together with South Carolina, and each groups are on the Albany aspect of the bracket. The Gamecocks look like comfy favorites within the Albany 1 Regional, though ACC match champion Notre Dame lurks as a possible Elite Eight opponent.
Iowa has the projected hardest street within the Albany 2 Regional, which additionally contains defending nationwide champion LSU. The 2 No. 1 seeds within the Portland regionals, Texas and USC, have lengthy absences from the Closing 4 each are attempting treatment. UConn is trying to return to the Closing 4 after Ohio State upset the Huskies within the Candy 16 final season, ending their NCAA-record streak of 14 consecutive Closing 4 appearances.
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at the bracket and, together with over 20 ESPN broadcasters and different digital reporters, predict which groups will advance to Cleveland for the Closing 4 — and which workforce wins the 2024 title. South Carolina is the overwhelming favourite amongst our consultants.
UCLA Bruins’ NCAA girls’s match preview
Charlie Creme breaks down his forecast for UCLA’s NCAA match prospects.
If the Gamecocks do not win the NCAA title, which workforce can?
Creme: Maybe I am dwelling prior to now an excessive amount of with this one, however UCLA was clearly the second-best workforce within the nation after beating UConn, Florida State, Ohio State, Princeton, USC and Oregon State within the first 2½ months of the season. With two weeks off since dropping a double-overtime thriller to USC within the Pac-12 match semifinals, UCLA may have had sufficient time to regroup. Lauren Betts is the important thing. She hasn’t been as constant since lacking 4 video games with a medical challenge in late January/early February, however her 17 factors and 18 rebounds in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas was signal.
Voepel: Let’s make the case for a few groups. Texas is the No. 1 seed that has acquired the least consideration nationally all season. Why? The Longhorns misplaced their finest participant, level guard Rori Harmon, in late December for the season and had to determine the way to play with out her. They’ve completed that, led by freshman Madison Booker, however they did not win the Large 12 regular-season title and form of stayed beneath the radar. Nevertheless, by the Large 12 title sport, Texas regarded like a postseason power. Defensively, the Longhorns could cause loads of havoc for opponents. In the event that they make the nationwide semifinals vs. South Carolina, they at the least have an opportunity at an upset.
Then there’s No. 1 Iowa, which everybody appears to agree is within the hardest area. If the Hawkeyes get by means of it, they will draw on final 12 months’s expertise on the Closing 4. By no means underestimate the worth of skilled guard play within the NCAA match, and Iowa has loads of it.
Philippou: It might be becoming for a Pac-12 workforce to take dwelling the trophy within the convention’s remaining 12 months as we all know it. Except for UCLA as Charlie detailed above, USC and Stanford might contend. The Trojans have a transcendent participant in JuJu Watkins, though they’re inexperienced in terms of March. They’re a No. 1 seed, however will they really feel strain to win with the goal on their backs? Even when it does not pan out to be USC’s 12 months, the expertise they get this March can solely assist shifting ahead as Watkins & Co. look to make this system’s first Closing 4 since 1986 and win its first nationwide championship since 1984.
No. 2 seed Stanford nonetheless has a number of gamers from its 2021 NCAA title workforce, primarily Cameron Brink, a WNBA lottery decide come April. However for the Cardinal to go far, their guard play should present up far more than it did within the Pac-12 match championship sport, when except for Elena Bosgana (9 factors), no different guard had greater than 4 factors.
One of the best of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark this season
Relive the highest performs from Iowa’s very personal Caitlin Clark earlier than the ladies’s NCAA match.
We agree No. 1 seed Iowa has the hardest path to the Closing 4. Will the Hawkeyes be the primary 1-seed to lose?
Voepel: Iowa’s whole path is troublesome. Spherical 1 is in opposition to a workforce that may have already received a sport, Holy Cross. Spherical 2 is in opposition to Ivy League champion Princeton Tigers or West Virginia, which completed in a three-way tie for fourth place within the Large 12. If seeds maintain, the Hawkeyes then face a workforce they break up with through the common season: Kansas State, which challenged No. 1 seed Texas within the Large 12 match semifinals. All that is earlier than having to doubtlessly face the defending nationwide champion, LSU, or a workforce that was No. 2 within the rankings for portion of the season, UCLA.
