The 2024 ladies’s NCAA event bracket is right here. The video games are proper across the nook. The anticipation and pleasure round ladies’s school basketball has by no means been greater.
Let the dancing start.
ESPN is right here to get you located and ready on all issues March Insanity as competitors will get underway this week, beginning with the First 4 video games Wednesday and Thursday. First-round motion suggestions off Friday.
Whether or not you are late to the celebration and catching up on the event discipline or seeking to study extra about your favourite staff’s first-round opponent and others in its path to Cleveland, look no additional than our 68-team information.
We break down what it is advisable to find out about every program, these showing in play-in video games, the first-timers, the sleepers, the perennial powers and everybody in between.
NO. 1 SEEDS
South Carolina Gamecocks
It has been South Carolina’s season, and everybody else is simply residing in it. The Gamecocks misplaced 5 starters from final yr’s squad — together with No. 1 WNBA draft decide Aliyah Boston — that went undefeated till the nationwide semifinal, the place they fell to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Daybreak Staley did not have to rebuild, however relatively revamped, retooled and reloaded. Guards Bree Corridor and Raven Johnson, in addition to forwards Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts, have shined in bigger roles, as has senior ahead Kamilla Cardoso, a full-time starter and first-team All-SEC choice.
Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao was an ideal addition from the portal and freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is a dynamic addition whose ceiling is much more thrilling. The latter is enjoying her finest basketball and final week turned the primary freshman since Candace Parker to take house the SEC event’s most excellent participant award.
Altogether it means the Gamecocks (32-0) are simply pretty much as good as they have been final yr — as soon as extra going undefeated via the common season and SEC event — or even perhaps higher. Their offense is extra diversified and dynamic, and so they’re the third-best 3-point capturing staff within the nation (39.7%). And relaxation assured they nonetheless have their trademark depth that may put on out opponents over the course of a recreation.
Vital for a staff that skews youthful and comparatively inexperienced, the Gamecocks are battled-tested, too. Six of their wins have been determined by single digits, together with nonconference dubs over Utah and North Carolina. This month was extra of a nail-biter than ordinary for Gamecock followers, as every of South Carolina’s previous 4 video games have been determined by 11 factors or fewer, and it wanted the now-iconic Cardoso buzzer-beater 3-pointer to take down Tennessee within the SEC event semifinals. However nobody mentioned championship squads cannot profit from a little bit little bit of luck.
On the road for the Gamecocks, who are actually 103-3 over their previous three seasons (!): the tenth undefeated season in NCAA Division I historical past, however maybe extra importantly to these in Columbia, an opportunity to win this system’s third nationwide title in seven tournaments and bolster their argument as the game’s newest dynasty.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa (29-4) gained its third consecutive Large Ten event title and can be a No. 1 seed within the NCAA event for the primary time since 1992, when C. Vivian Stringer was the Hawkeyes’ coach. Iowa made the Ultimate 4 as a No. 2 seed final season behind guard Caitlin Clark, who adopted that with a record-setting senior marketing campaign wherein she turned the highest scorer in Division I males’s and girls’s hoops.
Clark leads Division I in scoring (31.9 PPG), assists (8.9 APG) and 3-pointers per recreation (5.2). She can also be Iowa’s prime rebounder at 7.3 per contest. Clark is the primary Division I ladies’s participant to prime 3,000 factors and 1,000 assists, plus the primary to attain 1,000-plus factors in a number of seasons.
Sophomore ahead Hannah Stuelke (14.6 PPG) and senior guard Kate Martin (12.9) additionally common in double-figures. Clark and fifth-year seniors Martin and guard Gabbie Marshall have performed collectively for 4 seasons. Junior guard Sydney Affolter moved into the beginning lineup after Molly Davis’ damage within the regular-season finale and performed nicely within the Large Ten event.
Guard play is essential within the NCAA event, and Iowa excels at that. Coach Lisa Bluder’s squad leads Division I in factors (92.8) and assists (21.9) per recreation and is fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.59). — Michael Voepel
Why Albany 2 Area might be the hardest within the ladies’s NCAA event
Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo and Charlie Creme break down why Albany 2 Area can be so troublesome.
USC Trojans
JuJu Watkins admits she did not assume USC could be this good this rapidly. And but, the Trojans (26-5) are the very best they have been in a long time. After dethroning Stanford by capturing the Pac-12 event crown — this system’s second general and first since 2014 — it is clear this group legitimately has its sights set on Cleveland. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has already been to a Ultimate 4 earlier than, with Cal in 2013.
Watkins has been pretty much as good as marketed (and even perhaps higher), establishing herself because the nation’s second-best scorer behind Iowa’s Clark (27.0 PPG) and a tantalizing future WNBA prospect. She can be one of many largest stars of March.
And whereas the freshman guard has proved she will be able to single-handedly win video games, the Trojans’ general progress in changing into a extra well-rounded staff is what is going to take them far. The Pac-12 championship recreation was an ideal instance: Ahead Rayah Marshall and Ivy League transfers McKenzie Forbes (guard), Kayla Padilla (guard) and Kaitlyn Davis (ahead) made play after play on each ends to claim their will towards the top-seeded Cardinal. “Whereas we’ve selfless individuals who play roles,” Gottlieb mentioned afterward, “they’re hoopers.” The coach mentioned her staff is enjoying its finest basketball on the proper time, and it is exhausting to argue together with her.
Of be aware: USC’s run may have historic implications. The final time USC hosted NCAA event video games, in 1994, was additionally the primary time the Trojans superior past the primary weekend of the Large Dance.
Texas Longhorns
Texas’ lineup modified in late December when star guard Rori Harmon suffered a season-ending knee damage. Shedding her after simply 12 video games was an emotionally powerful impediment, nevertheless it did not derail the Longhorns (30-4) as a result of they nonetheless possessed a lot expertise and grit. They completed second within the Large 12 regular-season standings after which gained the convention event of their final yr within the league earlier than becoming a member of the SEC.
Freshman standout Madison Booker (16.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG) was the Large 12 co-player of the yr and event MVP. She may make her presence recognized huge time within the NCAA event. She has performed some extent ahead position, with guards Shaylee Gonzales (52) and Shay Holle (33) the highest 3-point capturing threats.
The Longhorns even have a strong inside recreation, led by forwards Taylor Jones (12.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG), Aaliyah Moore (10.9, 5.8) and DeYona Gaston (8.3, 4.0). Texas led the Large 12 in scoring (81.2 PPG). And even when the protection is not fairly pretty much as good with out Harmon, the overall package deal nonetheless makes Texas a possible Ultimate 4 contender. — Michael Voepel
Why Texas is a staff to worry within the ladies’s tourney
Charlie Creme, Rebecca Lobo, Carolyn Peck and Andraya Carter break down Regional 4 within the ladies’s NCAA event.
NO. 2 SEEDS
Notre Dame Preventing Irish
The unhealthy information for Notre Dame followers this yr: Junior guard Olivia Miles remained sidelined your entire season whereas recovering from a February 2023 knee damage. The excellent news? Freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo arrived and immediately turned a prime two-way participant within the nation. She ranks top-five nationally in scoring (23.3 PPG) and is No. 1 in steals (4.6 SPG), whereas additionally tallying 6.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per recreation.
However the Irish (26-6) procured their first ACC event title beneath coach Niele Ivey not simply due to the heroics of Hidalgo. Junior guard Sonia Citron and senior ahead Maddy Westbeld discovered their groove — these two plus Hidalgo scored or assisted on 53 of Notre Dame’s 55 factors within the ACC championship recreation — and the staff as an entire emerged as a defensive power, with Hidalgo naturally spearheading the cost.
Notre Dame is enjoying its finest basketball proper now, however the Irish’s depth stays a difficulty as they may be all the way down to a six-player rotation. Senior ahead Kylee Watson’s standing shifting ahead is unknown after she suffered a knee damage within the ACC event.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes (25-5) gained the Large Ten regular-season title, however enter the NCAA event having misplaced two in a row. They fell at Iowa within the regular-season finale — a predictable loss — however then have been upset within the quarterfinals of the Large Ten event by Maryland. That was alarming, particularly contemplating it was a 21-point loss and coach Kevin McGuff mentioned his staff did not actually present up.
