Everything to Know About All 68 Teams within the Women’s N.C.A.A. Tournament

After 5 months of regular-season and convention event motion, we’ve got in the end reached the most productive stretch of the 12 months.

It’s March Madness, and it’s putting in to be but some other eventful NCAA Tournament.

At 32-0, South Carolina turns out like the simple pick out to make it to the championship sport, however we concept that final 12 months, too. Fellow No. 1 seeds — Iowa, USC, and Texas — will glance to make deep runs to problem the Gamecocks.

Like yearly, accidents will play a significant function within the NCAA Tournament, and none will have a larger affect on a group than three-time ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley’s knee. Kitley injured her knee within the regular-season finale, and if she’s now not at one hundred pc, the Hokies might be on dissatisfied alert early within the event — even with the new play of Georgia Amoore.

All eyes – neatly, maximum eyes – might be on Caitlin Clark as she performs in her ultimate event ahead of departing for the WNBA. The similar will also be mentioned for Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, and most likely Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, amongst others. But the highlight can also be at the subsequent technology of stars, together with USC’s JuJu Watkins, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley, Texas’ Madison Booker, Nebraska’s Natalie Potts, LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and extra.

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Strengths: Where do we begin? From height to backside, South Carolina is loaded with skill from Te-Hina Paopao — who introduced she is going to go back for her ultimate season — to Raven Johnson, Bree Hall, Kamilla Cardoso, Ashley Watkins, Chloe Kitts and freshman standout MiLaysia Fulwiley. There’s no approach to preventing the Gamecocks, who’re in particular spectacular bearing in mind this used to be going to be a “step-back year” for them. That’s humorous, in hindsight.

Weaknesses: There isn’t any weak spot. Dawn Staley has her group able to play each and every unmarried sport. The Gamecocks had handiest 4 video games that they gained via unmarried digits. The smallest margin of victory got here at LSU. South Carolina might be with out Kamilla Cardoso in its opening sport after being ejected within the SEC championship for combating, however in two video games with out Cardoso this season, the Gamecocks defeated Missouri 83-45 and UConn 83-65. The Gamecocks might be simply effective.

Outlook: It’s South Carolina vs. the sector. Remember when folks would wager on Tiger Woods or the sector? That’s what you’re doing right here with South Carolina. Last season, it used to be knocked off via Iowa. The Gamecocks understand that neatly. This season, there’s no preventing them from attending to the identify sport.

Team in 16 phrases: South Carolina has one loss since March 18, 2022. What else is there to mention? Sheer dominance.

Record: 32-0 (14-2 SEC)

Coach: Dawn Staley; 5 FInal Fours, 2 titles

Player to observe: MiLaysia Fulwiley

Strengths: When you might have the all time main scorer for your group, it’s an obtrusive plus. What’s extra, Molly Davis, who leads all Iowa starters in field-goal share, have shyed away from a significant harm within the season finale win in opposition to Ohio State. Iowa has the country’s preferrred offense, averaging 92.7 issues in step with sport at the shoulders of Clark’s 32.3 common. Even if fighters can include Clark — or try to — Davis, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall have all proven the facility to persistently hit the out of doors shot.

Weaknesses: Clark is the big name, and whilst Martin and Hannah Stuelke can chip in, the group is going so far as Clark will take it – which used to be to the identify sport final season. But on account of the tempo that the Hawkeyes play, they’re vulnerable on protection, particularly in transition. Opponents are averaging 71.8 issues in step with sport in opposition to the Hawkeyes — 20.9 fewer than Iowa averages, in fact – which ranks within the backside Twelfth percentile. Iowa will win a shootout, however the alternative is there to try to cross toe-to-toe with it.

Outlook: College basketball has at all times had stars. Skylar Diggins, Maya Moore, Cheryl Miller, Brittney Griner and so forth. Caitlin Clark is the most recent phenom to return alongside to carry new eyes at the product, and rightfully so. Iowa might be a larger speaking level nationally than South Carolina — who, you understand, hasn’t misplaced a sport all season — with the expectancies that it’ll play within the championship once more. Aside from scoring handiest 58 issues in a loss to Kansas State, Iowa generally pours in buckets even in losses. It’s challenging to peer any person slowing down the Hawkeyes, making them a perfect ultimate weekend pick out.

Team in 16 phrases: After shedding within the identify sport final 12 months, can Caitlin Clark and Co. end her tale?

Record: 29-4

Coach: Lisa Bluder, two Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight, one runner-up

Player to observe: Caitlin Clark

Strengths: In highschool, JuJu Watkins had celebrities like The Game and 2-Chainz attending her video games. Now, the phenom can have the sector gazing as she makes her NCAA Tournament debut. Watkins trails handiest Caitlin Clark because the country’s scoring chief, as she’s averaging 27.8 issues in step with sport. Is potency a priority? Yeah, however whilst you’re a strolling bucket, averaging essentially the most shot makes an attempt in step with sport, you’ll reside with lacking 49.4 % of them. USC is going as Watkins is going, however do not fail to remember contributions from junior Rayah Marshall and All-Pac-12 senior McKenzie Forbes — each robust complementary gamers.

Weaknesses: The fouls. It’s at all times the fouls. We noticed that after Watkins fouled out in opposition to Arizona, and USC just about misplaced the sport. If the Trojans can keep disciplined and keep away from moving into foul bother, then they shouldn’t have an issue within the event. Watkins is used to the brilliant lighting fixtures, so don’t be expecting any primetime struggles there.

Outlook: USC gained 8 of its final 9 video games of this eason, with its lone loss coming in opposition to Utah in overdue February. But it enters the event on a scorching streak, and it survived a double-overtime problem from Arizona within the aforementioned sport that Watkins fouled out. Utah used to be the one group to have USC’s quantity — the Trojans misplaced two times via a blended 26 issues — however of their different 3 losses, the common margin of defeat used to be simply 4.6 issues. Elite Eight — no less than — right here it comes.

Team in 16 phrases: USC misplaced only one sport in February (vs. Utah). Efficiency and defensive fouls stay a priority.

Record: 26-5

Coach: Lindsay Gottlieb, one Final Four

Player to observe: JuJu Watkins

Strengths: When Texas wins, it wins. Its margin of victory in step with sport is 24.2 issues, which ranks 0.33. Its dominant offense averages 112.8 issues in step with 100 possessions, led via freshman sensation Madison Booker. Among rookies, Booker’s 28 PER used to be ninth-best within the nation. While Booker paces the Texas’ scoring, Amina Muhammad and Taylor Jones each and every pull in 2.3 offensive forums in step with sport. It’s a large benefit for Texas, as its 41.8 % offensive rebound fee lends to the 57.4 total rebound fee, which ranks 5th nationally.

Weaknesses: The margin of victory is so huge for Texas, however its lossescame via a complete of 14 issues – together with the last-second shot via Lexy Keys that gave Oklahoma a one-point win on Feb. 28. Texas’ smallest margin of victory used to be a five-point win over Texas Tech. How will the Longhorns reply after they’re in a March Madness slugfest?

Outlook: Texas is a No. 1 seed that are meant to face little resistance in making it to the second one weekend. But as soon as it will get to the Sweet 16, will it be capable to pull out forward in those carefully contested video games and shoot extra 3s than same old? The skill is there to make a deep run.

Team in 16 phrases: Texas is an elite group who too regularly struggles to near video games. Owns the offensive glass.

