UCLA Remains the Team to Beat in Women’s College Basketball Tournament Projections
The landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve, but one constant remains: UCLA’s dominance. According to the latest projections released by the NCAA on Thursday night, the one-loss Bruins have maintained their position as the overall No. 1 seed. This marks the second time UCLA has received this distinction, having also been named the top seed in the initial projections released on February 16.
Joining UCLA as No. 1 seeds are Texas, USC, and Notre Dame. These four teams represent the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, each boasting impressive records and exceptional talent.
In the lead-up to Selection Sunday on March 16, the NCAA provides projections of the top 16 seeds, offering a glimpse into how the tournament bracket might unfold if the season concluded that day. Of course, the season is far from over, with crucial matchups and conference tournaments still to come. The UCLA-USC rematch on Saturday night adds further intrigue to the already captivating narrative.
While these projections are not definitive, they offer valuable insights into the committee’s current thinking and provide a framework for understanding the potential tournament landscape.
Beyond the No. 1 seeds, the projections reveal a competitive field of contenders. South Carolina, UConn, LSU, and N.C. State are projected as No. 2 seeds, indicating their potential to make deep tournament runs. TCU, North Carolina, Duke, and Tennessee are slated as No. 3 seeds, while Oklahoma, Kentucky, Kansas State, and Ohio State round out the top 16 as No. 4 seeds.
UCLA’s position as the overall No. 1 seed is particularly noteworthy. The Bruins spent a significant portion of the season ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Coaches poll before suffering their lone loss to crosstown rival USC on February 13. Despite this setback, UCLA remains a formidable force, currently ranked No. 2 in the poll, just behind Texas. The committee’s decision to award UCLA the top overall seed reflects their assessment of the Bruins’ overall body of work, considering that the other top schools have accumulated two or more losses.
The committee also provided insights into regional assignments, adding another layer of complexity to the projections. UCLA and USC have been assigned to the Spokane regional, setting the stage for potential matchups between the crosstown rivals. Texas and Notre Dame, on the other hand, have been assigned to the Birmingham regional.
The projected seedings offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential tournament bracket. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time since 2019 that neither UConn nor South Carolina has secured a No. 1 seed. In 2019, UConn was a No. 2 seed, while South Carolina was a No. 4 seed. The No. 1 seeds that year were Baylor, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, and Louisville.
The selection committee’s projections in 2019 were partially accurate, with Baylor defeating Notre Dame for the national title. However, the other two teams in the Final Four were UConn and Oregon, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
It’s essential to emphasize that these are merely projected seeds, and the final bracket could differ significantly. The upcoming UCLA-USC rematch, for example, could have a considerable impact on the seedings. A Bruins victory would solidify their position as the top overall seed, while a USC win could elevate their status and potentially challenge UCLA’s dominance.
The possibility of a third meeting between UCLA and USC in the Big Ten tournament title game adds further intrigue. A conference tournament championship could significantly influence the final seedings and bracket placement.
The conference tournaments across the nation have the potential to upend the projections. The SEC, with five teams in Thursday’s projected top 16 seeds, stands out as a particularly competitive conference. The ACC follows closely with four teams, while the Big 12 boasts three teams in the top 16.
The projections also highlight the growing prominence of women’s basketball in North Carolina. N.C. State, North Carolina, and Duke are all projected to host first- and second-round games. This would mark the first time since 1998 that all three schools have been seeded high enough to host early-round action.
While North Carolina is traditionally known as a hotbed for men’s basketball, the women’s game is rapidly gaining traction. If the final bracket mirrors Thursday’s projections, North Carolina could become the epicenter of women’s college basketball.
The projected seedings and regional assignments provide a captivating glimpse into the potential landscape of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. While these projections are subject to change, they offer a valuable framework for understanding the current state of the sport and the potential contenders for the national championship. As the season progresses and conference tournaments unfold, the final bracket will undoubtedly be filled with surprises and thrilling matchups. The road to the Final Four is paved with challenges, and only the most resilient and talented teams will emerge victorious. The women’s college basketball world eagerly awaits Selection Sunday to witness the culmination of a season filled with excitement, drama, and unparalleled athletic achievement.