The important thing for Ohio State is placing that efficiency in perspective in comparison with how the staff performed most of this season, which included a 15-game successful streak from Jan. 5 to Feb. 28. Ohio State and Michigan have been tied atop the Large Ten in scoring protection (63.8 PPG), whereas the Buckeyes led the league in steals (10.6).
The backcourt of Jacy Sheldon and Celeste Taylor, each fifth-year seniors, is likely one of the finest within the nation from a defensive standpoint. Sheldon (18.0 PPG) and Taylor (10.2) additionally common in double figures, together with ahead Cotie McMahon (14.1) and guard/ahead Taylor Thierry (11.4). Ohio State upset UConn on the best way to the Elite Eight final season and hopes to make the Ultimate 4 this yr. — Michael Voepel
Stanford Cardinal
Within the final yr of the Pac-12, it was becoming that Stanford (28-5) gained the league’s closing regular-season title. The marketing campaign began with questions, nevertheless, as there was uncertainty over how the Cardinal would rebound following the departure of Haley Jones to the WNBA in addition to three transfers.
Tara VanDerveer, who in January turned the game’s all-time winningest coach in males’s and girls’s school basketball, put these doubts to relaxation early as her Cardinal crushed Indiana of their second recreation and likewise took down Duke and Florida State. Two of their 5 losses (at Gonzaga, vs. Arizona) got here with All-American and Pac-12 Participant of the Yr Cameron Brink restricted or sidelined. Two others have been to USC, which defeated Stanford within the Pac-12 event title recreation.
Brink has taken the step ahead required of her as a senior chief and is projected to be the No. 2 general decide within the April 15 WNBA draft. However fellow submit Kiki Iriafen’s bounce as a sophomore was a pleasing shock in Palo Alto; her ceiling as a professional prospect has already caught the eye of WNBA expertise evaluators. The 2 mix to common 36.4 factors and 23.0 rebounds.
The X issue for this staff is whether or not Brink and Iriafen obtain assist from guards Hannah Soar, Elena Bosgana, Brooke Demetre and Talana Lepolo.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins (25-6) have the gamers to make a deep March run, with a mix of younger rising stars and senior leaders, dynamic guards and dominant posts. Primarily, the arrival of heart Lauren Betts from Stanford (14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.0 BPG) has catapulted them into the Ultimate 4 dialog. After seeing a minor position as a freshman, she has flourished in Los Angeles, and coach Cori Shut desires her to get the ball much more.
Happily for UCLA, Betts would not have to do it on their lonesome. She’s surrounded by a robust guard corps that includes fifth-year senior Charisma Osborne, in addition to sophomores Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones. Collectively, the Bruins are the very best rebounding staff within the nation (59.5% rebounding fee, in line with Her Hoop Stats), whereas Betts anchors the paint defensively as nicely.
UCLA went undefeated in nonconference motion, garnering wins over UConn, Florida State and Ohio State earlier than taking some hits in convention play. The Bruins are 8-2 since Betts returned to the lineup following a four-game absence as a result of a medical concern, with their most up-to-date loss coming in a double-overtime heartbreaker to eventual Pac-12 champion USC within the convention event semifinals.
UCLA fell to South Carolina final yr within the Candy 16, so a step ahead for the Bruins could be to advance to their first Elite Eight since 2018 (third general), and even to their first Ultimate 4.
NO. 3 SEEDS
UConn Huskies
A yr that began with a lot promise devolved right into a season marred by accidents as soon as extra. The 11-time nationwide champions have 5 gamers out for the yr, together with sharpshooter Azzi Fudd and fifth-year senior Aubrey Griffin. The Huskies (29-5) took some bumps in nonconference play with 5 losses, all to high quality groups, whereas additionally beating strong squads reminiscent of UNC, Louisville and Creighton (twice).
Amid the adversity, they comfortably completed excellent throughout Large East play, together with with ahead Aaliyah Edwards out for almost all of the convention event with a damaged nostril. The senior is predicted to be obtainable for the rest of the postseason.
There have been loads of positives. Guard Paige Bueckers (21.3 PPG), the 2021 nationwide participant of the yr, returned from an ACL damage in prime type, displaying her trademark effectivity (61.1% efficient discipline aim share) and arguably changing into an much more well-rounded participant who operates with intentionality on the defensive finish (2.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG). Edwards (17.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG) is a surefire All-American and combines with Bueckers to create one of the potent tandems within the event.
Freshmen guards KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade have been thrust into bigger roles than anticipated, however for probably the most half, they’ve answered the decision. UConn’s 4 rookies will doubtless have to play past their years for UConn to surpass final yr’s beautiful Candy 16 end, which ended the Huskies’ NCAA-record streak of enjoying in 14 consecutive Ultimate Fours.
Andraya Carter: Regional 3 is the ‘licensed bucket’ area
Andraya Carter breaks down how Regional 3 within the ladies’s NCAA event is crammed with “licensed bucket” getters.
LSU Tigers
Properly after the mud settled from final yr’s nationwide championship, the Tigers (28-5) have been the speak of ladies’s basketball — first as a result of their high-profile transfers, Hailey Van Lith from Louisville and Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. And so they’ve generated compelling storylines because the season tipped off. After being upset by Colorado of their opener, the Tigers have skilled accidents, departures from the staff, unexplained absences, confidence-boosting nonconference wins, surprising SEC losses and every little thing in between.
Senior ahead Angel Reese has been constantly dominant, taking house SEC Participant of the Yr. Morrow, a junior ahead, acclimated nicely to SEC play. Guard Mikaylah Williams established herself as top-of-the-line freshmen within the nation, whereas sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson made significant strides from final season. Van Lith has taken time to regulate to her new position, however the senior guard is shifting in the precise route.
LSU performed South Carolina shut twice, together with short-handed within the SEC championship recreation. The Tigers do not have a slew of marquee wins, however the eye check says they might be harmful once more in March Insanity.
The standing of junior guard Final-Tear Poa (concussion) is unclear, nevertheless it’s an enormous loss for a Tigers staff already missing depth if she will be able to’t play. The well being of Williams, who can present perimeter capturing, can even be key. She noticed restricted motion within the SEC event as a result of a foot damage.
NC State Wolfpack
NC State (27-6) was picked to complete eighth within the ACC preseason ballot following a first-round 2023 NCAA event exit and shedding 4 starters. However coach Wes Moore turned some heads this season after guiding the Wolfpack to turn out to be contenders within the ACC and nationally. NC State made a press release early with wins over UConn and Colorado, going undefeated in nonconference motion earlier than tying for second within the ACC at 13-5.
Junior guard Aziaha James is NC State’s prime scorer (15.8 PPG), however steadiness among the many Wolfpack’s mostly-six-player rotation stands out. Junior guard Saniya Rivers brings versatility and dynamism, ahead River Baldwin brings the stability of a graduate scholar down low and freshman guard Zoe Brooks has proven promising moments.
The Wolfpack’s protection has been a energy this season, however to place collectively a deep run, they will have to get their offense going once more. NC State managed simply 51 factors towards Notre Dame within the ACC title recreation, with solely Baldwin (14 factors) and James (12) hitting double figures. In 5 of their six losses, they failed to attain greater than 62 factors and shot worse than 36% from the sector.
Oregon State Beavers
A yr in the past, Scott Rueck’s squad went 13-18 and solely managed 4 wins within the Pac-12, making certain Oregon State’s second straight season with out a NCAA event look. Eleven of the Beavers’ losses have been by single digits, seven by 5 factors or fewer. However these “hellish” (in Rueck’s phrases) moments final yr helped Oregon State (24-7) learn to pull out wins this yr. The Beavers have completed loads of that: Regardless of being picked to complete tenth within the preseason convention ballot, they secured a top-four end within the Pac-12 and can host NCAA event video games for the primary time since 2019.