Record: 30-4

Coach: Vic Schaefer, 4 Sweet 16 appearances, 3 Elite 8 appearances, 2 Final Fours, and a couple of National Runner-up finishes.

Player to observe: Madison Booker

Strengths: Notre Dame is extra than simply Hannah Hidalgo, in fact, but it surely’ll cross so far as she takes it. She has nice complementary gamers on offense in Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld, who create a large number of motion inside the Irish offense to liberate the open shooter. It’s simple to put out of your mind that Notre Dame opened its season in opposition to South Carolina and misplaced via 29 issues. It’s a unique group now, and 3 of its different 5 losses got here via a mean of five.3 issues – with NC State and Syracuse being the opposite two huge losses. But that’s overlooking Notre Dame’s large victories, together with wins via 78, 58, 47, 54, 50 and 47 issues. Notre Dame is operating scorching getting into the event, successful its final 5 video games via a mean of 17.6 issues, maintaining its final 4 regular-season fighters to fewer than 60 issues apiece. The Irish glance to suffocate on protection – height 97 percentile in STOCKs – and run fighters off the court docket whilst nonetheless maintaining them in test defensively.

Weaknesses: Two huge issues. The first is the Irish’s skill — or lack thereof — to hit 3-pointers when obligatory. They shot 33.5 % from 3 at the season, which is okay, however simply 20.6 % in their issues got here from 3. Only 51 groups had fewer in their issues come from 3-pointers. The moment is the level for Hidalgo. We’ve noticed her dominate all over the season, however how will she maintain the brilliant lighting fixtures of March?

Outlook: The Irish are going to be a tricky out, and when you’ve got Hidalgo, you might have a shot in each and every unmarried sport. The Irish love to play speedy and incorporate a large number of actions inside their half-court units. If they are able to play at their tempo and get fighters to play into their arms via forcing turnovers and gathering the ones STOCKs, the Irish may make a commute to the Elite Eight.

Team in 16 phrases: Great offensively, elite defensively. Notre Dame has a nonstop defensive motor led via freshman Hannah Hidalgo.

Record: 26-6

Coach: Niele Ivey, two Sweet 16s

Player to observe: Hannah Hidalgo

Strengths: Annoying. That’s the primary phrase that involves thoughts in regards to the 79-77 loss to Oregon State off of a game-winning 3. If now not for that, UCLA would have closed its season on an eight-game successful streak. Still, it’s one of the most deepers groups within the nation, and one of the most youngest, which is frightening for long term fighters. Senior Charisma Osborne is the Bruins’ motor, however the sophomore trio of Kiki Rice, Londynn Jones and Lauren Betts will resolve how a ways UCLA is going within the event. Rice, specifically, has been in her bag of overdue, scoring 41 blended issues within the Bruins’ final 3 regular-season video games.

Weaknesses: Will inexperience harm UCLA? Its final Elite Eight look used to be in 2018. Outside of Osborne, Camryn Brown is the one different senior at the roster. If you haven’t any issues in regards to the Bruins’ formative years issue, you shouldn’t have issues about them in any respect.

Outlook: UCLA doesn’t simply ranking, it performs challenging at the glass, too. It has the rustic’s height rebound fee and averages the Eleventh-most rebounds in step with sport (43.2). Other groups will have extra elite pairings than UCLA, however few are deeper and extra in unison. Betts’ dominant internal play opens up the photographs for Jones and Osborne from deep and for Rice to power to the lane as we’ve develop into conversant in. UCLA is a Final Four favourite.

Team in 16 phrases: Bruins gained their final 5 video games of the season via a mean margin of 21.2 issues.

Record: 25-6

Coach: Cori Close, 4 Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight

Player to observe: Lauren Betts

Strengths: Ohio State bookended its season with losses to USC and Iowa, however the Buckeyes went 22-2 between the ones losses. Nancy Lieberman Award finalist Jacy Sheldon leads the Buckeyes’ rate, however she’s a ways from on my own. Ohio State rolled out the similar beginning 5 in 27 of 28 video games, and the unit isn’t simply efficient from in every single place the court docket but in addition environment friendly. Even in its season-finale loss to Iowa, Ohio State made 14 3s.

Weaknesses: Ohio State rating within the backside quarter of the country in offensive rebounding. Though they restrict offense forums, they fail to capitalize on possible second-chance issues. It’s an overly minor blip from a standout group.

Outlook: South Carolina is the transparent favourite within the event — and rightfully so — but when it had been dissatisfied, it’s challenging now not to select Ohio State as a possible champion. Even in its 4 losses, the most important deficit used to be 10 issues — now not counting its loss to Maryland within the Big Ten event – because it performed all of its high-level fighters shut all over the season in wins and losses. Ohio State is a Final Four group. Full prevent.

Team in 16 phrases: The Buckeyes misplaced only one regular-season sport in 2024, shedding the season finale at Iowa City.

Record: 25-5

Coach: Kevin McGuff, 3 Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights

Player to observe: Jacy Sheldon

Strengths: All-American Cameron Brink is a beautiful nice get started, wouldn’t you are saying? Brink not too long ago introduced she’ll input the WNBA Draft, the place she’s anticipated to be the No. 2 pick out. Stanford would be the final Pac-12 champion (pour one out, folx) and might be in a nice place to make one ultimate run because the convention champ. Brink and Kiki Iriafen are one in every of handiest two pairs of school teammates to common a double-double this season — LSU’s Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow are the others — giving the Cardinal a one-two combo that few can deal with.

Weaknesses: Stanford performs at a beautiful sluggish tempo — 68.7 possessions in step with 40 mins — that makes me curious how it’ll react when it must play to its opponent’s tempo as an alternative. Look, it’s nit-picking, however discovering a weak spot is tricky with regards to elite groups. And make no mistake about it: Stanford is elite.

Outlook: Brink and Iriafen have super chemistry as a top-five duo in school hoops – and that may well be promoting them quick. Stanford is amongst a handful of groups out of doors of South Carolina with a major shot at successful the identify.

Team in 16 phrases: Stanford exceeded preseason expectancies via successful the Pac-12 steady season at the back of Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen.

Record: 28-5

Coach: Tara VanDerveer, six Sweet 16s, six Elite Eights, 8 Final Fours, two runner-ups, 3 championships

Player to observe: Cameron Brink

Strengths: The largest plus is that Raegan Beers is again, and basketball lovers in all places get to have a good time. The Beavers misplaced 3 of the 4 video games Beers neglected, so her go back as Oregon State’s main scorer and rebounder is much-needed. The sophomore is one in every of 28 gamers averaging a double-double, and she or he’s one in every of handiest 5 sophomores to achieve this feat.

Weaknesses: Oregon State struggles in a couple of spaces, maximum particularly rating 355 out of 360 in steals in step with sport (4.6). It additionally ranks within the fifteenth percentile in offensive rebounds in step with sport and performs at an especially sluggish tempo of 67.6.

Outlook: Outside of the ones spaces, the large worry with Oregon State is loss of revel in. It hasn’t made the event since 2021, and the final time it complicated to the second one weekend used to be in 2019. The Beavers have 5 juniors and 0 seniors. Oregon State has performed everybody difficult – its largest loss used to be via 11 issues to UCLA – so it shouldn’t be a very simple opponent, in step with se, however a Sweet 16 look is most certainly the ceiling this 12 months. And that’s OK because it builds to 2024-2025.

