March Insanity 2024 bracket: NCAA match girls’s groups

The 2024 girls’s NCAA match bracket is right here. The video games are proper across the nook. The anticipation and pleasure round girls’s faculty basketball has by no means been larger.

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 match area or trying to study extra about your favourite crew’s first-round opponent and others in its path to Cleveland, look no additional than our 68-team information.

We break down what it’s worthwhile to learn 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 dwelling in it. The Gamecocks misplaced 5 starters from final 12 months’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 slightly 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 taking part in her finest basketball and final week grew to become the primary freshman since Candace Parker to take dwelling the SEC match’s most excellent participant award.

Altogether it means the Gamecocks (32-0) are simply nearly as good as they had been final 12 months — as soon as extra going undefeated by way of the common season and SEC match — or even perhaps higher. Their offense is extra diversified and dynamic, they usually’re the third-best 3-point capturing crew 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.

Important for a crew that skews youthful and comparatively inexperienced, the Gamecocks are battled-tested, too. Six of their wins had 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 had 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 match semifinals. However nobody mentioned championship squads cannot profit from somewhat 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) received its third consecutive Massive Ten match title and shall be a No. 1 seed within the NCAA match for the primary time since 1992, when C. Vivian Stringer was the Hawkeyes’ coach. Iowa made the Closing 4 as a No. 2 seed final season behind guard Caitlin Clark, who adopted that with a record-setting senior marketing campaign by which she grew to become the highest scorer in Division I males’s and ladies’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 high rebounder at 7.3 per contest. Clark is the primary Division I girls’s participant to high 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 effectively within the Massive Ten match.

Guard play is essential within the NCAA match, 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

USC Trojans

JuJu Watkins admits she did not assume USC could be this good this rapidly. And but, the Trojans (26-5) are the most effective they have been in many years. After dethroning Stanford by capturing the Pac-12 match crown — this system’s second total and first since 2014 — it is clear this group legitimately has its sights set on Cleveland. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has already been to a Closing 4 earlier than, with Cal in 2013.

Watkins has been nearly as good as marketed (and maybe even higher), establishing herself because the nation’s second-best scorer behind Iowa’s Clark (27.0 PPG) and a tantalizing future WNBA prospect. She shall be one of many greatest stars of March.

And whereas the freshman guard has proved she will be able to single-handedly win video games, the Trojans’ total development in changing into a extra well-rounded crew is what’s 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 say their will in opposition to the top-seeded Cardinal. “Whereas we’ve got selfless individuals who play roles,” Gottlieb mentioned afterward, “they’re hoopers.” The coach mentioned her crew is taking part in its finest basketball on the proper time, and it is laborious to argue together with her.

Of word: USC’s run may have historic implications. The final time USC hosted NCAA match video games, in 1994, was additionally the primary time the Trojans superior past the primary weekend of the Massive 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 robust 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 Massive 12 regular-season standings after which received the convention match of their final 12 months 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 Massive 12 co-player of the 12 months and match MVP. She may make her presence recognized massive time within the NCAA match. 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 robust 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 Massive 12 in scoring (81.2 PPG). And even when the protection is not fairly nearly as good with out Harmon, the entire package deal nonetheless makes Texas a possible Closing 4 contender. — Michael Voepel

---

NO. 2 SEEDS

Notre Dame Preventing Irish

The dangerous information for Notre Dame followers this 12 months: Junior guard Olivia Miles remained sidelined the complete season whereas recovering from a February 2023 knee damage. The excellent news? Freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo arrived and immediately grew to become a high 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 match title below 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 crew as a complete emerged as a defensive pressure, with Hidalgo naturally spearheading the cost.

Notre Dame is taking part in its finest basketball proper now, however the Irish’s depth stays a problem as they is perhaps all the way down to a six-player rotation. Senior ahead Kylee Watson’s standing transferring ahead is unknown after she suffered a knee damage within the ACC match.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes (25-5) received the Massive Ten regular-season title, however enter the NCAA match having misplaced two in a row. They fell at Iowa within the regular-season finale — a predictable loss — however then had been upset within the quarterfinals of the Massive Ten match by Maryland. That was alarming, particularly contemplating it was a 21-point loss and coach Kevin McGuff mentioned his crew did not actually present up.