Oregon State’s youth motion — they haven’t any seniors on the roster and lean closely on freshmen and sophomores — has issues trying shiny in Corvallis past this postseason. Sophomore Raegan Beers has established herself as top-of-the-line bigs within the nation — her 66.0% clip from the sector is third finest within the nation. Timea Gardiner, a 6-foot-3 sophomore ahead, is capturing 40.5% from 3-point land, junior guard Talia von Oelhoffen is as gritty as they arrive and guard Donovyn Hunter is likely one of the extra unheralded freshman studs on this class.
NO. 4 SEEDS
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Their WCC title recreation upset however, Gonzaga (30-3) has had a stellar season, already reaching the 30-win mark (probably the most beneath Lisa Fortier) because of a program-record 24-game win streak, whereas struggling simply two losses previous to March (to Washington State and Louisville). The Zags went 4-1 towards Pac-12 competitors, securing a signature win once they beat Stanford by 18, which helped them keep within the AP rankings many of the season.
Not solely does Gonzaga have top-of-the-line bigs within the nation in WCC participant of the yr Yvonne Ejim (19.8 PPG/8.5 RPG/1.5 SPG), they encompass her with three shooters (Brynna Maxwell, Kaylynne Truong and Kayleigh Truong) who’re connecting on a minimum of 40% of their makes an attempt from 3-point land. Collectively, the Bulldogs are the second-best 3-point capturing staff within the nation (40.03%).
This system final superior past the primary weekend of the event in 2015, Fortier’s first yr on the helm. That is an inexpensive aim for this yr’s squad, which has the expertise to make a run with its fully senior beginning lineup (that includes three fifth-year gamers).
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers (23-4) performed doubtless their finest recreation of the season Feb. 22 once they defeated Iowa 86-69 and held the Hawkeyes to 17.9% capturing from 3-point vary. That recreation confirmed how efficient Indiana’s protection might be, even towards the very best offense within the nation.
Sadly for the Hoosiers, star fifth-year ahead Mackenzie Holmes suffered a knee damage within the regular-season finale and was restricted to only 5 minutes in Indiana’s Large Ten event quarterfinal loss to Michigan. That defeat was powerful particularly as a result of the Hoosiers led by 14 at halftime after which misplaced by 13. The constructive be aware after that recreation, although, was coach Teri Moren saying she believed the Hoosiers could be a considerably more healthy squad for the NCAA event, together with Holmes, who leads the staff at 20.0 PPG and 6.9 RPG.
Indiana was upset final season as a No. 1 seed within the second spherical by Miami after Holmes had missed the primary spherical recovering from damage. If she’s near being wholesome this yr, the Hoosiers — who even have 4 different gamers averaging in double figures scoring, together with guard Sara Scalia (16.2 PPG), are a strong decide to advance to the Candy 16. — Michael Voepel
Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats (25-7) have been third within the Large 12 and misplaced to Texas in a aggressive event semifinal. That they had nonconference wins over Iowa and North Carolina and began league play 9-0, getting as much as No. 2 briefly within the Related Press Prime 25 ballot. Again-to-back losses at Oklahoma and Texas introduced Kansas State again all the way down to earth a bit, because the lack of star heart Ayoka Lee for six video games with an ankle damage was a problem.
With Lee again, the Wildcats completed 4-4, however these losses have been by a mean of 4.8 factors, exhibiting how good Ok-State might be. The Wildcats have been the highest scoring defensive staff within the Large 12, holding foes to 57.6 PPG. Lee (20.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 BPG) powers Ok-State, which did not make the NCAA event final yr together with her out with a knee damage. Serena Sundell (12.0 PPG, 5.4 APG) leads the guard play. — Michael Voepel
Virginia Tech Hokies
It feels just like the Hokies (24-7) have lived many lives inside this season alone. Recent off this system’s first Ultimate 4 look, Virginia Tech returned its foundational duo of fifth-year senior Elizabeth Kitley and junior Georgia Amoore however had a principally new solid of position gamers round them. It took time for the group to determine its identification, however after nonconference losses to Iowa and LSU and back-to-back ACC defeats, the Hokies rattled off 10 consecutive wins to clinch their first ACC regular-season championship. Amoore and Kitley regarded unstoppable, averaging 44.7 factors mixed throughout convention play (with Amoore including 6.5 dimes and Kitley 11.2 boards per recreation).
However catastrophe regarded to have struck of their regular-season finale when Kitley, now a three-time ACC Participant of the Yr, suffered a knee damage. Her standing for the NCAA event stays unknown. However the Hokies enter the Large Dance having misplaced three of their previous 4 (Kitley performed in 1½ of these contests).
There is not any solution to change the presence of a participant of Kitley’s caliber, although a star like Amoore helps soften the blow. To have the ability to win within the event, Tech wants others to assist out its Aussie level guard. High quality minutes from bigs Clara Strack and Rose Micheaux, consistency from Cayla King and a productive run from 3-point menace Matilda Ekh can be essential.
NO. 5 SEEDS
Baylor Bears
Baylor (24-7) began the season 14-0 with victories over 4 ranked groups, together with Texas. However the Bears then had a stretch the place they have been 4-6, and it was exhausting to inform in the event that they have been going to have the ability to flip issues again round.
They did, successful six of their final seven to ship them into the NCAA event in a greater mind set. Ahead Dre’Una Edwards (12.0 PPG) and guards Sarah Andrews (11.1) and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (10.5) cleared the path for Baylor’s offense. Baylor was fourth within the Large 12 in 3-pointers per recreation (7.6) however first in opponents’ discipline aim share (26.1). Baylor is sweet sufficient to compete with nearly any staff, and the Bears’ protection normally has been dependable. The important thing to advancing within the event can be offensive manufacturing. — Michael Voepel
Colorado Buffaloes
Coach JR Payne prides her program as one comprising blue-collar opponents used to being missed. Nonetheless, there was no extra beautiful end result the primary week of the season than when her under-the-radar Buffaloes (22-9) comfortably toppled defending champion and plenty-hyped LSU.
What they lack in big-name gamers they make up for in grit and expertise. Colorado’s youngest starter, ahead Aaronette Vonleh, is a junior, and the Buffs’ core options three fifth-year seniors. The staff is thought for being defensive-minded, however Colorado’s offense — run by speedy graduate scholar level guard Jaylyn Sherrod — is statistically the very best it has been beneath Payne. Colorado can rating in a large number of how, with its combo of outdoor shooters, downhill gamers and inside powers.
After a robust begin to Pac-12 play, the Buffs misplaced six of their final eight contests, most not too long ago dropping a double-overtime end result to Oregon State within the Pac-12 event quarterfinals. Nonetheless, Payne mentioned after the loss she thought her staff was enjoying higher basketball in Las Vegas that the Buffs can construct off of for the NCAA event.
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners (22-9) have been Large 12 regular-season champions of their closing yr within the league earlier than going to the SEC. They did it with top-of-the-line turnarounds between nonconference and convention play of any staff within the nation. Oklahoma needed to remake itself after shedding 4 of 5 starters to commencement/damage from final yr’s co-Large 12 regular-season championship staff. The Sooners hit some bumps within the street in nonconference play, the place they went 6-5 — however 4 of these losses have been to groups within the NCAA event.
As soon as league play began, the Sooners discovered their footing behind co-Large 12 participant of the yr Skylar Vann (14.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG) and league newcomer of the yr Payton Verhulst (12.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.0 APG). The Sooners’ 76.8 PPG common was much less offense than what we’re accustomed to seeing from them, however they’ve made up for it with improved protection. Texas solely misplaced 4 video games this season, and two of them have been to Oklahoma. — Michael Voepel
Utah Utes
Preseason expectations for Utah (22-10) have been excessive. Returning all 5 starters from final yr’s squad that gained a share of the Pac-12 common season title — and which was free throws away from sending LSU house within the Candy 16 — the Utes have been picked to complete first within the league within the preseason ballot.
Issues have not gone to plan for coach Lynne Roberts’ squad, as final yr’s second-leading scorer Gianna Kneepkens (foot) was misplaced for the season throughout nonconference play, whereas Isabel Palmer has solely appeared in 12 contests. The Utes went 11-7 in a cutthroat Pac-12 — notably, they have been the newest staff to beat USC — earlier than falling to UCLA within the event quarterfinals.