Team in 16 phrases: Deadly from the out of doors (36.7 %). Returning Raegan Beers (nostril) is massive for the Beavers’ probabilities.

Record: 24-7

Coach: Scott Rueck, two Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight, one Final Four

Player to observe: Raegan Beers

Strengths: Between shedding its opener to Colorado and the early-season absence of Angel Reese, it regarded find it irresistible used to be going to be a championship hangover in Baton Rouge. Instead, the Tigers went directly to lose simply 3 extra video games the remainder of the season and confirmed the similar dominance they’d in 2022-2023. Reese, the SEC Player of the Year, led the rate with 19.1 issues and 13 forums, and Aneesah Morrow additionally averaged a double-double (16.7 issues, 10 rebounds), making them one in every of two duos within the nation to common a double-double. LSU averaged the second-most issues in step with sport and performs at an especially speedy tempo. It is an absolute risk at the forums — particularly offensively — main the rustic in offensive rebound fee.

Weaknesses: There aren’t any huge weaknesses. It prefers to assault within out, which is smart given the Reese’s presence down low. It is middle-of-the-road in 3-point share, but it surely tried the 315th fewest 3s within the nation. LSU’s tempo and skill to get to the charity stripe at a better fee than every other group is the recipe to luck, so if fighters can get it out of its zone and right into a shootout, that might provide a problem.

Outlook: LSU has the makings to move on a deep run once more, particularly with its scorching on the subject of the season. It used to be a sluggish get started for the Tigers, and it used to be an extremely sluggish get started for Louisville switch Hailey Van Lith. She has been a very powerful a part of LSU’s run since February, as she did not hit double-digits scoring simply two times, and set her two highest-scoring outputs all the way through that extend. If LSU helps to keep getting the high-level contributions from Van Lith and and Flau’Jae Johnson to enrich Reese and Morrow, LSU might be Final Four certain once more.

Team in 16 phrases: Lost its opener, however then did LSU issues. Lost different 3 video games via 15 overall issues.

Record: 28-5

Coach: Kim Mulkey, 5 Sweet 16s, six Elite Eights, one Final Four, 4 championships

Player to observe: Angel Reese

Strengths: When Paige Bueckers did her preferrred Jordan Belfort “I’m not going anywhere” announcement on senior night time, announcing she’s returning to UConn subsequent 12 months, you understood her undertaking as a result of UConn is so on the subject of being the UConn of outdated. Bueckers looks as if the model of herself that we noticed in 2020-2021, averaging 21 issues and three.7 assists in step with sport. Her 39.7 PER is 8th within the nation, but it surely’s a ways from a one-person display. Senior Aaliyah Edwards, 34.2 PER, is averaging a close to double-double at the 12 months with 17.7 issues and 9.4 forums. They make up a perilous one-two punch might be a ways from a very simple out within the event.

Weaknesses: The largest query I’ve is the intensity past Bueckers and Edwards. UConn used to be bitten via the harm malicious program once more this 12 months, as Azzi Fudd performed simply two video games ahead of her ACL tear, and Aubrey Griffin tore hers simply 13 video games into the season. What’s extra, Caroline Ducharme performed handiest 4 video games for the Huskies, as she sought after to position her complete focal point on getting wholesome from her earlier accidents.

Outlook: UConn’s losses had been unsightly, shedding 5 video games via a mean of 13.4 issues. What’s extra, the ones losses got here in opposition to heavy hitters who it is going to want to beat to make it to the Final Four. South Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas, UCLA and NC State all treated UConn rather simply. Though it’s enjoying another way now — a group that has realized to play with out Fudd and Griffin — it’s nonetheless a tall process. UConn will have to get to the Sweet 16 rather simply, however a commute to the Elite Eight turns out out of succeed in.

Team in 16 phrases: Injury-riddled group who completed convention play undefeated. Who can decelerate Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards?

Record: 29-5

Coach: Geno Auriemma, 3 Sweet 16, 5 Elite Eights, 10 Final Fours, one runner-up, 11 championships

Player to observe: Paige Bueckers

Strengths: If there’s a rebound available, NC State goes to get it. The Wolfpack have 4 gamers averaging no less than 6.4 forums in step with sport. NC State dominates the contest at the glass with regards to defensive rebounds. It ranks 0.33 nationally with 31.5 defensive rebounds in step with sport and tenth in total forums (43.3 in step with). NC State misplaced the rebounding fight simply six instances this season — Rhode Island, Virginia Tech (two times), Notre Dame, UNC and Syracuse – and 3 of the ones ended up being losses.

Weaknesses: We know they’ll win the fight of the forums, however the Wolfpack struggles in two different key spaces: steals and assisted shot fee. They don’t flip the ball over, which is superb, however they rank within the thirty first percentile in each steals in step with sport (6.8) and assisted shot fee (51 %). NC State has 5 gamers who’re averaging double figures in issues, however out of doors of Saniya Rivers (4.1) and Zoe Brooks (3.5), they don’t have any handlers who distribute steadily.

Outlook: The Wolfpack are two years got rid of from an Elite Eight look and will have to make a deep run once more this 12 months — no less than to the second one weekend. The contemporary losses to UNC and Duke are clouding the judgment just a little, so it’s a super alternative to make the most of the recency bias round NC State.

Team in 16 phrases:Dominant at the forums and at house, shedding only one sport at Reynolds Coliseum (Virginia Tech).

Record: 27-6

Coach: Wes Moore, 3 Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight

Player to observe: Saniya Rivers

Strengths: The Hoosiers confirmed out offensively this season, averaging 112.2 issues in step with 100 possessions. They ranked moment nationally in efficient subject target share (58.8), issues in step with scoring try (1.22) and issues in step with play (1.01). That comes largely to their elite 3-point taking pictures, which ranked first at 40.5 %. Sara Scalia, Chloe Moore-McNeil and Yarden Garzon each and every shot 40 % or higher from at the back of the arc all the way through the steady season, and that’s now not even discussing the dominance that Mackenzie Holmes confirmed at the internal — each offensively and defensively.

Weaknesses: Though Holmes averaged 1.5 blocks in step with sport, Indiana struggled breaking apart the passing lanes, averaging 6.4 steals in step with sport. That put it 279th within the metric. Indiana additionally treated industry at the defensive forums, however offensively, it used to be unhealthy. Like, in reality unhealthy. Like, 350th out of 360 groups unhealthy. If Holmes isn’t absolutely wholesome after injuring her knee within the ultimate regular-season sport, Indiana might be in bother at the glass.

Outlook: Indiana has an elite offense, making it one of the most few groups that may stay alongside of Iowa. Indiana defeated Iowa 86-69 in overdue February and is unequalled from at the back of the arc. The Hoosiers are a second-weekend group, but when Holmes’ harm lingers, a dominant rebounding group may ship them packing previous than anticipated. If Holmes is wholesome, that is an Elite Eight group.

Team in 16 phrases:The Indiana Hoosiers completed off with their best offensive ranking (112.6) within the group’s fashionable technology.