The important thing for Ohio State is placing that efficiency in perspective in comparison with how the crew performed most of this season, which included a 15-game successful streak from Jan. 5 to Feb. 28. Ohio State and Michigan had been tied atop the Massive 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 Closing 4 this 12 months. — Michael Voepel

Stanford Cardinal

Within the final 12 months of the Pac-12, it was becoming that Stanford (28-5) received the league’s last regular-season title. The marketing campaign began with questions, nonetheless, 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 grew to become the game’s all-time winningest coach in males’s and ladies’s faculty 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 12 months Cameron Brink restricted or sidelined. Two others had been to USC, which defeated Stanford within the Pac-12 match title recreation.

Brink has taken the step ahead required of her as a senior chief and is projected to be the No. 2 total decide within the April 15 WNBA draft. However fellow submit Kiki Iriafen’s bounce as a sophomore was a nice 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 crew 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 Closing 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.

Luckily for UCLA, Betts would not have to do it on their own. 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 most effective rebounding crew within the nation (59.5% rebounding fee, in accordance with Her Hoop Stats), whereas Betts anchors the paint defensively as effectively.

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 attributable to a medical subject, with their most up-to-date loss coming in a double-overtime heartbreaker to eventual Pac-12 champion USC within the convention match semifinals.

UCLA fell to South Carolina final 12 months within the Candy 16, so a step ahead for the Bruins could be to advance to their first Elite Eight since 2018 (third total), and even to their first Closing 4.

---

NO. 3 SEEDS

UConn Huskies

A 12 months 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 12 months, 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 stable squads resembling UNC, Louisville and Creighton (twice).

Amid the adversity, they comfortably completed excellent throughout Massive East play, together with with ahead Aaliyah Edwards out for almost all of the convention match with a damaged nostril. The senior is predicted to be out there for the rest of the postseason.

There have been loads of positives. Guard Paige Bueckers (21.3 PPG), the 2021 nationwide participant of the 12 months, returned from an ACL damage in high type, displaying her trademark effectivity (61.1% efficient area objective 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 vital potent tandems within the match.

Freshmen guards KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade have been thrust into bigger roles than anticipated, however for essentially the most half, they’ve answered the decision. UConn’s 4 rookies will probably have to play past their years for UConn to surpass final 12 months’s beautiful Candy 16 end, which ended the Huskies’ NCAA-record streak of taking part in in 14 consecutive Closing Fours.

LSU Tigers

Properly after the mud settled from final 12 months’s nationwide championship, the Tigers (28-5) have been the discuss of girls’s basketball — first attributable to 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 crew, unexplained absences, confidence-boosting nonconference wins, surprising SEC losses and every part in between.

Senior ahead Angel Reese has been persistently dominant, taking dwelling SEC Participant of the 12 months. Morrow, a junior ahead, acclimated effectively to SEC play. Guard Mikaylah Williams established herself as the most effective 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 transferring in the proper route.

LSU performed South Carolina shut twice, together with short-handed within the SEC championship recreation. The Tigers haven’t got 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 a giant loss for a Tigers crew 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 match attributable to 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 match exit and shedding 4 starters. However coach Wes Moore turned some heads this season after guiding the Wolfpack to change into contenders within the ACC and nationally. NC State made an announcement 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 high scorer (15.8 PPG), however stability among the many Wolfpack’s mostly-six-player rotation stands proud. Junior guard Saniya Rivers brings versatility and dynamism, ahead River Baldwin brings the stableness of a graduate pupil down low and freshman guard Zoe Brooks has proven promising moments.

The Wolfpack’s protection has been a power this season, however to place collectively a deep run, they’re going to have to get their offense going once more. NC State managed simply 51 factors in opposition to 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 sphere.

Oregon State Beavers

A 12 months in the past, Scott Rueck’s squad went 13-18 and solely managed 4 wins within the Pac-12, guaranteeing Oregon State’s second straight season with out a NCAA match look. Eleven of the Beavers’ losses had been by single digits, seven by 5 factors or fewer. However these “hellish” (in Rueck’s phrases) moments final 12 months helped Oregon State (24-7) learn to pull out wins this 12 months. The Beavers have accomplished 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 match 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 wanting vivid in Corvallis past this postseason. Sophomore Raegan Beers has established herself as the most effective bigs within the nation — her 66.0% clip from the sphere 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 (essentially the most below Lisa Fortier) due to 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 in opposition to Pac-12 competitors, securing a signature win after they beat Stanford by 18, which helped them keep within the AP rankings a lot of the season.

Not solely does Gonzaga have the most effective bigs within the nation in WCC participant of the 12 months 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 not less than 40% of their makes an attempt from 3-point land. Collectively, the Bulldogs are the second-best 3-point capturing crew within the nation (40.03%).