The bracket is sort of screaming at us that Iowa would be the first 1-seed to lose. However as an alternative, the Hawkeyes could be the workforce that runs the hardest gauntlet to get to the Closing 4. We noticed Iowa at its finest within the NCAA match final 12 months, and will see the identical once more this 12 months.
Creme: It may possibly’t be emphasised sufficient: Ought to Iowa advance, it should beat solely one of many different two finest groups in its area if chalk holds to succeed in the Closing 4. The Bruins and Tigers should undergo one another and Iowa to get to Cleveland. Benefit, Hawkeyes. Caitlin Clark will not must be as spectacular as she was final March for Iowa to succeed in that presumptive sport within the Elite Eight, however she should be much more spectacular than she was a 12 months in the past for Iowa to win that and a Closing 4 sport to succeed in the title sport once more. At minimal, I see Iowa making it to the regional finals, however all the opposite No. 1 seeds ought to advance that far as nicely.
Philippou: I additionally assume the Portland 4 Regional is pretty open. Texas’ potential Candy 16 matchup (vs. Gonzaga, Utah Utes or South Dakota State more than likely) would pit the Longhorns in opposition to among the best 3-point capturing groups within the nation — and we have seen Texas lose beforehand this season when it has allowed groups to get going from the 3-point arc. (In three of their 4 losses, Longhorns opponents have hit at the least 9 pictures from deep.)
In Portland 3, a few of the fallout from Elizabeth Kitley’s season-ending ACL harm for Virginia Tech is that the trail will get a bit simpler for 1-seed USC to make it deep into the bracket.
Exterior of the 1-seeds, which workforce has the very best shot to win the nationwide championship?
Philippou: Let’s flip our focus to 3-seeds LSU and UConn. The defending champions received caught within the hardest area, however they have been taking part in actually nice basketball towards the top of the SEC slate. The priority is whether or not they’re too short-handed to make a deep run, particularly with Final-Tear Poa getting back from a concussion (coach Kim Mulkey mentioned Thursday that Poa is anticipated to play) and Mikaylah Williams (foot) doubtlessly restricted or not totally wholesome.
UConn can be working with a restricted rotation, however the Huskies have three starters (Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl) who’ve made two Closing 4 journeys and appeared in a nationwide championship sport. How far can that have take them, particularly since they nonetheless rely so closely on freshmen?
Voepel: It looks as if NC State will make it again to the Closing 4 considered one of these years. It nearly occurred in 2022, however UConn beat the Wolfpack in double extra time on the Elite Eight. This 12 months, the No. 3 seed Wolfpack have had their moments, so if their Portland No. 4 Regional bracket breaks the best means, let’s not rule them out of Closing 4 rivalry.
Among the many No. 4 seeds, Kansas State (Albany 2 Regional) is the one one which appears to have a practical shot at even the Elite Eight. As a result of if the Wildcats face Iowa within the Candy 16, they’ve an early-season victory over the Hawkeyes to encourage them. Virginia Tech dropping Kitley places the Hokies — who made the Closing 4 final 12 months — in additional peril of even attending to the Candy 16.
Creme: I am going to keep on with the Bruins. Guard play is significant for a deep NCAA match run and UCLA has among the best backcourt duos within the discipline in Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice. Defensively, the Bruins can lock down opposing guards and could be an fascinating pairing to take turns harassing Clark in an Elite Eight matchup. They might even be higher than the LSU guards in a doable Candy 16 encounter. Osborne got here again for her fifth 12 months for moments like these and ought to be able to take full benefit.
The numbers behind Iowa State vs. Maryland
Take a look at the important thing numbers within the matchup between Iowa State and Maryland within the girls’s NCAA match.
Which double-digit seed would possibly we see within the Candy 16?
Creme: Creighton and South Dakota each reached the Candy 16 as No. 10 seeds in 2022. Missouri State additionally went to the regionals as a No. 11 in 2019. These are the newest examples of a double-digit seed getting that far, however it is not a typical incidence.