Record: 24-5

Coach: Teri Moren, one Sweet 16, one Elite Eight

Player to observe: Mackenzie Holmes

Strengths: Kansas State’s athletic conversation’s director posted on X: Among lively NCAA Division I ladies’s basketball gamers, Ayoka Lee is the one participant with 300-plus occupation blocks and 100-plus occupation steals. That tracks, as Lee is at the short-list for first-team All-American. Lee isn’t just a defensive risk, however she’s a bucket, too, averaging 19.8 issues and eight.3 forums in step with sport. It’s Kansas State’s group protection that stands proud, permitting 57 issues in step with sport —- 15.7 fewer than it averages offensively.

Weaknesses: The major worry with Kansas State is the draw. Three of its six losses got here when Lee used to be out with an ankle harm. That robotically bumps down the Wildcats’ seeding, giving them a so-so draw resulting in the second one weekend. Even in the ones losses, the Wildcats had been in each and every unmarried sport. The greatest losses (via 7 issues each and every) had been in opposition to Iowa and Texas. They’re nice at the defensive forums, however shedding out on possible offensive rebounds may price them in shut matchups.

Outlook: Lee is wholesome, and although she’s but to mention if she’s returning to Kansas State for another season, you’ll be expecting those to be grind-them-out video games with its middle-of-the-road tempo of play. A Sweet 16 look is conceivable however a ways from a ensure.

Team in 16 phrases:Elite defensive group whose largest loss this 12 months used to be seven issues (as opposed to Iowa and in opposition to Texas).

Record: 25-7

Coach: Jeff Mittie

Player to observe: Ayoka Lee

Strengths: Can we give Georgia Amoore her flora, please? The enlargement she’s taken in Year 4 is spectacular. Amoore has progressed in just about each and every metric, elevating her PER to 26.3 and assists in step with sport to 7.3 – the latter hanging her at the back of handiest Caitlin Clark and Rori Harmon. The one-two punch of Amoore and three-time ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley used to be difficult for defenses to forestall, because it averaged 110.9 issues in step with 100 possessions. The Hokies are an elite assist-to-turnover group, and a power down low.

Weaknesses: It’s now not a minus, however only a bummer. That’s the harm that Kitley suffered at the ultimate day of the steady season. As nice as Amoore is, Kitley’s harm affects Virginia Tech in such a lot of techniques. She is essential down low, averaging 2.1 blocks in step with sport – tied for Thirteenth within the country. Without Kitley’s internal presence at one hundred pc, the Hokies will also be had within the paint.

Outlook: Kitley’s well being will affect how a ways the Hokies can cross. Coming off final season’s Final Four look, an absolutely wholesome squad making some other deep run isn’t out of the query.

Team in 16 phrases: The star-led Hokies gained the ACC, however had a coarse final week shedding to Notre Dame.

Record: 24-7

Coach: Kenny Brooks, one Final Four

Player to observe: Georgia Amoore

Strengths: Even as an offensive juggernaut, the Bulldogs play at a sluggish tempo of 68.4 possessions in step with 40 mins. That doesn’t harm their potency or the effectiveness, although. They rank height 4 in issues in step with play, issues in step with scoring makes an attempt, efficient subject target share and 3-point share. All 5 starters common double figures in scoring, and Yvonne Ejim and Eliza Hollingsworth pull down 8.3 and seven.1 forums in step with sport, respectively, main Gonzaga, which has the country’s sixth-best rebound fee.

Weaknesses: So we’ve highlighted Gonzaga’s elite offensive ranking, however a large number of it’s on account of the fighters it confronted. Gonzaga final misplaced on Nov. 27 to Louisville, and its energy of agenda used to be No. 72. Yes, it defeated Stanford as a marquee victory in early December — via 18 issues, at that — however for the reason that calendar became, the nearest sport it performed in used to be a 13-point win in opposition to Pacific. The adjustment to enjoying elite groups all over the event is also a problem.

Outlook: You can handiest play who’s at the agenda, however seeing Gonzaga make it to the Sweet 16 is a stretch. Yes, it’s elite offensively, however can it care for the potency on the sluggish tempo it needs to play at in opposition to heavy hitters? There are doubts, and we noticed the ones arise in opposition to Portland in its convention event.

Team in 16 phrases: Undefeated since Nov. 27, however energy of agenda ranked No. 72. No. 1 in offensive ranking.

Record: 30-3

Coach: Lisa Fortier, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Yvonne Ejim

Strengths: Oklahoma excels at the forums and via distributing the ball. The Sooners rank moment in assists in step with sport (20.6) and primary in assisted shot fee (71 %). Payton Verhulst (4) and Nevaeh Tot (4.5) lead Oklahoma within the class. On the forums, Skylar Vann leads the rate, knocking down 7.2 in step with sport to move along side her team-high 15 issues in step with contest. The 43.8 rebounds as a group ranks 8th in basketball.

Weaknesses: Where Oklahoma will get in bother is popping over the ball and committing fouls. The Sooners averaged 17.9 foul and dedicated 16.7 turnovers in step with sport. Given the excessive tempo that Oklahoma performs at (77.9), it ends up in a ton of alternatives for its fighters, too. The Oklahoma protection ranks within the 6th percentile in subject objectives tried and twenty first percentile in fouls dedicated.

Outlook: Lexy Keys hit a shot on the buzzer to take down Texas in exciting type, however Oklahoma used to be not able to construct off that victory, shedding to Kansas within the season finale. That’s been a ordinary theme for Oklahoma. It earns an enormous victory, handiest to practice it up with a letdown. We noticed how Oklahoma struggled previous within the season, shedding 5 of six video games from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but it surely bounced again effectively in the second one 1/2 of the 12 months. Given its up-and-down patterns, Oklahoma might be on dissatisfied alert within the first around or the Round of 32.

Team in 16 phrases:Big moment 1/2 of the season with an exhilarating win over Texas ahead of falling to Kansas.

Record: 22-9

Coach: Jennie Baranczyk

Player to observe: Skylar Vann

Strengths: Colorado performed a stability sport all season, ahead of its protection used to be picked aside down the stretch. The Buffaloes are an especially unselfish group. They restrict turnovers and feature lively arms defensively, averaging 10 steals in step with sport. Kindyll Wetta performs an enormous function off of the bench, averaging 4 assists and 1.8 steals in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Colorado’s protection collapsed all the way through the general month of the season. It lets in 72, 76, 77 and 87 issues in losses to convention opponents. Opponents are averaging 1.01 issues in step with scoring try in opposition to Colorado, hanging it within the lower-third of the rustic within the metric. If the protection doesn’t display up, put out of your mind a couple of deep run.

Outlook: Though Baylor performed a few of its preferrred basketball down the stretch, the similar can’t be mentioned for Colorado, which misplaced 5 of its final six video games. It regarded poised to make a deep event run, however its February play raised main crimson flags — particularly defensively. Based on skill on my own, the Buffs will have to get to the second one weekend, however it will hardly ever be a surprise in the event that they’re dissatisfied within the Round of 32.

Team in 16 phrases:Colorado struggled down the stretch of the steady season, shedding 5 of its final six video games.

Record: 22-9

Coach: JR Payne, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Aaronette Vonleh

Strengths: Baylor is using scorching into the event, last out the steady season on a five-game successful streak. It began the 12 months 14-0, however given the contest, the streak to near the season is a lot more spectacular. It defeated Texas Tech, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma State via 29, 21, and 22 issues, respectively. Baylor is very unselfish offensively, rating 8th within the country in assists in step with sport with 19.1. Eight gamers common no less than quarter-hour in step with sport for Baylor, and handiest 3 of them common fewer than two assists in step with sport.

