March Madness Underway: The Women’s NCAA Tournament Tips Off with First Four Action
The excitement of March Madness is officially upon us as the NCAA Women’s Tournament has commenced with the high-stakes First Four games. This initial phase of the tournament provides a thrilling glimpse into the potential upsets and Cinderella stories that define the March Madness experience. The action began Wednesday night, setting the stage for a captivating tournament run.
The opening night featured two intense matchups, most notably No. 11 seed Iowa State’s hard-fought victory over No. 11 seed Princeton. The Cyclones emerged victorious with a final score of 68-63, punching their ticket to the next round and igniting the fervor of March Madness predictions. The other First Four contest on Wednesday pitted UC San Diego against Southern in a late-night showdown in Los Angeles.
The remaining two First Four games are scheduled for Thursday, promising another evening of nail-biting competition. These early games add an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, showcasing teams battling for the opportunity to advance and face some of the nation’s top-ranked programs.
A Relatively New Addition: The Evolution of the First Four
The First Four is a relatively recent addition to the Women’s NCAA Tournament landscape. The format was introduced following the NCAA’s announcement in November 2021, which expanded the tournament field to 68 teams. This expansion aimed to provide more opportunities for deserving teams to participate in the prestigious tournament and to enhance the overall competitiveness of the event.
The First Four games essentially serve as play-in contests, featuring teams with lower seeds who must earn their place in the traditional 64-team bracket. These games provide a platform for teams on the bubble to prove their worth and potentially make a deep run in the tournament.
First Four History: Underdog Success and the Road Ahead
Historically, the First Four winners have faced an uphill battle in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Entering this year’s tournament, teams emerging from the First Four have a combined record of just 1-11 in the subsequent round. This statistic highlights the challenges these teams face, often playing against higher-seeded opponents with greater resources and perceived advantages. However, it also underscores the potential for upsets and the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
The single victory from a First Four team demonstrates that these underdogs are capable of defying the odds and making a statement on the national stage. This year’s First Four teams will undoubtedly be looking to improve upon this record and prove that they belong among the top contenders.
Breaking Down the First Four Matchups: Teams, Locations, and Future Opponents
Here’s a closer look at the matchups that define the First Four of the 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament:
Iowa State vs. Princeton (Completed): As previously mentioned, Iowa State secured a 68-63 victory over Princeton at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana on Wednesday. This win propelled the Cyclones into the first round, where they will face No. 6 seed Michigan on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET. Iowa State’s momentum and confidence gained from the First Four victory could make them a dangerous opponent for the Wolverines.
UC San Diego vs. Southern (Completed Wednesday Night): UC San Diego and Southern faced off at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles in a late game Wednesday, which started at 9 p.m. ET. The winner of this matchup will advance to face a formidable opponent in UCLA, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. The challenge of playing the top-ranked team in the nation will undoubtedly be a significant test for either UC San Diego or Southern.
Columbia vs. Washington (Thursday, 7 p.m. ET): Columbia and Washington are set to clash at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The victor of this contest will earn the right to play No. 6 seed West Virginia on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. This matchup presents an opportunity for either Columbia or Washington to showcase their talents and potentially pull off an upset against a higher-seeded opponent.
High Point vs. William & Mary (Thursday, 9 p.m. ET): High Point and William & Mary will square off at Moody Center in Austin, Texas at Thursday at 9 p.m. ET. The winning team will advance to face No. 1 seed Texas on Saturday at 9:45 p.m. ET. Like the UC San Diego/Southern winner, the victor here faces the daunting task of playing a top seed on their home court, a true test of skill and resilience.
The Road to the Championship: What Lies Ahead
The First Four serves as the opening act to a month-long basketball spectacle. As teams battle for supremacy on the court, fans around the nation will be captivated by the drama, excitement, and unpredictable nature of March Madness. The winners of the First Four games will join the rest of the field in the first round, embarking on a quest to reach the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and ultimately, the National Championship game.
The journey to the championship will be filled with thrilling upsets, memorable performances, and moments of both triumph and heartbreak. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will rise, and the competition will become even fiercer. The teams that demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and unwavering determination will have the best chance of achieving their ultimate goal: hoisting the national championship trophy.
The NCAA Women’s Tournament is not just about basketball; it’s about celebrating the accomplishments of female athletes and showcasing their dedication, skill, and passion for the game. The tournament provides a platform for these athletes to inspire young girls and women across the globe and to demonstrate the power of teamwork, perseverance, and hard work. As the tournament unfolds, fans will witness the embodiment of these values on the court, creating a truly unforgettable March Madness experience.
The First Four has set the stage. Now, let the Madness begin.