This system final superior past the primary weekend of the match in 2015, Fortier’s first 12 months on the helm. That is an inexpensive objective for this 12 months’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 probably their finest recreation of the season Feb. 22 after 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 in opposition to the most effective 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 Massive Ten match quarterfinal loss to Michigan. That defeat was robust particularly as a result of the Hoosiers led by 14 at halftime after which misplaced by 13. The optimistic word after that recreation, although, was coach Teri Moren saying she believed the Hoosiers could be a considerably more healthy squad for the NCAA match, together with Holmes, who leads the crew 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 12 months, the Hoosiers — who even have 4 different gamers averaging in double figures scoring, together with guard Sara Scalia (16.2 PPG), are a stable decide to advance to the Candy 16. — Michael Voepel

Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats (25-7) had been third within the Massive 12 and misplaced to Texas in a aggressive match semifinal. They’d nonconference wins over Iowa and North Carolina and began league play 9-0, getting as much as No. 2 briefly within the Related Press High 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 had been by a median of 4.8 factors, displaying how good Okay-State might be. The Wildcats had been the highest scoring defensive crew within the Massive 12, holding foes to 57.6 PPG. Lee (20.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 BPG) powers Okay-State, which did not make the NCAA match final 12 months 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 Closing 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 12 months, suffered a knee damage. Her standing for the NCAA match stays unknown. However the Hokies enter the Massive Dance having misplaced three of their previous 4 (Kitley performed in 1½ of these contests).

There is no solution to exchange 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 match, 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 shall be obligatory.

---

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 had been 4-6, and it was laborious to inform in the event that they had 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 match in a greater state of mind. 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 Massive 12 in 3-pointers per recreation (7.6) however first in opponents’ area objective share (26.1). Baylor is nice sufficient to compete with nearly any crew, and the Bears’ protection normally has been dependable. The important thing to advancing within the match shall be offensive manufacturing. — Michael Voepel

Colorado Buffaloes

Coach JR Payne prides her program as one comprising blue-collar rivals used to being neglected. Nonetheless, there was no extra beautiful consequence 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 crew is understood for being defensive-minded, however Colorado’s offense — run by speedy graduate pupil level guard Jaylyn Sherrod — is statistically the most effective it has been below Payne. Colorado can rating in a large number of the way, 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 consequence to Oregon State within the Pac-12 match quarterfinals. Nonetheless, Payne mentioned after the loss she thought her crew was taking part in higher basketball in Las Vegas that the Buffs can construct off of for the NCAA match.

Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners (22-9) had been Massive 12 regular-season champions of their last 12 months within the league earlier than going to the SEC. They did it with the most effective turnarounds between nonconference and convention play of any crew within the nation. Oklahoma needed to remake itself after shedding 4 of 5 starters to commencement/damage from final 12 months’s co-Massive 12 regular-season championship crew. The Sooners hit some bumps within the street in nonconference play, the place they went 6-5 — however 4 of these losses had been to groups within the NCAA match.

As soon as league play began, the Sooners discovered their footing behind co-Massive 12 participant of the 12 months Skylar Vann (14.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG) and league newcomer of the 12 months 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 had been to Oklahoma. — Michael Voepel

Utah Utes

Preseason expectations for Utah (22-10) had been excessive. Returning all 5 starters from final 12 months’s squad that received a share of the Pac-12 common season title — and which was free throws away from sending LSU dwelling within the Candy 16 — the Utes had 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 12 months’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 had been the latest crew to beat USC — earlier than falling to UCLA within the match quarterfinals.

However they nonetheless have one of many high offensive gamers within the nation in 2023 Pac-12 participant of the 12 months Alissa Pili, a senior ahead who earlier this season dropped 37 factors in opposition to 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 laborious for groups to protect if they don’t seem to be aware of it.

---

NO. 6 SEEDS

Louisville Cardinals

Underneath 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 match and have compiled 14 consecutive 20-win seasons, the fifth-longest lively streak within the nation.

That consistency prolonged to 2023-24, at the same time as Walz assembled a new-look crew 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 haven’t got 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 12 months when the Cardinals additionally needed to hit the street for early-round NCAA match video games and upset Texas. The Cardinals might want to clear up their turnover subject, one thing that plagued them within the ACC match, to increase the streak.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers (22-11) nearly bought their second victory this season over Iowa within the Massive Ten match championship recreation. However the Hawkeyes pressured time beyond regulation and received the title. The Huskers had been crushed afterward, having been so shut. However with a while to contemplate how effectively they performed on the league match, the Huskers ought to take numerous confidence into the NCAA match.