However they nonetheless have one of many prime offensive gamers within the nation in 2023 Pac-12 participant of the yr Alissa Pili, a senior ahead who earlier this season dropped 37 factors towards South Carolina and is averaging 20.8 per recreation on 54.8% capturing (39.4% from 3). Their offensive system — predicated on motion, spreading the ground and prioritizing 3s and pictures on the rim — might be exhausting for groups to protect if they don’t seem to be aware of it.
NO. 6 SEEDS
Louisville Cardinals
Beneath coach Jeff Walz, Louisville (24-9) has been the bedrock of consistency. Since becoming a member of the ACC, the Cardinals boast a conference-best 82.1% win share in league play, superior to the quarterfinals at a minimal in every ACC event and have compiled 14 consecutive 20-win seasons, the fifth-longest energetic streak within the nation.
That consistency prolonged to 2023-24, whilst Walz assembled a new-look staff after switch departures and arrivals within the offseason. Second-team all-ACC submit Olivia Cochran brings expertise as a four-year participant for Walz, as she’s flanked within the beginning 5 by three transfers (and one other off the bench). The Cardinals do not have a singular offensive centerpiece however are balanced with 5 gamers who’ve scored 1,000 factors of their profession (together with fellow all-conference second-team guard Kiki Jefferson with over 2,000).
Walz has led his groups to 6 consecutive Candy 16s — together with final yr when the Cardinals additionally needed to hit the street for early-round NCAA event video games and upset Texas. The Cardinals might want to clear up their turnover concern, one thing that plagued them within the ACC event, to increase the streak.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers (22-11) nearly acquired their second victory this season over Iowa within the Large Ten event championship recreation. However the Hawkeyes compelled additional time and gained the title. The Huskers have been crushed afterward, having been so shut. However with a while to think about how nicely they performed on the league event, the Huskers ought to take a number of confidence into the NCAA event.
Nebraska had some losses this season it should not have had, reminiscent of to Minnesota, Illinois and Rutgers. However when the Huskers are at their finest — like their Feb. 11 victory over Iowa and their run to the Large Ten closing — they mix good 3-point capturing, led by guard Jaz Shelley (13.7 PPG), and a robust inside recreation, led by heart Alexis Markowski (15.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG). Freshman ahead Natalie Potts (10.6 PPG, 5.6 PPG, 50.9 FG%) can also be a participant to look at. — Michael Voepel
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse’s quarterfinal exit after falling to Florida State because the No. 3 seed within the ACC event might need been disappointing, however the Orange’s general season has been one to recollect. In her second yr at her alma mater, Felisha Legette-Jack — not too long ago named ACC coach of the yr — did not simply information the Orange again to the NCAA event for the primary time since 2021, she positioned them inside attain of internet hosting video games. Inside their 23-7 marketing campaign, they tied program data for regular-season victories (23), convention wins (13) and ACC street wins (six) — all after being projected to complete ninth within the league.
Fifth-year senior Dyaisha Honest, who adopted Legette-Jack from Buffalo, has proved she’s a star within the Energy 5, too. A top-three main scorer within the ACC at 22.0 factors per recreation, Honest is fifth all time on the NCAA Division I scoring record with 3,351 factors and is thought for her skill to get sizzling within the fourth quarter. Alyssa Latham — who leads the staff in rebounds (7.1 per recreation) and has helped set up the Orange as a prime offensive rebounding staff within the nation (40.5% offensive rebounding fee) — earned a spot on the all-freshman staff.
Tennessee Woman Vols
Tennessee (19-12) rode out a roller-coaster season to enter March Insanity as a staff few will wish to see of their aspect of the bracket. The Woman Vols’ 4-5 begin raised some eyebrows (granted, soon-to-be WNBA lottery decide Rickea Jackson missed most of these video games with an damage), and coming into SEC motion they have been out of the NCAA event image fully. However with Jackson again into the fold, they steadily climbed throughout convention play, and up to date outcomes towards the league’s prime two groups show what their ceiling might be.
Within the common season, Tennessee performed LSU and South Carolina tight. In a SEC event semifinal rematch, the Woman Vols overcame a 23-point deficit and have been a buzzer-beater away from taking down the undefeated Gamecocks. As heartbreaking of a end it was, the staff can use it as a launch level for a profitable March run.
For as particular as Jackson is, she will be able to’t do it alone. Guards Jewel Spear, Sara Puckett and Jasmine Powell might want to hit pictures. The Woman Vols might want to assert themselves on the glass and may’t revert to unhealthy habits on the defensive finish. Middle Tamari Key, who as of February is again within the beginning lineup after being sidelined final season with blood clots, can play an enormous position there.
Coach Kellie Harper has led Tennessee to 2 straight Candy 16s, however Tennessee hosted early-round video games in each of these tournaments. This yr, it’s headed on the street for the primary time since 2019, when it fell within the first spherical to 11-seed UCLA.
NO. 7 SEEDS
Creighton Bluejays
The Bluejays (25-5) have been the clear second-best staff within the Large East this season behind UConn, occupying a spot within the AP rankings many of the yr. Regardless of an upset loss to Georgetown within the Large East event semifinals, the Bluejays gained 25 video games, tied for this system’s most in a season beneath coach Jim Flanery. Creighton, which misplaced only one nonconference recreation, led the Large East with three all-conference first staff choices: ahead Emma Ronsiek, guard Lauren Jensen and guard/ahead Morgan Maly, who mix for 48.8 factors per recreation.
The trio, together with three different teammates, have been on the roster when Creighton made its Cinderella run to the Elite Eight two seasons in the past as a 10-seed, exhibiting off how troublesome the Bluejays’ movement offense is to defend. (Word: All six are seniors and may return for a fifth-year subsequent season, too.) The group hopes to conjure some extra magic this postseason to be the newest (non-UConn) Large East squad to make some noise in March.
Duke Blue Devils
Final season, Duke was shocked at house as a No. 3 seed by Colorado within the second spherical of the NCAA event. The Blue Devils have a decrease seed this yr after returning simply 28.3% of their scoring from final season. Coach Kara Lawson guides a gaggle with eight underclassmen, together with 5 freshmen.
However the Blue Devils (20-11) nonetheless aren’t a straightforward matchup to have in your aspect of the bracket, particularly after a confidence-boosting closing month of ACC motion that includes some huge wins (over Syracuse, NC State) and shut video games towards upper-tier competitors (single-digit losses to Virginia Tech, Notre Dame). And out of convention, they performed groups like Stanford and South Carolina tight earlier this season.
Their protection may give opponents matches, with solely six groups scoring 70 factors towards Duke this season. Whereas the Blue Devils’ offense can lag at occasions, gamers reminiscent of Ashlon Jackson, Taina Mair and Reigan Richardson have proven they will go off. One other star freshman, Oluchi Okananwa, has been a power for the Blue Devils off the bench, main them in rebounding (regardless of being simply 5-foot-10) and coming in third in scoring.
Iowa State Cyclones
The Cyclones (20-11) went via rising pains as a result of they — like fellow Large 12 college Oklahoma — misplaced a lot from the earlier season. That features this system’s all-time main scorer and rebounder, Ashley Joens, who led Iowa State to the 2023 Large 12 event title. Freshmen Audi Crooks (18.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG) and Addy Brown (13.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.9 APG) have powered the new-look Cyclones.
Senior level guard Emily Ryan missed the early a part of the season with damage however returned Dec. 17. She is averaging a team-best 6.7 help, plus 10.2 factors, and supplies the management the younger staff wants. Iowa State gained seven of its final 9 video games — the 2 losses have been to Texas — and reached the Large 12 event closing. — Michael Voepel
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss’ Candy 16 look, through an upset of top-seeded Stanford within the second spherical, was one of many tales of the 2023 NCAA event. Behind their trademark protection and rebounding prowess, the Rebels (23-8) want to construct upon that run in what’s been a largely profitable season for coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
For the third consecutive yr, the Rebels reached the 20-win threshold. A 3rd-place end within the SEC was their finest in convention play since 1991-92, and 12 SEC victories have been a program file — all regardless of being with out influence switch KK Deans after she suffered a season-ending knee damage six video games in.