Weaknesses: With the ones assists, although, come turnovers. The Bears common 16.2 turnovers in step with sport, and their 469 turnovers at the season are the 247th maximum nationally. Their internal protection is a cushy spot, too, as Baylor averages 2.5 blocks in step with sport.

Outlook: Baylor, via design, forces fighters within, permitting 1,175 2-point makes an attempt this season — rating within the twenty second percentile. But that’s as a result of its 3-point protection has been so efficient. Baylor ranks 0.33 nationally in opponent’s 3-point share (25.5), and which may be huge for it come event time. Baylor is using scorching, and if it might stay that momentum going, it might pull off an dissatisfied and advance to the second one weekend.

Team in 16 phrases:Unselfish group, with a 67.4 % assisted shot fee. Playing their preferrred ball down the stretch.

Record: 24-7

Coach: Nicki Collen

Player to observe: Sarah Andrews/p>

Strengths: Wake up. Alyssa Pili and the Utes are enjoying. Pili is this sort of pleasure to observe, as her PER is available in forward of Paige Bueckers, Rori Harmon and Mackenzie Holmes. She’s integral to Utah’s luck, main it to 110.3 issues in step with ownership. Keeping up its luck from deep in spite of shedding Gianna Kneepkens to season-ending foot surgical procedure six video games into the season has been encouraging. Kneepkens shot 42.3 % from at the back of the arc final season, and in spite of her absence, Utah has made the fourth-most 3-pointers this season, taking pictures an effective 36.1 %.

Weaknesses: Utah had a brutal agenda, which used to be ranked twentieth hardest. The Utes suffered some huge losses in opposition to big-time fighters. UCLA defeated Utah via 30, whilst Oregon State and Washington gained via 25 and 15, respectively. There had been some key wins (in opposition to USC two times and UCLA), and Utah additionally misplaced to South Carolina via handiest 9 issues.

Outlook: The difficult agenda clearly will proceed within the event, however the Utes are a sneaky group who may make the Sweet 16 as a decrease seed. Pili has persevered to conform her sport, and the All-Pac-12 big name goes to polish. Track them as a sleeper group to make it to the second one weekend.

Team in 16 phrases:Tough agenda for Utah. Five of its 9 losses had been via double-digits — together with a 30-point loss.

Record: 22-10

Coach: Lynne Roberts, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Alyssa Pili/p>

Strengths: Where had been you when Nebraska knocked off Caitlin Clark and Iowa on ESPN? It used to be an enormous second for the Huskers — and a larger second for Jaz Shelley, who dropped 23 issues on then-No. 2 Iowa together with her circle of relatives visiting from Australia.

Weaknesses: But truth set again in, and that has been the case too regularly for Nebraska. Following the win over Iowa, Ohio State defeated the Cornhuskers via 33 issues within the subsequent sport. It used to be a season-long development for Nebraska, which was hoping to search out consistency however couldn’t put stretches in combination. There used to be a 47-point win over Alcorn, adopted via a 5-point loss to Creighton. A 25-point win adopted via a 17-point loss. A 12-point victory adopted via a 22-point loss. And so on and so forth.

Outlook: Nebraska can get the large win, however can it get a couple of huge wins inside the similar weekend? That’s the hesitancy in choosing it to make it past the primary weekend. The opposition doesn’t have to fret about pressured turnovers, as Nebraska ranks within the twenty seventh percentile in steals in step with sport and the 6th percentile in blocks in step with sport. The Huskers are amusing to observe, however if you wish to see them within the event, you higher be sure to catch them within the Round of 64.

Team in 16 phrases:Up-and-down season, with huge wins (Iowa, Michigan State) and large losses (4 via no less than 17 issues).

Record: 22-11

Coach: Amy Williams

Player to observe: Jaz Shelley

Strengths: Outside of sophomore Nyla Harris, seniors and graduates basically had been the Cardinals’ starters. Even after shedding Hailey Van Lith to LSU, Louisville has fulfilled preseason predictions. The Cardinals blank up at the offensive glass, touchdown within the 94th percentile for offensive rebounds in step with sport. Harris leads the best way with 3 offensive forums – making her one in every of 16 sophomores averaging 3 or extra in step with sport within the country. They’re environment friendly from the sector, too, as their 50 % 2-point fee brings them to an total 45.6 subject target share – nice for twenty ninth nationally. James Madison switch Kiki Jefferson has stuffed a void for the Cardinals with a team-high 118.5 offensive ranking.

Weaknesses: It’s the 2-point taking pictures that carries the Cardinals, as they fight from at the back of the arc. They shot 32.4 % all the way through the steady season, however they ranked No. 328 in 3-point fee. That’s a space they’ll want to toughen on within the event, however their true weak spot is internal protection. Louisville had 50 blocks at the 12 months – handiest 28 groups had fewer – and dedicated 548 fouls leading to 488 journeys to the charity stripe for the opposition.

Outlook: Louisville limped out of the steady season, swapping wins and losses each and every different sport all over February. There’s no sense ofof momentum heading into the Big Dance. We’ve noticed the Cardinals get scorching on the proper time and put in combination spectacular victories – wins over Notre Dame, Syracuse and Duke are evoked. But in the event that they run into an opponent that makes it some degree to assault the internal of the protection, the Cardinals might be out early.

Team in 16 phrases:Veteran-led group who has held monitor all season. Can they triumph over their struggles at the back of the arc?

Record: 24-9

Coach: Jeff Walz, 4 Sweet 16s, 4 Elite Eights, two Final Fours, two Runner-Ups

Player to observe: Kiki Jefferson

Strengths: The eyes had been on Caitlin Clark and her pursuit – and fulfillment – of the all time scoring report, however don’t fail to remember what Fair has finished for Syracuse. She handed Brittney Griner for No. 5 at the all-time record. The Orange did a perfect task at the offensive glass, conserving the possessions alive for Fair and Co. Kyra Wood (91) and Alyssa Latham (89) had been particularly huge there, serving to ‘Cuse to the sixth-most offensive rebounds in the nation. Pair that with the top 90 percent STOCK rate, and it does just enough on both sides of the ball.

Weaknesses: Pace. That’s the obvious weak spot for Syracuse, because it ranked No. 112 in group tempo all the way through the steady season. With the sluggish pace, the Orange common handiest 71.9 possessions in step with 40 mins, so the purpose could be extra involvement total inside the offense. But Syracuse is within the backside tenth percentile in assisted shot fee (46.4 %).

Outlook: The Orange will cross so far as Fair and Georgia Woolley take them, however even the latter wishes extra involvement within the offense. Syracuse took care of fighters they had to beat within the ACC, but if the Orange misplaced, they misplaced huge. Four in their six losses had been via no less than 12 issues, and all six steady season losses got here to tournament-bound groups. Syracuse will want to keep an eye on the forums and money in at the second-chance alternatives if it hopes to advance to the second one weekend.

Team in 16 phrases:Syracuse completed with its best convention successful share (68.4 %) since 2015-2016 (78.9 %).

