Just two days until Women’s March Madness begins as the path to Phoenix determines which teams will become the Final Four. Athletes who have been in college for at least the past five years have a final opportunity to finish their chapter and extend their season into March.
The bracket released on Selection Sunday gave the viewers some intriguing matchups, possible upsets and rematches for some regions. Last year’s Final Four teams UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina entered the tournament as the number one seeds. This is the fourth team in NCAA women’s basketball history that the previous final four teams are the top overall seeds in the tournament.
Every team is competing for a championship, and this is going to bring an exciting week of basketball. As the games prepare to roll, which number one seed has the easiest or hardest route to the Final Four.
UConn Huskies (33-0) are the reigning national champions and top overall seed of the tournament looking to go back-to-back for the fourth time in school history. UConn has stayed perfect throughout the season and kept their foot on the pedal.
Huskies are led by the dynamic duo of fifth-year guard Azzi Fudd and rising sophomore forward Sarah Strong. Geno Auriemma, 12-time National Champion, has the most experience in the tournament and knows how to lead the Huskies to a title throughout his career.
The Huskies’ steady offense and defense are going to be the main factor in the team’s ability to repeat as national champions. UConn’s bracket contains a mix of simple and tough competition that will test their potential.
A slight battle in the second round between Iowa State or Syracuse could give the Huskies an early test. A possible elite eight matchup with former UConn player Shea Ralph and Vanderbilt could be an interesting match of mentor vs student. Through some tough battles, I see the Huskies winning back-to-back national champions.
UCLA Bruins (31-1) expected to return to the Final Four for the second consecutive time and play in their first championship game after falling in the semifinals last year. UCLA dominated the Big Ten finishing (18-0) and won their second straight Big Ten title since moving from the Pac-12.
The Bruins are led by their senior trio, Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez. Graduate transfers Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker are the missing pieces to UCLA needed depth in the backcourt to open the floor and pace on offense.
The Bruins are experienced and have something to prove that they are capable of winning a championship. UCLA has an easy advantage in the first two rounds but is going to be tested in the next two rounds.
A possible Sweet Sixteen rematch with Ole Miss will challenge the Bruins to take care of the ball and limit the Rebels on offense. If UCLA wins, they will have to go round three against LSU where both teams have met in the last two tournaments. I think the experience of the Bruins could propel them into the championship game for the first time in school history if they can continue to survive.
Texas (31-3) is the number one seed for the three consecutive time hoping to surpass the semifinals of the Final Four. A defensive-minded Longhorns won the SEC tournament championship in their second season with the conference.
The leadership of Texas has come from First Team All-SEC Madison Booker and Longhorn’s floor general Rori Harmon. The Longhorns defense and improvement on offense have given them the opportunity to bring a national title to Austin for the first time in school history.
Texas has a mild bracket where they could easily beat their opponents and some challenges along the way. I see the Longhorns being a threat to any team that has to face them in their region, but their offense needs to be effective.
South Carolina (31-3) tabs the final number one seed after falling in the SEC tournament ending their consecutive run. The Gamecocks have won two national champions out of the last four tournaments.
South Carolina have gotten growth from sophomore Joyce Edwards, floor general Raven Johnson, and junior Tessa Johnson. Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson and Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot have given the Gamecocks more production to replace from last season’s roster.
South Carolina has appeared in the last five Final Fours and has minimal experience to bring another title to Columbia. The Gamecocks have an interesting route in this tournament but could rematch against Oklahoma in the Sweet Sixteen. I think the Gamecocks depth will have to exile throughout the tournament if they’re going to win.