Seniors Marquesha Davis and Madison Scott earned first-team all-SEC nods for the primary time of their careers (tying LSU for this system with probably the most representatives), whereas switch Kennedy Todd-Williams is coming into her personal. Ole Miss gained seven consecutive video games earlier than shedding to LSU within the SEC event semifinals, and gave the Tigers a troublesome time each occasions they met.
NO. 8 SEEDS
Alabama Crimson Tide
With a lot consideration on South Carolina and LSU within the SEC, and deservedly so, Alabama quietly put collectively a robust season to safe its third NCAA event look within the final 4 years, and their solely ones this century. Previous to convention play, the Crimson Tide (23-9) beat Louisville and dropped shut video games to Gonzaga and Syracuse in high quality losses. Their 23 regular-season wins are this system’s most since 1991-92, and so they collected 10 SEC victories for simply the third time in program historical past. Regardless of being picked to complete ninth within the league, Alabama clinched the No. 4 seed within the SEC event, the place it fell within the quarterfinals to Tennessee.
Senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker was tabbed for the all-SEC first staff after averaging 17.2 factors per recreation, the fifth-best mark within the SEC. Senior guard/ahead Aaliyah Nye, a second-team choice, made 244 3s, third finest within the nation behind Iowa’s Clark and Syracuse’s Honest.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks gained the WNIT championship final season however did not wish to return to that event in 2024. Nevertheless, they have been 10-10 after a loss at Oklahoma on Jan. 27 and knew their NCAA event hopes have been fading. They needed to flip issues round dramatically. Kansas (19-12) completed the season going 9-2, with the one losses coming at Baylor and to Texas within the Large 12 event.
The closing stretch put the Jayhawks again on observe for an NCAA bid, a great way to ship out their fifth-year senior standouts: heart Taiyanna Jackson (12.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG) and guards Holly Kersgieter and Zakiyah Franklin, who each common 11.7 PPG. And it is a good begin to the profession of freshman guard S’Mya Nichols, who led Kansas in scoring (15.2 PPG), assists (2.7) and steals (1.4). — Michael Voepel
North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels (19-12) have been up and down this season. They’ve two separate stretches of three- or four-game shedding streaks. However 9 of their 12 losses have been by single digits, together with a seven-point defeat to South Carolina and most not too long ago by one to Miami in a second-round ACC event exit. They’ve overwhelmed many of the prime groups within the convention, however then misplaced to Boston Faculty on the finish of February.
Accidents have depleted their backcourt rotation, however the Tar Heels nonetheless have thrilling items coming into March, beginning with senior all-ACC picks Deja Kelly (first staff) and Alyssa Ustby (second staff). If the Tar Heels can get their offense rolling, a second weekend look appears inside attain. North Carolina will want productive runs from its switch trio of guards Lexi Donarski and Indya Nivar in addition to submit Maria Gakdeng.
It is no shock the Tar Heels’ most up-to-date marquee win over NC State featured 5 gamers in double figures (which did not even embody Kelly), whereas Donarski led the best way with 5 3-pointers.
West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers (24-7) acquired off to a 13-0 begin beneath new coach Mark Kellogg and have been 22-3 after an enormous win over visiting Oklahoma on Feb. 17. However West Virginia did not end in addition to it hoped, shedding 4 of its final six.
Nonetheless, the Mountaineers have been second within the Large 12 in scoring protection (57.8 PPG) and led the league in steals (14.9 per recreation). And so they have one of many league’s finest guard tandems in JJ Quinerly (19.6 PPG) and Jordan Harrison (13.8 PPG, 5.2 APG). West Virginia generally is a powerful foe for groups not used to how a lot defensive strain the Mountaineers can carry. — Michael Voepel
NO. 9 SEEDS
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State (23-10) was with out star Ta’Niya Latson as a result of damage throughout final yr’s NCAA event, which ended with a first-round loss to Georgia. We’ll lastly get our first dose of March Insanity Latson this yr, and it might be a deal with. The sophomore guard is as much as 14 profession 30-point video games (together with seven this season), her 21.3 factors per contest spearheading a FSU squad recognized for its fast-paced, high-scoring offense.
Latson is not solely the first-team all-conference choice on the roster. Junior ahead Makayla Timpson (14.1 PPG/10.0 RPG) has been a double-double machine with 17 on the season, and she or he led the ACC in blocks this season (84).
Florida State — a part of an unique membership of eight applications which have made every of the previous 11 tournaments — will look to get its first NCAA event win since 2019, when Sue Semrau was nonetheless on the helm. The Seminoles have some momentum after successful 9 of their final 12, which features a double-overtime loss to Notre Dame in mid-February and an upset win over Syracuse within the ACC event quarterfinal.
Michigan Wolverines
Protection was the Wolverines’ main calling card this season; they tied with Ohio State atop the Large Ten in opponents’ factors per recreation (63.8). That is not unhealthy contemplating they play in a league with a number of high-scoring groups. The Wolverines (20-13) have been one among three Large Ten groups to complete 9-9 within the league, and their finest win was towards Indiana within the Large Ten event quarterfinals. Guards Laila Phelia (16.8 PPG) and Lauren Hansen (11.9 PPG) are Michigan’s prime scoring threats. — Michael Voepel
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans (22-8) completed fourth within the Large Ten, though Nebraska upset them within the quarterfinals of the league event. The Spartans’ solely “unhealthy” lack of the season was at Minnesota on Jan. 20. Their street losses to the Large Ten’s huge three — Ohio State, Iowa and Indiana — have been all by 5 factors or much less.
As a result of there was a lot consideration on the Large Ten’s prime groups, there wasn’t as a lot of a highlight on the Spartans. However they don’t seem to be going to be a pushover within the NCAA event. The guard-led Spartans have been second to Iowa within the Large Ten in assists (18.97). They led the league — and rank second in D-I — in assists-to-turnover ratio (1.62). Senior guard Julia Ayrault leads 4 Spartans who common in double figures (15.4 PPG), and she or he’s additionally the staff’s prime rebounder (7.2 RPG). — Michael Voepel
Princeton Tigers
The Tigers (25-4) have earned the Ivy League’s final 5 NCAA event bids and are going dancing for the eleventh time general. And so they punched their ticket in convincing style, taking down co-regular season champion Columbia 75-58 in Saturday’s closing.
It is not simply that Princeton will get to the NCAA event. The Tigers win video games there, too. In each berths beneath coach Carla Berube, the defensive-minded Tigers superior to the spherical of 32, and each occasions performed shut second-round contests regardless of finally shedding.
They would not have wanted the auto bid to make it to the NCAA event, both, as they put collectively a robust nonconference slate wherein they beat Oklahoma and Center Tennessee, fell to UCLA by one possession and by solely 9 to Indiana.
Any Princeton run would require a standout event from 2023 Ivy League participant of the yr Kaitlyn Chen, the league’s first athlete in almost 20 years to common 15 factors and 5 assists in a season. Chen is flanked by fellow all-Ivy choices Madison St. Rose, a guard and one of many league’s most improved gamers, and Ellie Mitchell, a ahead who’s a three-time Ivy League defensive participant of the yr and top-of-the-line rebounders within the nation (10.0 RPG).
NO. 10 SEEDS
Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles (23-8) are again within the NCAA event for the third time (second consecutive) beneath Megan Duffy, who’s hoping to safe her first win within the Large Dance. The season began on a fantastic be aware, as Marquette compiled its finest begin in program historical past at 12-0 and went undefeated in nonconference play. But it surely has since dropped eight Large East video games, together with the event semifinal to UConn (the place it managed simply 29 factors).
Ahead Liza Karlen took an enormous step as a senior on her solution to being tabbed an unanimous first-team all-conference choice. Sophomore guard Mackenzie Hare, one of many prime 3-point shooters within the nation at 43.2%, and senior guard Jordan King spherical out the Golden Eagles’ huge three, however protection will energy them if they begin rolling in March.