Nebraska had some losses this season it should not have had, resembling 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 Massive Ten last — 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 match may need been disappointing, however the Orange’s total season has been one to recollect. In her second 12 months at her alma mater, Felisha Legette-Jack — not too long ago named ACC coach of the 12 months — did not simply information the Orange again to the NCAA match 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 listing with 3,351 factors and is understood for her capacity to get sizzling within the fourth quarter. Alyssa Latham — who leads the crew in rebounds (7.1 per recreation) and has helped set up the Orange as a high offensive rebounding crew within the nation (40.5% offensive rebounding fee) — earned a spot on the all-freshman crew.

Tennessee Girl Vols

Tennessee (19-12) rode out a roller-coaster season to enter March Insanity as a crew few will wish to see of their aspect of the bracket. The Girl 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 getting into SEC motion they had been out of the NCAA match image fully. However with Jackson again into the fold, they steadily climbed throughout convention play, and up to date outcomes in opposition to the league’s high two groups display what their ceiling might be.

Within the common season, Tennessee performed LSU and South Carolina tight. In a SEC match semifinal rematch, the Girl Vols overcame a 23-point deficit and had been a buzzer-beater away from taking down the undefeated Gamecocks. As heartbreaking of a end it was, the crew 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 Girl Vols might want to assert themselves on the glass and may’t revert to dangerous 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 12 months, 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) had been the clear second-best crew within the Massive East this season behind UConn, occupying a spot within the AP rankings a lot of the 12 months. Regardless of an upset loss to Georgetown within the Massive East match semifinals, the Bluejays received 25 video games, tied for this system’s most in a season below coach Jim Flanery. Creighton, which misplaced only one nonconference recreation, led the Massive East with three all-conference first crew picks: 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, had been on the roster when Creighton made its Cinderella run to the Elite Eight two seasons in the past as a 10-seed, displaying off how tough the Bluejays’ movement offense is to defend. (Notice: 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) Massive East squad to make some noise in March.

Duke Blue Devils

Final season, Duke was shocked at dwelling as a No. 3 seed by Colorado within the second spherical of the NCAA match. The Blue Devils have a decrease seed this 12 months after returning simply 28.3% of their scoring from final season. Coach Kara Lawson guides a bunch with eight underclassmen, together with 5 freshmen.

However the Blue Devils (20-11) nonetheless aren’t a simple matchup to have in your aspect of the bracket, particularly after a confidence-boosting last month of ACC motion that includes some massive wins (over Syracuse, NC State) and shut video games in opposition to 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 can provide opponents matches, with solely six groups scoring 70 factors in opposition to Duke this season. Whereas the Blue Devils’ offense can lag at instances, gamers resembling Ashlon Jackson, Taina Mair and Reigan Richardson have proven they’ll go off. One other star freshman, Oluchi Okananwa, has been a pressure 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 by way of rising pains as a result of they — like fellow Massive 12 faculty 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 Massive 12 match 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 gives the management the younger crew wants. Iowa State received seven of its final 9 video games — the 2 losses had been to Texas — and reached the Massive 12 match last. — 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 match. Behind their trademark protection and rebounding prowess, the Rebels (23-8) wish to construct upon that run in what’s been a largely profitable season for coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

For the third consecutive 12 months, 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 had been a program report — 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 essentially the most representatives), whereas switch Kennedy Todd-Williams is coming into her personal. Ole Miss received seven consecutive video games earlier than shedding to LSU within the SEC match semifinals, and gave the Tigers a troublesome time each instances 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 match 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, they usually 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 match, the place it fell within the quarterfinals to Tennessee.

Senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker was tabbed for the all-SEC first crew 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 received the WNIT championship final season however did not wish to return to that match in 2024. Nevertheless, they had been 10-10 after a loss at Oklahoma on Jan. 27 and knew their NCAA match hopes had 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 Massive 12 match.

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 match exit. They’ve overwhelmed a lot of the high 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 getting into March, beginning with senior all-ACC picks Deja Kelly (first crew) and Alyssa Ustby (second crew). 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) bought off to a 13-0 begin below new coach Mark Kellogg and had been 22-3 after a giant 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 had been second within the Massive 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 could be a robust foe for groups not used to how a lot defensive strain the Mountaineers can convey. — Michael Voepel

---

NO. 9 SEEDS

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State (23-10) was with out star Ta’Niya Latson attributable to damage throughout final 12 months’s NCAA match, which ended with a first-round loss to Georgia. We’ll lastly get our first dose of March Insanity Latson this 12 months, 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 he or she led the ACC in blocks this season (84).