Record: 23-7

Coach: Felisha Legette-Jack, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Dyaisha Fair

Strengths: Rickea Jackson is an offensive power, coming again post-injury taking a look just like the model of her we anticipated to peer all season. She’s going to be a Day 1 contributor within the WNBA. But ahead of the draft, Jackson hopes to steer the Lady Vols again to the Sweet 16. It’ll be a tricky trail for Tennessee, however that’s been the tale in their season. Offensively, Tennessee will get the task finished, enjoying at a nice pace and averaging 75.8 issues in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Tennessee’s struggles fall into a couple of buckets. First, its protection gave up 70.1 issues in step with sport all the way through the steady season, which flows into Tennessee’s incapacity to generate STOCKs. Its thieve fee in the second one percentile, and its block fee within the twenty sixth. The different bucket is that Tennessee had the country’s toughest agenda. Its fighters’ win share used to be 67.3 %. The Lady Vols misplaced to Indiana, Notre Dame, Ohio State, LSU and two times in opposition to South Carolina. Though, if you happen to imagine in ethical victories, the losses to South Carolina had been via a blended 19 issues.

Outlook: Based on skill, Tennessee can get to the second one weekend. But it’s going to wish the whole thing to click on defensively to decelerate the highest seed in its bracket. The Lady Vols got here inside a miracle shot of being the primary group to take down South Carolina within the SEC event semifinals.

Team in 16 phrases:Vols confronted the toughest agenda of any group this season. Opponents’ win share used to be 67.3 %.

Record: 19-12

Coach: Kellie Harper, 3 Sweet 16s

Player to observe: Rickea Jackson

Strengths: Ole Miss regarded completely dominant, successful its ultimate six video games of the steady season and taking its final 4 via vital margins of victory. They beat Georgia, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas — now not precisely No. 1 seeds — however momentum is momentum. Ole Miss is superb at the glass and at thwarting photographs on the subject of the rim. The Rebels had 5 gamers common 4.8 or extra rebounds in step with sport, led via Madison Scott’s 6.1, they usually had been fifteenth nationally in rebounds in step with sport (42). Their 6.2 blocks in step with sport had been the second-highest mark this season, led via Rita Igbokwe’s 1.8 in step with contest.

Weaknesses: Ole Miss suffered a large blow early when switch KK Deans went down with a knee harm, forcing her to leave out the remainder of the season. Deans neglected 1/2 of the season with a knee harm all the way through the 2021-2022 season when she used to be with West Virginia. The harm to Deans pressured the Rebels to move with a larger lineup, with Kennedy Todd-Williams serving as the one true guard in its beginning lineup. It has allowed freshman Marija Avlijas to get some revel in, although.

Outlook: Ole Miss has the scale to keep an eye on the sport at the glass and down low, because it prefers to take an inside-out manner offensively. It complicated to the Sweet 16 final season, however the trail might be a lot more tough this 12 months, requiring an enormous second-round dissatisfied.

Team in 16 phrases:Ole Miss ended the season successful via a mean of 29.3 in its final 4 video games.

Record: 23-8

Coach: Yolett McPhee-McCuin, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Madison Scott

Strengths: If you wish to have to observe a veteran group with contemporary luck (2022 Elite Eight) that does the little issues proper (No. 1 within the nation in free-throw share and No. 5 in turnovers in step with sport), watch the Bluejays. They can ranking, too, as Lauren Jensen, Emma Ronsiek and Morgan Maly lead the offensive rate with 17.2, 17.5 and 14.8 issues in step with sport, respectively.

Weaknesses: Creighton used to be ready to overcome up on inferior pageant, but if it confronted a forged opponent — UConn, Marquette or even Green Bay — it misplaced. It performs at this sort of sluggish tempo that, whilst environment friendly, it might accept too many pressured 3s.

Outlook: Fundamentals can get you a ways, and being cool, calm and picked up will assist Creighton. But it has first weekend dissatisfied written in every single place it. Proceed with warning.

Team in 16 phrases:A senior-heavy group that doesn’t flip the ball over (11.1 in step with sport, to rank 5th nationally).

Record: 25-5

Coach: Jim Flanery, one Elite Eight

Player to observe: Emma Ronsiek

Strengths: It’s a birthday celebration, it’s a birthday celebration, it’s a birthday celebration. A block birthday celebration, this is, because the Blue Devils swatt away the whole thing that comes at them on the rim. Their six blocks in step with sport rank 0.33 nationally, and Duke pairs that with a protection that permits 57.9 issues in step with sport. Yeah, that’ll do it. Kennedy Brown, Jadyn Donovan and Camilla Emsbo each and every common greater than a block in step with sport, and 3 gamers rank throughout the height 121 in defensive win stocks.

Weaknesses: Though Duke is robust defensively, it struggles mightily on offense. It failed to attain greater than 60 issues on 5 other events, and it went 11-7 in convention play. It controlled to stay shut in losses to Stanford (additional time), Miami, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame and North Carolina, however all of the ones had been due partially to its protection. The protection can bend however now not destroy handiest such a lot within the event.

Outlook: The draw and seeding are going to make it difficult for Duke to move deep within the event out of doors of a giant dissatisfied. Is it conceivable? Yes, in fact, however Duke will want to decelerate the tempo and depend on its elite protection for each and every minute to make a run to the Sweet 16 or past.

Team in 16 phrases: Duke’s nice protection covers for common offense. Failed to eclipse 60 issues six instances this 12 months.

Record: 20-11

Coach: Kara Lawson

Player to observe: Jadyn Donovan

Strengths: Iowa State is a amusing group. Well, if you happen to like high-scoring affairs with groups draining photographs from 3, it’s amusing. The Cyclones are within the eighty fifth percentile in tried 3s, in addition to the 94th percentile in made 3s. As nice as they’re from at the back of the arc, it won’t also be the place they prevail maximum. That’s as a result of Audi Crooks chefs down low, averaging 18.3 issues and seven.7 forums. The forums are a large a part of the Cyclones’ luck. They’re elite at the defensive glass, rating within the 99th percentile in defensive rebounds in step with sport and 98th percentile in overall rebound fee. Emily Ryan averages 6.3 assists in step with sport, which is the rustic’s ninth-best mark.

Weaknesses: As amusing as Iowa State’s offense is, its protection struggles. It particularly struggles restricting fighters from at the back of the arc. Live via the sword, proper? The Cyclones permit 68.1 issues in step with sport, however they rank No. 357 out of 360 groups in 3-point fee in opposition to. Opponents have made 233 3s in opposition to Iowa State. It allowed Texas Tech, West Virginia and Oklahoma to each and every make 13 3s in opposition to it — all losses. In wins, Iowa State allowed double-digits in 3s 4 instances.

Outlook: Crooks used to be an unanimous selection for first-team All-Big 12 and is among the preferrred gamers within the nation. But she will be able to do handiest such a lot within the Round of 32 — assuming Iowa State advances out of the primary around — in opposition to one of the most height seeds within the event. Unless groups run ice chilly from deep, Iowa State will fight.

Team in 16 phrases: Cyclones fight to include the opposition from 3. They additionally reside and die at the back of the road.

Record: 20-11

Coach: Bill Fennelly, 4 Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights

Player to observe: Audi Crooks

Strengths: Deja Kelly, a first-team All-ACC member for the 0.33 instantly 12 months, led the Tar Heels with 16.8 issues in step with sport. Though Carolina struggled down the stretch, the offense by no means slipped off of its tempo, completing with fewer than 60 issues simply two times. There’s not anything that Carolina does that may blow you away, but it surely’s forged around the board. Alyssa Ustby and Maria Gakdeng supply internal defensive presences for the Tar Heels, evidenced via their Seventeenth-best block fee within the nation.