Maryland Terrapins
The Terps (19-13) struggled mightily with well being this season; guards Lavender Briggs and Riley Nelson and ahead Emma Chardon are all out with knee accidents. The end result has been a unique Terps staff than we’re used to seeing. They went 9-9 in Large Ten play and needed to lean closely on guard play. Junior Shyanne Sellers leads Maryland in scoring (15.5 PPG), assists (5.5 APG) and minutes performed (32.5).
Regardless of the reliance on perimeter gamers, the Terps have been nonetheless third (39.1) within the Large Ten in rebounding, led by switch Jakia Brown-Turner (6.5 RPG.) She is spending her fifth season at Maryland after 4 at NC State and brings a number of NCAA event expertise. The Terps knocked off top-seeded Ohio State within the Large Ten quarterfinals, exhibiting they can not be missed. — Michael Voepel
Richmond Spiders
The Atlantic 10 Convention has produced seven totally different event champions previously seven years. This season, the Spiders earned the excellence, successful their first A-10 regular-season title and following it up by clinching their first convention event championship since 1991. It marks the Spiders’ fourth look within the Large Dance, and first since 2005, though they acquired some postseason expertise within the WNIT final yr.
Beneath fifth-year coach Aaron Roussell, the Spiders’ 29-5 file comfortably options their highest win whole in program historical past. They boast one of the environment friendly and finest 3-point capturing offenses within the nation, notching 1.18 factors per scoring try and capturing 37.7% from behind the arc. Sophomore ahead Maggie Doogan (15.4 PPG), an All-A-10 first-team decide, leads Richmond in scoring, whereas A-10 defensive participant of the yr and event MVP Addie Budnik, a senior ahead, is likely one of the nation’s prime shot blockers with 2.5 per recreation.
UNLV Woman Rebels
Lindy La Rocque has constructed a mid-major energy within the desert. For the second straight season, the Woman Rebels gained 30 video games, becoming a member of South Carolina as the one Division I applications to attain it. And for the third consecutive season, UNLV accomplished the common season and Mountain West event sweep.
Senior submit Desi-Rae Younger (18.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG), who gained the MWC participant of the yr award for the second consecutive season, is the centerpiece. The emergence of junior level guard Kiara Jackson (11.3 PPG, 4.6 APG) and MWC freshman of the yr Amarachi Kimpson (10.6 PPG, 54.5 FG%) helped La Rocque change some key gamers from a yr in the past and hold UNLV the dominant power within the convention. — Charlie Creme
NO. 11 SEEDS
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats (17-15) have had a roller-coaster season, however incomes an NCAA event berth (for the fourth consecutive yr) has to really feel rewarding for Adia Barnes and crew. The Wildcats are all the way down to seven scholarship gamers after three season-ending accidents and two midseason departures, with prime scorer Kailyn Gilbert being dismissed from the staff final month. Issues regarded significantly dire once they went 1-5 to begin the 2024 calendar yr.
However Arizona has come collectively on the proper time, and it is confirmed in the way it ended its Pac-12 season. Typical of Barnes’ groups, the protection is nightmarish to face, because it comes away with steals on 16.4% of possessions, in line with CBB Analytics. Arizona gained 5 of its final eight convention video games, with two of these losses by the hands of USC by a mixed 5 factors. It additionally secured a marquee win by taking down the Cardinal at Stanford (with out Brink) for the primary time in 23 years.
Seniors Helena Pueyo and Esmery Martinez, the previous the only remaining participant from Arizona’s 2021 nationwide title recreation run, maintain down the fort when it comes to expertise, which is essential contemplating Barnes has been compelled to begin three freshmen this yr: Breya Cunningham, Jada Williams and Skylar Jones.
Auburn Tigers
Third-year coach Johnnie Harris has the Tigers (22-11) headed in the precise route as they head into their first NCAA event since 2019. The 2023-24 marketing campaign additionally marked Auburn’s first 20-win season since 2018-19, and the third within the final 15 years. Alongside the best way, the Tigers clinched their first SEC event win since 2020 by beating Arkansas within the second spherical. In a robust stretch to shut the common season, they took down bubble groups Texas A&M and Mississippi State, a part of their first four-game SEC win streak since 2016.
Auburn put itself on the map in mid-January when the Tigers toppled LSU, handing the defending champ its first SEC lack of the season. Each regular-season matchups between the squads (LSU narrowly beat Auburn in a rematch in February) displayed how difficult Auburn is to face on the defensive finish.
Graduate scholar guard Honesty Scott-Grayson, a first-team all-SEC decide, has shined this season because the league’s third-best scorer (17.4 PPG).
Inexperienced Bay Phoenix
The Phoenix (27-6) have traditionally dominated the Horizon League, claiming 16 titles relationship to 1998. However they went with out a championship the earlier 5 years — albeit incomes spots within the WNIT — till now. Inexperienced Bay is headed again to the Large Dance for the primary time since 2018 after beating final yr’s Horizon champion, Cleveland State, within the closing.
The Phoenix first made waves in November once they took down a pair of ranked opponents in Creighton and Washington State and likewise performed Maryland shut earlier than falling by 9. Their offense is an environment friendly, well-oiled machine, sporting the very best assist-to-turnover ratio within the nation (1.75). Junior guard Natalie McNeal, the Horizon League event MVP, paces the Phoenix in scoring at 13.7 factors per recreation, nevertheless it’s their steadiness that stands proud, as six others rating a minimum of six factors per recreation.
Center Tennessee Blue Raiders
One of many steadiest mid-major applications in ladies’s basketball, Center Tennessee (29-4) makes its twenty first NCAA event look (third previously 4 years) and twelfth beneath coach Rick Insell. With a 67-51 win over Liberty within the championship recreation, the Blue Raiders secured their nineteenth consecutive victory, changing into the second staff in CUSA historical past to go undefeated via the common season and convention event.
Center Tennessee final misplaced on Dec. 30 to Grand Canyon, earlier than that enjoying Princeton and Michigan tight (each losses) and snagging a signature win towards Tennessee (which was lacking Jackson). All 5 of the staff’s starters earned spots on all-CUSA groups, headlined by participant of the yr and event MVP Savannah Wheeler (17.4 PPG, 5.0 APG).
An enormous milestone for the Blue Raiders could be to win a NCAA event recreation; they’re 5-20 all-time within the occasion, the worst file amongst groups with 20-plus NCAA event video games, and final superior to the second spherical in 2007.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies (19-12) are again within the Large Dance for the primary time since 2021, additionally marking the primary berth for second-year coach Joni Taylor. Texas A&M breezed via nonconference play for probably the most half, however SEC competitors was a lot harder. It hasn’t helped that graduate scholar guard Endyia Rogers and sophomore ahead Janiah Barker missed time with accidents, enjoying in solely 23 video games collectively. The Aggies are 17-6 in these video games and 2-6 with out both.
Rogers had been sidelined for almost a month, a stretch wherein the staff went 1-5, earlier than returning for the SEC event, the place the Aggies gained their second-round matchup over Mississippi State. Although they fell to South Carolina the following recreation, senior guard Aicha Coulibaly scored 32 factors (an Aggie SEC event file) and so they gave the Gamecocks a troublesome time by forcing a season-high 24 turnovers. If Taylor’s defensive- and rebounding-minded squad can construct off that outing for the remainder of March, the staff needs to be in good condition.
NO. 12 SEEDS
Columbia Lions
After falling to Princeton within the Ivy League event closing at house, the Lions’ NCAA event hopes appeared bleak, however after the very best three-year stretch in program historical past, Columbia was rewarded with its first bid. The frequent denominators for these three seasons have been coach Megan Griffith, a former Lions level guard, and Abbey Hsu, the very best participant Columbia has ever had. The senior led the Ivy League in scoring every of the previous two seasons, hitting a career-high 20.6 factors per recreation this season. Among the best pure shooters within the nation, Hsu averaged 3.0 made 3-pointers per recreation this season. — Charlie Creme
Drake Bulldogs
Missouri Valley Convention champion Drake went 19-1 in regular-season league play however acquired a scare within the MVC event. It took additional time to beat Northern Iowa within the semifinals, and a last-second shot to defeat Missouri State within the closing and win the event title. It is Drake’s second MVC event championship in a row.