Florida State — a part of an unique membership of eight packages which have made every of the previous 11 tournaments — will look to get its first NCAA match 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 match quarterfinal.

Michigan Wolverines

Protection was the Wolverines’ major calling card this season; they tied with Ohio State atop the Massive Ten in opponents’ factors per recreation (63.8). That is not dangerous contemplating they play in a league with a number of high-scoring groups. The Wolverines (20-13) had been one among three Massive Ten groups to complete 9-9 within the league, and their finest win was in opposition to Indiana within the Massive Ten match quarterfinals. Guards Laila Phelia (16.8 PPG) and Lauren Hansen (11.9 PPG) are Michigan’s high scoring threats. — Michael Voepel

Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans (22-8) completed fourth within the Massive Ten, though Nebraska upset them within the quarterfinals of the league match. The Spartans’ solely “dangerous” lack of the season was at Minnesota on Jan. 20. Their street losses to the Massive Ten’s massive three — Ohio State, Iowa and Indiana — had been all by 5 factors or much less.

As a result of there was a lot consideration on the Massive Ten’s high 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 match. The guard-led Spartans had been second to Iowa within the Massive 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 he or she’s additionally the crew’s high rebounder (7.2 RPG). — Michael Voepel

Princeton Tigers

The Tigers (25-4) have earned the Ivy League’s final 5 NCAA match bids and are going dancing for the eleventh time total. And so they punched their ticket in convincing vogue, taking down co-regular season champion Columbia 75-58 in Saturday’s last.

It is not simply that Princeton will get to the NCAA match. The Tigers win video games there, too. In each berths below coach Carla Berube, the defensive-minded Tigers superior to the spherical of 32, and each instances performed shut second-round contests regardless of finally shedding.

They would not have wanted the auto bid to make it to the NCAA match, both, as they put collectively a robust nonconference slate by which 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 match from 2023 Ivy League participant of the 12 months Kaitlyn Chen, the league’s first athlete in practically 20 years to common 15 factors and 5 assists in a season. Chen is flanked by fellow all-Ivy picks 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 12 months and the most effective rebounders within the nation (10.0 RPG).

---

NO. 10 SEEDS

Marquette Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles (23-8) are again within the NCAA match for the third time (second consecutive) below Megan Duffy, who’s hoping to safe her first win within the Massive Dance. The season began on a fantastic word, as Marquette compiled its finest begin in program historical past at 12-0 and went undefeated in nonconference play. However it has since dropped eight Massive East video games, together with the match semifinal to UConn (the place it managed simply 29 factors).

Ahead Liza Karlen took a giant step as a senior on her solution to being tabbed an unanimous first-team all-conference choice. Sophomore guard Mackenzie Hare, one of many high 3-point shooters within the nation at 43.2%, and senior guard Jordan King spherical out the Golden Eagles’ massive 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 consequence has been a special Terps crew than we’re used to seeing. They went 9-9 in Massive 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 had been nonetheless third (39.1) within the Massive 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 numerous NCAA match expertise. The Terps knocked off top-seeded Ohio State within the Massive Ten quarterfinals, displaying they can not be neglected. — Michael Voepel

Richmond Spiders

The Atlantic 10 Convention has produced seven completely different match champions up to now 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 match championship since 1991. It marks the Spiders’ fourth look within the Massive Dance, and first since 2005, though they bought some postseason expertise within the WNIT final 12 months.

Underneath fifth-year coach Aaron Roussell, the Spiders’ 29-5 report comfortably options their highest win whole in program historical past. They boast one of the vital 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 12 months and match MVP Addie Budnik, a senior ahead, is likely one of the nation’s high shot blockers with 2.5 per recreation.

UNLV Girl Rebels

Lindy La Rocque has constructed a mid-major energy within the desert. For the second straight season, the Girl Rebels received 30 video games, becoming a member of South Carolina as the one Division I packages to realize it. And for the third consecutive season, UNLV accomplished the common season and Mountain West match sweep.

Senior submit Desi-Rae Younger (18.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG), who received the MWC participant of the 12 months 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 12 months Amarachi Kimpson (10.6 PPG, 54.5 FG%) helped La Rocque exchange some key gamers from a 12 months in the past and hold UNLV the dominant pressure within the convention. — Charlie Creme

---

NO. 11 SEEDS

Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats (17-15) have had a roller-coaster season, however incomes an NCAA match berth (for the fourth consecutive 12 months) 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 high scorer Kailyn Gilbert being dismissed from the crew final month. Issues regarded notably dire after they went 1-5 to begin the 2024 calendar 12 months.