If it occurs once more this 12 months, keep watch over Tenth-seeded Maryland, with breakout performances from Shyanne Sellers. This has been a more durable than standard season for the Terps, however Brenda Frese is aware of March success. Sellers was requested to do quite a bit this season and quietly turned one of many Large Ten’s most full gamers. With Sellers compiling 25 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists within the convention match quarterfinals, Maryland dominated Ohio State. If she will put collectively two extra video games like that, Maryland might journey into its fourth straight Candy 16.
Philippou: Vanderbilt has already received a sport within the match, taking down Columbia for a First 4 victory Wednesday. Possibly the Commodores will use that momentum to maintain issues rolling and get previous Baylor Bears after which the winner of a Virginia Tech-Marshall. Whereas that is Vanderbilt’s first NCAA match look since 2014, coach Shea Ralph has been there loads of occasions throughout her time teaching (and taking part in) at UConn. Vanderbilt fell to NC State by ibkt eight earlier this 12 months in nonconference play, so maybe behind powerful protection and an enormous weekend from Iyana Moore, the Commodores can proceed to show some heads.
Vanderbilt’s Iyana Moore drains dagger 3 to ship Columbia packing
Iyana Moore drains a deep 3-pointer for Vanderbilt late within the fourth quarter to advance and play No. 5-seed Baylor.
Voepel: Unsure we’ll see it this 12 months. However a few different intriguing prospects: Within the Albany 1 Regional, No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast (which faces No. 5 Oklahoma) and No. 13 Fairfield Stags (faces No. 4 Indiana) have simply 5 losses between them this season. These groups will play at Indiana. After a heartbreaking upset at dwelling within the second spherical as a No. 1 seed final 12 months, the Hoosiers can be all of the extra vigilant about not being upset this 12 months. However that may additionally add strain.
Additionally value noting: Albany No. 2 Regional No. 12 seed Drake is ninth in scoring offense (81.5 PGG) in Division I, which might pose a possible problem to No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 4 Kansas State.
If no double-digit seeds get by means of the early rounds, what could be the best seed within the Candy 16? Maybe two No. 6 seeds: Nebraska in Albany 1 and Tennessee in Portland 4.
A dialog with USC’s Cheryl Miller and JuJu Watkins
Forward of the 2024 girls’s NCAA match, USC basketball legend Cheryl Miller and Trojans freshman celebrity JuJu Watkins sat down for an unique interview with Andscape author Sean Hurd.
Closing 4 and nationwide championship picks
Which groups will attain the Closing 4?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Stanford
Katie Barnes: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Charlie Creme: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Elle Duncan: South Carolina, LSU, USC, NC State
Eric Frede: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Stanford
Sam Gore: South Carolina, LSU, UConn, Texas
Angel Grey: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Kelly Gramlich: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Texas
Sean Hurd: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Texas
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Texas
Carolyn Peck: South Carolina, UCLA, USC, Stanford
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Texas
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina, UCLA, UConn, Stanford
Roy Philpott: South Carolina, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina, LSU, USC, Texas
Jake Trotter: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas
Michael Voepel: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, Stanford
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina, Iowa, USC, Stanford
Staley says self-belief will drive Gamecocks’ postseason run
With the NCAA match on the horizon, Daybreak Staley explains how South Carolina maintains its profitable customary by means of accountability and dedication to purchasing into the technique.
Which workforce will win the 2024 NCAA title?
Andrea Adelson: South Carolina over USC
Debbie Antonelli: South Carolina over Iowa
Katie Barnes: USC over South Carolina
Charlie Creme: South Carolina over UCLA
Eric Frede: South Carolina over USC
Sam Gore: South Carolina over LSU
Angel Grey: South Carolina over USC
Kelly Gramlich: Iowa over South Carolina
Tiffany Greene: South Carolina over UCLA
Sean Hurd: South Carolina over USC
Andrea Lloyd: South Carolina over Iowa
Meghan McKeown: South Carolina over UCLA
Kevin Pelton: South Carolina over UConn
Alexa Philippou: South Carolina over UCLA
Roy Philpott: South Carolina over UCLA
Christy Thomaskutty: South Carolina over LSU
Jake Trotter: South Carolina over Iowa
Brenda VanLengen: South Carolina over Iowa
Michael Voepel: South Carolina over Iowa
Brooke Weisbrod: South Carolina over USC