Junior guard Katie Dinnebier (17.9 PPG, 6.9 APG, 2.4 SPG) and forwards Grace Berg (17.0 PPG) and Anna Miller (13.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG) lead Drake (29-5). The Bulldogs pushed Louisville final season within the NCAA event, falling 83-81 within the first spherical. This yr may carry the Bulldogs their first NCAA event victory since 2002. — Michael Voepel
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Relating to consistency, few applications do it like Florida Gulf Coast (29-4), which gained its seventh straight ASUN event title and is again dancing for the tenth time in program historical past. Take into account: Solely FGCU and UConn have gained a minimum of 25 video games every of the final 14 seasons, and Karl Smesko is the third-winningest energetic D-I coach.
The Eagles have been excellent towards ASUN competitors and are ranked No. 2 general in CollegeInsider’s Mid Main Prime 25 ballot, behind solely AP-ranked Gonzaga. In nonconference play, they misplaced to USC, Iowa and Duke however earned a Prime 25 win over North Carolina the week of Thanksgiving. Their model of play — predicated on taking and making a number of 3s — usually proves to be a troublesome matchup.
Redshirt junior guard Emani Jefferson — who beforehand performed at Memphis and Wright State — has led the cost on each ends (16.1 PPG, 2.0 SPG) on her solution to being tabbed ASUN’s participant of the yr, defensive participant of the yr and co-newcomer of the yr.
The previous two seasons, FGCU made it to the second spherical of the NCAA event with wins over Virginia Tech and Washington State, nevertheless it’s nonetheless in search of its first Candy 16 berth.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
The Jackrabbits (27-5) prolonged their run of preeminence over the Summit League, going undefeated in convention competitors on their solution to successful their second straight event crown and fourth previously seven years. Total, South Dakota has gained 11 Summit League event championships since 2009 and can make its twelfth look within the Division I event. Of its 5 losses out of convention, 4 got here towards ranked groups.
The Jackrabbits’ energy is on the offensive finish, the place they’ve three gamers averaging double figures, led by Summit League participant of the yr Brooklyn Meyer, who will get it completed down low. However additionally they have 4 different gamers capturing round 40% or higher from 3; as a staff they’re hitting 38.3% of their treys.
Final season the Jackrabbits upset USC in additional time to advance to the second spherical; they final moved on to the second weekend in 2019.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Third-year coach Shea Ralph appears to have discovered her stride, as 2023-24 wasn’t simply Vanderbilt’s finest season since she arrived in Nashville, however this system’s finest in additional than a decade. The Commodores (22-9) began 16-1 with a good loss to NC State. Their 22 wins are 10 greater than final yr and probably the most this system has recorded since 2011-12, whereas their 9 SEC victories are their most since 2012-13. Vanderbilt set a program file with six SEC street victories, successful at Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Arkansas. Making the NCAA event for the primary time since 2014 is the right reward.
Graduate scholar guard Jordyn Cambridge, a Naismith defensive participant of the yr semifinalist, is third within the nation in steals (3.6 per recreation) and spearheads the protection, whereas junior guard Iyana Moore (13.9 PPG) has had an all-SEC-caliber season after lacking final yr as a result of damage.
NO. 13 SEEDS
UC Irvine Anteaters
Issues at UC Irvine had been steadily bettering for years beneath coach Tamara Inoue, together with three consecutive 20-plus-win seasons for the primary time in program historical past and its first Large West regular-season title final yr. The one factor lacking was a event championship and berth to the NCAA event (they acquired shut, ending as runners-up two of the earlier three years and showing within the WNIT twice.)
However the Anteaters (23-8) have now checked that main aim off the record. No. 2 seed dismantled fifth-seeded UC Davis within the Large West closing to clinch its first look within the NCAA event since 1995. Junior guard Déja Lee, this system’s first Large West Participant of the Yr for her influence on each ends of the ground, was fittingly named event MVP, and the Anteaters enter March Insanity on a season-best six-game win streak, with all victories by double figures. They can even look to seize the Large West’s first NCAA event win since 2004.
Fairfield Stags
After successful every of their 20 regular-season MAAC video games by a mean of 18.3 factors, the Stags (31-1) wanted each final level to outlive Niagara in additional time within the convention event closing. The victory maintained the second-longest successful streak within the nation (29) behind South Carolina. Fairfield’s solely lack of the season got here within the third recreation towards Vanderbilt. Senior Janelle Brown gained MAAC participant of the yr honors, however two of the Stags’ prime three scorers are freshmen: Meghan Andersen and Kaety L’Amoreaux.
Whereas Saturday was a battle, Fairfield is likely one of the most effective offensive groups within the nation, ending third in 2-point discipline aim share. — Charlie Creme
Marshall Thundering Herd
It has been a minute, however the Thundering Herd (26-6) are again within the NCAA event for the primary time since 1997 and simply the second time general. Coach Kim Caldwell was employed coming into the 2023-24 marketing campaign, when Marshall was picked to complete ninth within the Solar Belt. However Caldwell has seen resounding success in Yr 1: The Thundering Herd clinched each the Solar Belt regular-season and event titles, their 26 wins probably the most in program historical past.
The event closing, which went into additional time, produced one of many craziest field scores you’ll ever see: Marshall compelled 39 James Madison turnovers however made simply 30 of 99 pictures (and eight of 46 3s). James Madison, in the meantime, tried solely 53 pictures. The sport encapsulated Marshall’s distinctive enjoying model: The Herd play on the quickest tempo within the nation, take a number of 3s (31.7 per recreation, additionally probably the most within the nation) and strain on protection (averaging 13.4 steals per recreation).
Senior guard Abby Beeman, the Solar Belt participant of the yr and event Most Excellent Participant, is the top of the snake, main the Thundering Herd in scoring (16.8 PPG), rebounding (5.7 RPG) and assists (6.4 APG). She’s additionally one of many nation’s prime help leaders and has two triple-doubles on the season.
Portland Pilots
On Feb. 28, Gonzaga routed Portland 90-40 in Spokane to earn its twenty third straight win. Their assembly previous to that, the Zags gained comfortably by 21. All bets have been off when the calendar turned to March, although. Within the WCC event semifinal, Portland erased a 16-point deficit towards Santa Clara to come back away with a two-point victory. Then the No. 3 seed Pilots upset the top-seeded Zags 67-66 to gather their second consecutive WCC event championship and third in 5 years, asserting themselves as a bid stealer.
Portland (21-12) operates with a balanced group that features junior guard Emme Shearer, an all-WCC first-team choice, graduate scholar ahead Kennedy Dickie, who gained WCC event MVP, and senior ahead Lucy Cochrane, whose 100 blocks are second most within the nation behind Stanford’s Brink (109).
NO. 14 SEEDS
Chattanooga Mocs
Virginia Tech followers are nicely aware of Chattanooga’s Shawn Poppie, who took over the Mocs forward of the 2022-23 marketing campaign following six seasons on Kenny Brooks’ workers. Poppie has since flourished at Chattanooga: Final yr he was honored because the WBCA’s Division I Rookie Coach of the Yr as he guided the Mocs to their highest win whole since 2017. This yr he led this system to a 28-4 file (13-1 within the Southern Convention) and to back-to-back convention event titles and NCAA event appearances. Chattanooga’s signature win came visiting Mississippi State in early December, and it joins South Carolina as the one groups to not lose a recreation on the street this season.
Jap Washington Eagles
The Eagles (29-5) are celebrating probably the most profitable season in program historical past after successful the Large Sky regular-season and event titles and incomes their first NCAA event look since 1987. Jamie Loera (13.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.4 SPG) propels the Eagles’ success. The Large Sky participant of the yr and two-time defensive participant of the yr will get assist from veterans Aaliyah Alexander (14.8 PPG) and Jaleesa Lawrence (11.3 PPG), who’re registering career-best scoring numbers. — Charlie Creme
Jackson State Woman Tigers
In six seasons at Jackson State, Tomekia Reed has gained the SWAC coach of the yr 4 occasions. She turned the Woman Tigers (25-4) into the dominant program within the SWAC, successful 5 straight regular-season titles with simply two convention losses in 4 seasons. Now Jackson State is headed to its third NCAA event in 4 years.