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 accordance with CBB Analytics. Arizona received 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 real remaining participant from Arizona’s 2021 nationwide title recreation run, maintain down the fort when it comes to expertise, which is important contemplating Barnes has been pressured to begin three freshmen this 12 months: Breya Cunningham, Jada Williams and Skylar Jones.

Auburn Tigers

Third-year coach Johnnie Harris has the Tigers (22-11) headed in the proper route as they head into their first NCAA match 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 match 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 pupil 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 courting 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 Massive Dance for the primary time since 2018 after beating final 12 months’s Horizon champion, Cleveland State, within the last.

The Phoenix first made waves in November after 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 most effective assist-to-turnover ratio within the nation (1.75). Junior guard Natalie McNeal, the Horizon League match MVP, paces the Phoenix in scoring at 13.7 factors per recreation, nevertheless it’s their stability that stands proud, as six others rating not less than six factors per recreation.

Center Tennessee Blue Raiders

One of many steadiest mid-major packages in girls’s basketball, Center Tennessee (29-4) makes its twenty first NCAA match look (third up to now 4 years) and twelfth below 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 crew in CUSA historical past to go undefeated by way of the common season and convention match.

Center Tennessee final misplaced on Dec. 30 to Grand Canyon, earlier than that taking part in Princeton and Michigan tight (each losses) and snagging a signature win in opposition to Tennessee (which was lacking Jackson). All 5 of the crew’s starters earned spots on all-CUSA groups, headlined by participant of the 12 months and match MVP Savannah Wheeler (17.4 PPG, 5.0 APG).

An enormous milestone for the Blue Raiders could be to win a NCAA match recreation; they’re 5-20 all-time within the occasion, the worst report amongst groups with 20-plus NCAA match video games, and final superior to the second spherical in 2007.

Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies (19-12) are again within the Massive Dance for the primary time since 2021, additionally marking the primary berth for second-year coach Joni Taylor. Texas A&M breezed by way of nonconference play for essentially the most half, however SEC competitors was a lot harder. It hasn’t helped that graduate pupil guard Endyia Rogers and sophomore ahead Janiah Barker missed time with accidents, taking part in 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 practically a month, a stretch by which the crew went 1-5, earlier than returning for the SEC match, the place the Aggies received 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 match report) they usually 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 crew needs to be in fine condition.

---

NO. 12 SEEDS

Columbia Lions

After falling to Princeton within the Ivy League match last at dwelling, the Lions’ NCAA match hopes appeared bleak, however after the most effective three-year stretch in program historical past, Columbia was rewarded with its first bid. The widespread denominators for these three seasons have been coach Megan Griffith, a former Lions level guard, and Abbey Hsu, the most effective 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 bought a scare within the MVC match. It took time beyond regulation to beat Northern Iowa within the semifinals, and a last-second shot to defeat Missouri State within the last and win the match title. It is Drake’s second MVC match 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 match, falling 83-81 within the first spherical. This 12 months may convey the Bulldogs their first NCAA match victory since 2002. — Michael Voepel

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

On the subject of consistency, few packages do it like Florida Gulf Coast (29-4), which received its seventh straight ASUN match title and is again dancing for the tenth time in program historical past. Take into account: Solely FGCU and UConn have received not less than 25 video games every of the final 14 seasons, and Karl Smesko is the third-winningest lively D-I coach.

The Eagles had been excellent in opposition to ASUN competitors and are ranked No. 2 total in CollegeInsider’s Mid Main High 25 ballot, behind solely AP-ranked Gonzaga. In nonconference play, they misplaced to USC, Iowa and Duke however earned a High 25 win over North Carolina the week of Thanksgiving. Their type of play — predicated on taking and making numerous 3s — typically 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 12 months, defensive participant of the 12 months and co-newcomer of the 12 months.

The previous two seasons, FGCU made it to the second spherical of the NCAA match with wins over Virginia Tech and Washington State, nevertheless it’s nonetheless searching for 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 match crown and fourth up to now seven years. Total, South Dakota has received 11 Summit League match championships since 2009 and can make its twelfth look within the Division I match. Of its 5 losses out of convention, 4 got here in opposition to ranked groups.