Weaknesses: UNC beat Duke previous to the ACC event, which used to be large given its late-season struggles. In the ones six losses since Jan. 28, the fewest collection of issues the Tar Heels allowed used to be 63. UNC has given up 61.9 issues in step with sport this season. Kelly and Ustby are implausible gamers, however they are able to’t do it on their very own.

Outlook: The ACC is wild, and it doesn’t appear to be it’ll be the Tar Heels’ 12 months. UNC made the Sweet 16 in 2022, but it surely’s challenging to consider it getting previous the Round of 32.

Team in 16 phrases: Veteran-led group that struggled down the stretch, going 4-6 in its ultimate 10 steady season video games.

Record: 19-12

Coach: Courtney Banghart

Player to observe: Alyssa Ustby

Strengths: Few groups have the Mountaineers’ defensive prowess. They rank 0.33 within the nation in defensive ranking (77.9), and that’s thank you largely to Jordan Harrison and Ja’Naiya Quinerly. Each averages round 3 steals in step with sport, making them the one pair of teammates with common that top. The Mountaineers are within the a hundredth percentile in steals in step with sport, and the eightieth percentile in steals in step with sport. Stocks on shares on shares. The aforementioned duo additionally lead West Virginia in scoring, with Quinerly hanging up 19.4 issues in step with sport.

Weaknesses: It’s nice that WVU is so lively on protection with blocking off photographs and developing havoc within the passing lanes to power turnovers, as a result of with regards to the fight of the forums, WVU struggles. And that’s hanging it effectively. It ranks No. 327 out of 360 groups in defensive rebounds in step with sport. In its six losses, fighters outrebounded WVU via a mean of 40 to twenty-eight.3. Five of the ones losses had been via 10 issues or fewer. A right away correlation? You will also be the pass judgement on.

Outlook: West Virginia’s hard-nosed protection and Quinerly and Harrison making existence depressing for opposing backcourts is the recipe for advancing. Its seed is deserved, however at preferrred, it’ll face a Round of 32 go out.

Team in 16 phrases:Six losses are West Virginia’s fewest since 2013-2014 season. Defense drives the consequences (78.5 defensive ranking).

Record: 24-7

Coach: Mark Kellogg

Player to observe: Jordan Harrison

Strengths: Kansas performs at a sluggish tempo of 69.4 possessions in step with 40 mins. It is aware of what it does neatly and sticks to it. Kansas necessarily makes use of a six-player rotation, with Skyler Gill getting a while, too. But 4 gamers log no less than 29.6 mins in step with night time, with Taiyanna Jackson status out, averaging a double-double.

Weaknesses: The sluggish position leaves Kansas vulnerable on protection, because it lets in 63.7 issues on common, leaving a slight 4.4 sure margin at the scoreboard. Kansas recorded key victories this season – particularly in opposition to Iowa State, Nebraska and Baylor, however its incapacity to maintain offensively used to be its downfall. Kansas misplaced 3 video games in spite of surrendering low totals of 63, 60 and 59 issues.

Outlook: Kansas will have to be overjoyed to get out of the primary around, truthfully. A second-round date with USC would look forward to, and the Jayhawks simply don’t have the offensive energy to move basket for basket.

Team in 16 phrases:Kansas performs at an especially sluggish tempo, however struggles to stay alongside of its opponent offensively.

Record: 19-12

Coach: Brandon Schneider

Player to observe: Taiyanna Jackson

Strengths: The Crimson Tide have 4 other gamers with utilization charges at or above 21.1 %. The 3 veterans — Aaliyah Nye, Sarash Ashlee Barker and Jessica Timmons — prepared the ground, however freshman Essence Cody has performed a gentle function, logging huge mins down the stretch. Alabama doesn’t stand out in any vital method, but it surely does the whole thing lovely neatly.

Weaknesses: Alabama had 8 losses, however seven of the ones had been via double digits, making its common margin of defeat 15.5 issues. The largest losses, predictably, got here in opposition to South Carolina and two times in opposition to LSU. You’d like to peer some extra assists total from ‘Bama, as only Loyal McQueen averaged more than 3 dimes per game.

Outlook: Alabama has a tough road and a tough draw. It hasn’t made it out of the second one around since 1998. Maybe subsequent season will also be the 12 months with Cody’s enlargement, as it’s now not going to be this 12 months.

Team in 16 phrases:When the Crimson Tide misplaced, they misplaced huge time. Their common margin of defeat used to be 15.5.

Record: 23-9

Coach: Kristy Curry, two Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight, one runner-up

Player to observe: Aaliyah Nye

Strengths: The Spartans make it rain from downtown. That a lot is bound. In trainer Robyn Fralick’s first season, her Spartans are taking pictures 37.3 % from at the back of the arc, making the ninth-most 3s (270) all the way through the steady season. That’s why, in spite of a less-than-average protection, Michigan State is apparently in each and every sport. Moira Joiner and DeeDee Hagemann are gunners from at the back of the arc, pulling down their photographs at a 42.8 % and 40.6 % clip, respectively.

Weaknesses: Michigan State used to be in maximum of its video games, however within the 3 double-digit losses it had, it used to be torched defensively via Ohio State, Minnesota and Creighton. It’s now not only a breakdown defensively, although, because it struggles to stay the opposing offense off the glass. Opponents have averaged 8.7 offensive forums in step with sport in opposition to the Spartans, which is the Sixteenth-highest mark.

Outlook: The Spartans most likely might be one-and-done within the event, which continues to be regarded as a luck with a first-year trainer. They confirmed they may grasp with difficult groups — they misplaced to Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana and Nebraska via a complete of 17 issues — however achieving the second one weekend turns out not going.

Team in 16 phrases: Spartans input March with fewest losses for the reason that 2010-2011 season. Five gamers common double-figures in issues.

Record: 22-8

Coach: Robyn Fralick

Player to observe: Moira Joiner

Strengths: Princeton’s pushed via its protection, enjoying at a planned tempo for grind-them-out video games. The Tigers allowed simply 56 issues in step with sport, and in opposition to Yale in February, they held the Bulldogs to simply 25 issues all of the contest. Princeton makes use of a suffocating protection that forces fighters into unhealthy photographs and errors. Despite the sluggish tempo, it’s in truth unfolded Kaitlyn Chen to raise her total sport — offensively and defensively.

Weaknesses: The tempo and the contest come into play right here for Princeton. It doesn’t try a ton of 3s, which can be a issue when it’s trailing. Princeton is forged on offensive forums, but it surely pulls down handiest 22.8 defensive forums in step with sport, rating 295th.

Outlook: Princeton can grasp with elite groups. It took UCLA to the buzzer and misplaced to Indiana via 9. The protection is hard, and the Tigers gained’t be a very simple out for any person.

Team in 16 phrases: Princeton confirmed it might hang around of convention with single-digit loss to UCLA. Extremely slow-paced group.

Record: 25-4

Coach: Carla Berube

Player to observe: Ellie Mitchell

Strengths: Laila Phelia, a junior and first-team All-Big Ten variety, constructed off final season’s person luck, main the Wolverines with 16.3 issues in step with sport and a 25.2 utilization fee. The Wolverines ranked in the midst of with reference to each and every key metric, and that used to be indicative in their up-and-down season, the place they went 9-9 in convention play.