The Tigers have dimension — six gamers within the rotation are 6 toes or taller — and expertise — the highest six gamers have every performed a minimum of 4 years of faculty basketball. Program mainstays Miya Crump and Ti’lan Boler cleared the path for a staff that challenged itself with video games towards Kansas State, Oregon State, Mississippi State, Miami and Texas.
Rice Owls
Of their first season within the American and because the No. 9 seed within the AAC event, the Owls are within the NCAA event for the primary time beneath third-year coach Lindsay Edmonds, who served for eight years as an assistant at NC State beneath Wes Moore. The Owls gained 4 video games in 4 days to win the AAC event after ending the common season on a five-game shedding streak. Malia Fisher, a 6-2 junior, was Rice’s scoring and rebounding chief through the season and averaged 14.5 factors and seven.8 rebounds through the event run. — Charlie Creme
NO. 15 SEEDS
California Baptist Lancers
The Lancers weren’t eligible to play within the NCAA event three years in the past once they gained their first WAC championship, as this system transitioned to Division I. Now that the probationary interval is over, and with Chloe Webb transferring from UC Irvine two years in the past, the items have been in place for one more run. With Webb scoring 24 factors and enjoying just like the WAC participant of the yr, Cal Baptist got here again to beat Stephen F. Austin on Saturday to earn the college’s first journey to the NCAA event. Led by Webb’s 21 factors and seven.9 rebounds per recreation, the Lancers have been ninth within the nation in scoring and enter March Insanity on a nine-game successful streak. — Charlie Creme
Kent State Golden Flashes
Kent State (21-10) could not break via towards the Mid-American’s finest groups through the common season, going 0-4 towards Toledo and Ball State. Then for 3 days in Cleveland on the convention event, the Golden Flashes have been the league’s finest, successful their semifinal recreation over the Cardinals and the ultimate towards Buffalo by a mean of 16.5 factors.
Katie Shumate, a 5-11 senior, is Kent State’s finest participant, however 5-4 sophomore Dionna Grey, who’s averaging 4.7 factors per recreation on 28.8% capturing from 3-point vary, scored 14 factors on 4-for-6 capturing from deep within the MAC title recreation. — Charlie Creme
Maine Black Bears
Maine graduate scholar Anne Simon gained each America East participant and defensive participant of the yr for the second time in three seasons — marking the fourth consecutive yr the Black Bears (24-9) have had the league’s prime participant. Maine has additionally gained 5 of the previous seven regular-season America East titles. But this marks the Black Bears’ first journey to the NCAA event since 2019. They did it with a dominant title recreation efficiency towards Vermont, led by Simon’s 15 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists and two steals. — Charlie Creme
Norfolk State Spartans
Already the highest staff within the MEAC with regular-season and event titles in 2022 and 2023, the Spartans (27-5) added former Rutgers and NC State level guard Diamond Johnson this season. They cruised via the convention season with only one loss, and all however three of their wins have been by double figures. Johnson discovered a house as soon as she was eligible to play in mid-December and led the MEAC throughout convention play in scoring (19.6 PPG), 3-point discipline aim share (44.0%) and steals (3.5 SPG). — Charlie Creme
NO. 16 SEEDS
Drexel Dragons
The Dragons (19-14) beat all the percentages to turn out to be the ultimate staff Sunday to punch its ticket into the NCAA event with an auto bid. Drexel struggled to seek out its footing early in its first season with out former star Keishana Washington, who was third within the nation in scoring final yr. On March 1, the Dragons fell to 12-14, and shortly after, when CAA year-end awards have been introduced, they have been left off fully.
Since then, Drexel hasn’t misplaced. It gained 4 video games in 4 days as a 7-seed within the CAA event, the primary three by a mixed 5 factors. The Dragons knocked off the highest two seeds to safe their third NCAA event look and second in 4 years. In keeping with ESPN Stats & Data, the Dragons are the one Division I staff previously 25 years to have three wins by two factors or fewer in a single convention event. They’re additionally the second straight (and general) No. 7 seed to win the CAA event crown, following Monmouth from final yr.
Junior guard Amaris Baker has upped her recreation in March, and although the staff entered Sunday’s closing ranked 231st in 3-point share (29.4%), Baker and fellow guards Brooke Mullin and Erin Sweeney mixed for 10-for-17 capturing from the arc to assist their staff make historical past.
Holy Cross Crusaders
Final yr, the Crusaders snapped a 15-year streak with out a NCAA event look. This season, they ensured there could be no such drought once more. Recent off Holy Cross’ thirteenth regular-season title, the Crusaders are again within the event once more after pulling out a detailed win over Boston College on Sunday. It is their 14th look within the Large Dance. Fourth-year coach Maureen Magarity has directed Holy Cross to 3 consecutive 20-win seasons for the primary time within the 20 years.
Senior guard Bronagh Energy-Cassidy leads the best way for the Crusaders with 16.6 factors per recreation whereas capturing 39.7% on 3s. The all-league first-team choice has been heating up the previous few weeks with two 30-pieces over the past six contests.
Holy Cross has the Patriot League’s sole NCAA event win; the Crusaders beat Maryland in 1991.
Presbyterian Blue Hose
Welcome to the Large Dance, Presbyterian! The Blue Hose (20-14) started their championship run by knocking off prime seed Excessive Level within the semifinals of the Large South event, clinching their first finals look. From there, they beat Radford to punch their ticket to the NCAA event for the primary time since transitioning to Division I in 2007. Due to their latest stretch (eight wins in 9 video games), their 20 victories this season mark probably the most in this system’s historical past.
The Blue Hose’s huge three of sophomore guard and Large South event MVP Tilda Sjökvist, sixth-year heart Bryanna Brady and junior guard Mara Neira all common between 11.3 and 12.4 factors per recreation. Sjökvist and Brady have been all-Large South second-team picks.
Sacred Coronary heart Pioneers
Sacred Coronary heart would have earned the NEC’s automated bid no matter how Sunday’s closing panned out, as title recreation opponent Le Moyne is not eligible for the NCAA event amid its reclassification to Division I. However the Pioneers gained the championship recreation handily to clinch each the convention regular-season and event crowns and enter the Large Dance on a 15-game successful streak.
The Pioneers have now earned 5 NCAA event appearances and, for the primary time, back-to-back berths. Final season they beat Southern within the First 4, signifying the primary NCAA event win for a NEC program, earlier than falling to Stanford within the spherical of 64.
Sophomore guard Ny’Ceara Pryor — the two-time NEC participant of the yr — is one among simply two Division I gamers — becoming a member of Notre Dame’s Hidalgo — to submit 600-plus factors, 200-plus rebounds and 100-plus steals this season. Pryor averages 18.9 factors, 7.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and three.2 steals on the yr.
UT Martin Skyhawks
Probably the most profitable Ohio Valley Convention applications over the previous decade, UT Martin will signify the league within the Large Dance. The Skyhawks have been truly the runner-up within the convention event; Southern Indiana gained the title, however as a result of they’re nonetheless within the means of reclassifying to Division I, the Screaming Eagles aren’t eligible for the NCAA event (however will play within the WNIT).
Again within the NCAA event after 4 consecutive appearances from 2011 to ’14, UT Martin (16-16) has benefited from having redshirt freshman guard Kenley McCarn (16.7 PPG) again for a full season, the place she earned all-OVC first-team honors alongside teammate Anaya Brown (15.1 PPG), a sophomore ahead. The Skyhawks have handled six season-ending accidents and have been compelled to rely closely on freshmen and sophomores, who account for an NCAA-high 98.8% of their scoring.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
After chasing Lamar all season and twice shedding to the Cardinals, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi saved its finest for final, lastly prevailing of their third assembly within the convention event title recreation to earn its first journey to the NCAA event. This comes one yr after successful the regular-season title however shedding to Lamar within the event semifinals.
The Islanders are one of many least-accurate 3-point capturing groups within the nation, rating 331st, however they maintain opponents to only 36% general discipline aim capturing, which ranks twentieth nationally. — Charlie Creme