The Jackrabbits’ power is on the offensive finish, the place they’ve three gamers averaging double figures, led by Summit League participant of the 12 months Brooklyn Meyer, who will get it accomplished down low. However additionally they have 4 different gamers capturing round 40% or higher from 3; as a crew they’re hitting 38.3% of their treys.

Final season the Jackrabbits upset USC in time beyond regulation 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 decent loss to NC State. Their 22 wins are 10 greater than final 12 months and essentially the most this system has recorded since 2011-12, whereas their 9 SEC victories are their most since 2012-13. Vanderbilt set a program report with six SEC street victories, successful at Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Arkansas. Making the NCAA match for the primary time since 2014 is the proper reward.

Graduate pupil guard Jordyn Cambridge, a Naismith defensive participant of the 12 months 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 12 months attributable to damage.

---

NO. 13 SEEDS

UC Irvine Anteaters

Issues at UC Irvine had been steadily bettering for years below coach Tamara Inoue, together with three consecutive 20-plus-win seasons for the primary time in program historical past and its first Massive West regular-season title final 12 months. The one factor lacking was a match championship and berth to the NCAA match (they bought 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 objective off the listing. No. 2 seed dismantled fifth-seeded UC Davis within the Massive West last to clinch its first look within the NCAA match since 1995. Junior guard Déja Lee, this system’s first Massive West Participant of the 12 months for her influence on each ends of the ground, was fittingly named match 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 Massive West’s first NCAA match win since 2004.

Fairfield Stags

After successful every of their 20 regular-season MAAC video games by a median of 18.3 factors, the Stags (31-1) wanted each final level to outlive Niagara in time beyond regulation within the convention match last. 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 in opposition to Vanderbilt. Senior Janelle Brown received MAAC participant of the 12 months honors, however two of the Stags’ high 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 area objective share. — Charlie Creme

Marshall Thundering Herd

It has been a minute, however the Thundering Herd (26-6) are again within the NCAA match for the primary time since 1997 and simply the second time total. Coach Kim Caldwell was employed getting into the 2023-24 marketing campaign, when Marshall was picked to complete ninth within the Solar Belt. However Caldwell has seen resounding success in 12 months 1: The Thundering Herd clinched each the Solar Belt regular-season and match titles, their 26 wins essentially the most in program historical past.

The match last, which went into time beyond regulation, produced one of many craziest field scores you’ll ever see: Marshall pressured 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 taking part in type: The Herd play on the quickest tempo within the nation, take numerous 3s (31.7 per recreation, additionally essentially 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 12 months and match 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 high 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 received comfortably by 21. All bets had been off when the calendar turned to March, although. Within the WCC match semifinal, Portland erased a 16-point deficit in opposition to Santa Clara to return 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 match 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 pupil ahead Kennedy Dickie, who received WCC match 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 effectively 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 12 months he was honored because the WBCA’s Division I Rookie Coach of the 12 months as he guided the Mocs to their highest win whole since 2017. This 12 months he led this system to a 28-4 report (13-1 within the Southern Convention) and to back-to-back convention match titles and NCAA match appearances. Chattanooga’s signature win came to visit Mississippi State in early December, and it joins South Carolina as the one groups to not lose a recreation on the street this season.

Japanese Washington Eagles

The Eagles (29-5) are celebrating essentially the most profitable season in program historical past after successful the Massive Sky regular-season and match titles and incomes their first NCAA match look since 1987. Jamie Loera (13.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.4 SPG) propels the Eagles’ success. The Massive Sky participant of the 12 months and two-time defensive participant of the 12 months 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 Girl Tigers

In six seasons at Jackson State, Tomekia Reed has received the SWAC coach of the 12 months 4 instances. She turned the Girl 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 match in 4 years.

The Tigers have measurement — six gamers within the rotation are 6 toes or taller — and expertise — the highest six gamers have every performed not less than 4 years of school basketball. Program mainstays Miya Crump and Ti’lan Boler cleared the path for a crew that challenged itself with video games in opposition to 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 match, the Owls are within the NCAA match for the primary time below third-year coach Lindsay Edmonds, who served for eight years as an assistant at NC State below Wes Moore. The Owls received 4 video games in 4 days to win the AAC match after ending the common season on a five-game shedding streak. Malia Fisher, a 6-2 junior, was Rice’s scoring and rebounding chief throughout the season and averaged 14.5 factors and seven.8 rebounds throughout the match run. — Charlie Creme

---

NO. 15 SEEDS

California Baptist Lancers

The Lancers weren’t eligible to play within the NCAA match three years in the past after they received 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 had been in place for an additional run. With Webb scoring 24 factors and taking part in just like the WAC participant of the 12 months, Cal Baptist got here again to beat Stephen F. Austin on Saturday to earn the college’s first journey to the NCAA match. Led by Webb’s 21 factors and seven.9 rebounds per recreation, the Lancers had 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 by way of in opposition to the Mid-American’s finest groups throughout the common season, going 0-4 in opposition to Toledo and Ball State. Then for 3 days in Cleveland on the convention match, the Golden Flashes had been the league’s finest, successful their semifinal recreation over the Cardinals and the ultimate in opposition to Buffalo by a median 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 pupil Anne Simon received each America East participant and defensive participant of the 12 months for the second time in three seasons — marking the fourth consecutive 12 months the Black Bears (24-9) have had the league’s high participant. Maine has additionally received 5 of the previous seven regular-season America East titles. But this marks the Black Bears’ first journey to the NCAA match since 2019. They did it with a dominant title recreation efficiency in opposition to Vermont, led by Simon’s 15 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists and two steals. — Charlie Creme

Norfolk State Spartans

Already the highest crew within the MEAC with regular-season and match titles in 2022 and 2023, the Spartans (27-5) added former Rutgers and NC State level guard Diamond Johnson this season. They cruised by way of the convention season with only one loss, and all however three of their wins had 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 area objective share (44.0%) and steals (3.5 SPG). — Charlie Creme

---

NO. 16 SEEDS

Drexel Dragons

The Dragons (19-14) beat all the percentages to change into the ultimate crew Sunday to punch its ticket into the NCAA match 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 12 months. On March 1, the Dragons fell to 12-14, and shortly after, when CAA year-end awards had been introduced, they had been left off fully.

Since then, Drexel hasn’t misplaced. It received 4 video games in 4 days as a 7-seed within the CAA match, the primary three by a mixed 5 factors. The Dragons knocked off the highest two seeds to safe their third NCAA match look and second in 4 years. In accordance with ESPN Stats & Data, the Dragons are the one Division I crew up to now 25 years to have three wins by two factors or fewer in a single convention match. They’re additionally the second straight (and total) No. 7 seed to win the CAA match crown, following Monmouth from final 12 months.

Junior guard Amaris Baker has upped her recreation in March, and although the crew entered Sunday’s last 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 crew make historical past.

Holy Cross Crusaders

Final 12 months, the Crusaders snapped a 15-year streak with out a NCAA match 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 match once more after pulling out a detailed win over Boston College on Sunday. It is their 14th look within the Massive 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 couple of weeks with two 30-pieces over the past six contests.

Holy Cross has the Patriot League’s sole NCAA match win; the Crusaders beat Maryland in 1991.

Presbyterian Blue Hose

Welcome to the Massive Dance, Presbyterian! The Blue Hose (20-14) started their championship run by knocking off high seed Excessive Level within the semifinals of the Massive South match, clinching their first finals look. From there, they beat Radford to punch their ticket to the NCAA match for the primary time since transitioning to Division I in 2007. Because of their current stretch (eight wins in 9 video games), their 20 victories this season mark essentially the most in this system’s historical past.

The Blue Hose’s massive three of sophomore guard and Massive South match 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 had been all-Massive South second-team picks.

Sacred Coronary heart Pioneers

Sacred Coronary heart would have earned the NEC’s automated bid no matter how Sunday’s last panned out, as title recreation opponent Le Moyne is not eligible for the NCAA match amid its reclassification to Division I. However the Pioneers received the championship recreation handily to clinch each the convention regular-season and match crowns and enter the Massive Dance on a 15-game successful streak.

The Pioneers have now earned 5 NCAA match appearances and, for the primary time, back-to-back berths. Final season they beat Southern within the First 4, signifying the primary NCAA match 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 12 months — 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 12 months.

UT Martin Skyhawks

One of the crucial profitable Ohio Valley Convention packages over the previous decade, UT Martin will characterize the league within the Massive Dance. The Skyhawks had been truly the runner-up within the convention match; Southern Indiana received the title, however as a result of they’re nonetheless within the technique of reclassifying to Division I, the Screaming Eagles aren’t eligible for the NCAA match (however will play within the WNIT).

Again within the NCAA match 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 pressured 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 match title recreation to earn its first journey to the NCAA match. This comes one 12 months after successful the regular-season title however shedding to Lamar within the match 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% total area objective capturing, which ranks twentieth nationally. — Charlie Creme