Weaknesses: Of Michigan’s 12 losses, 10 had been via double-digits — 3 of them coming via 21 or extra issues. Phelia didn’t have a large number of assist offensively, with Lauren Hansen serving as the one different participant averaging double-digits.

Outlook: The Wolverines made it to the Elite Eight two seasons in the past — the primary occupation commute for Kim Barnes Arico — however to get to the second one weekend this season, they’ll want consecutive upsets. That’s so much to position at the shoulders of Phelia.

Team in 16 phrases: Michigan’s 61.3 successful share used to be its lowest mark since 2015-2016 when it used to be at 60 %.

Record: 20-13

Coach: Kim Barnes Arico, two Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight

Player to observe: Laila Phelia

Strengths: If Florida State goes to do something, it’s maintain the ball. The Seminoles had the third-lowest turnover fee within the nation (13 %), and that’s with their fast moving offense, averaging 77 possessions in step with 40 mins. Florida State used to be fast to shoot all season, averaging the second-most subject target makes an attempt within the nation. Ta’Niya Latson led the offensive rate, averaging 21.4 issues in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Florida State’s protection struggled. It allowed essentially the most issues in step with sport (72) of any ACC group. That turnstile mark put FSU within the country’s backside Twelfth percentile. The Seminoles allowed 90 or extra issues 5 other instances this season — 4 of them in losses save for his or her 92-91 win over Tennessee — and allowed Stanford to hit the century mark.

Outlook: Florida State is deep, with seven gamers competing no less than 19 mins in step with sport. It’ll want that intensity and scoring all over the event because it hasn’t discovered a solution to alter defensively. It relies on the draw, however seeing Florida State advance to the Sweet 16 turns out like a longshot.

Team in 16 phrases: Seminoles restrict turnovers however fight defensively to forestall the opposition, permitting conference-high 72 issues in step with sport.

Record: 23-10

Coach: Brooke Wyckoff

Player to observe: Makayla Timpson

Strengths: Marquette begins 5 seniors, and its taste of play displays that. It averagings the Twelfth-most assists in step with sport, with an assisted shot fee of 68.3 and an help to turnover fee of one.29. Liza Karlen has taken on a larger function for Marquette this season, upping her utilization fee to a team-high 29.6, whilst raising her per-game numbers from 11.4 issues final season to 18.

Weaknesses: Despite a somewhat simple agenda, Marquette misplaced each video games in opposition to UConn via a complete of 57 issues. In its different 5 losses, it misplaced via a complete of 18 issues. So you’ll have a look at that because it having the ability to keep in shut video games, or you’ll have a look at it as Marquette being not able to position away groups like St. John’s and Villanova two times.

Outlook: Marquette can advance out of the No. 7 as opposed to No. 10 matchup, however then it will need to take down the No. 2 seed in its bracket. The veteran Golden Eagles can do so much, however that’s a tall process.

Team in 16 phrases: Veteran-laden group that will get everybody concerned. It has the country’s sixth-highest assisted shot fee (68.3 %).

Record: 23-8

Coach: Megan Duffy

Player to observe: Liz Karlen

Strengths: Regardless of the context, 26-2 is one hell of a season. UNLV gained via a margin of 20.6 issues, averaging 112.9 issues in step with 100 possessions in spite of a mean 70.7 tempo. The Lady Rebels led the country in defensive rebound fee, whilst hardly turning over the ball – simply 10.6 in step with sport.

Weaknesses: UNLV additionally had a energy of agenda that ranked lovely low. Its marquee victories got here in December in opposition to Arizona and Oklahoma — and it gained each conveniently. But it struggled to position away video games in opposition to Boise State, Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico. .

Outlook: It’s challenging to completely purchase into UNLV given the loss of true pageant it confronted this 12 months. Round 2 is the ceiling.

Team in 16 phrases:UNLV completed 26-2 with the No. 104 toughest agenda. It led nationally in defensive rebound fee.

Record: 30-2

Coach: Lindy La Rocque

Player to observe: Desi-Rae Young

Strengths: Richmond completed the steady season with its best successful share in additional than 3 many years. It’s within the event for the primary time since 2005. What an accomplishment for fourth-year head trainer Aaron Roussell. The Spiders are elite from at the back of the arc, with 37.5 % of its overall issues coming from downtown. Siobhan Ryan leads the country together with her 49 3-point % amongst gamers with no less than 100 makes an attempt.

Weaknesses: Richmond is lovely one-dimensional. It tried simply 946 2-point subject objectives this season. For context, it shot 754 3-pointers. The Spiders don’t generate a ton of second-chance alternatives given its offensive gameplan, so it should hit its photographs.

Outlook:An dissatisfied right here isn’t unimaginable, and if Richmond will get scorching, it can be a Cinderella who advances to the Sweet 16. We’ve noticed it fight in opposition to event colleges this season, although, so pick out the Spiders at your personal chance.

Team in 16 phrases:The Richmond Spiders’ 83.9 successful share ties the all time college report, set long ago in 1990-1991.

Record: 29-5

Coach: Aaron Roussell

Player to observe: Siobhan Ryan

Strengths: Maryland performed at a quick tempo all season, averaging 77.9 issues in step with sport and 101.7 issues in step with 100 possessions. The former ranked twenty second within the nation. Shyanne Sellers paced the play all season lengthy for the Terrapins, averaging a team-high 15.3 issues and 5.3 assists in step with sport. The assists had been tied for the Seventeenth-most in step with sport within the nation. Maryland is an especially deep squad, with 9 gamers averaging 13 or extra mins in step with sport, and it used seven other starters this season..

Weaknesses: Its 17-12 report is tough, however the energy of agenda is a large reason why. The Terps had the country’s eighth-hardest agenda, with their fighters’ common win % at 63. And that tempo and high-powered offense we spoke about? Yeah, it used to be obligatory, because it allowed 73.1 issues in step with sport. Only 26 groups allowed extra issues than Maryland did.

Outlook:Maryland’s losses made sense: South Carolina, UConn, Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana. That’s in reality, in reality difficult. You know what else is hard? Tournament groups. Maryland is also deep, and despite the fact that it gained huge in opposition to Ohio State within the Big Ten tourney, it’ll fight to stay tempo with the others.

Team in 16 phrases:Maryland’s a deep group that completed 17-12 however had the eighth-hardest agenda (63 opponent win %).

Record: 19-13

Coach: Brenda Frese, 4 Sweet 16s, 4 Elite Eights, two Final Fours, one championship

Player to observe: Shyanne Sellers

Strengths: The Aggies’ protection used to be robust this season, maintaining fighters to 82.8 issues in step with 100 possessions and 68.7 issues in step with sport. They additionally thrived at the forums, averaging 14 rebounds in step with sport at the back of the duo of Lauren Ware and Janiah Baker. Auburn switch Aicha Coulibaly used to be one of the most extra underrated SEC gamers, averaging 14.5 issues in step with convention sport.

Weaknesses: Efficiency used to be a large offensive factor for Texas A&M. It shot 27.9 from 3, 46.2 % from 2 and a deficient 67.8 % on unfastened throws. The Aggies began the season crimson scorching, but if convention play began, they struggled majorly. They went 6-10 within the SEC, shedding 5 of its six ultimate regular-season contests.

Outlook: If the Aggies makes it previous the primary weekend — let on my own out of the primary around — it’ll be via controlling the forums and enjoying robust protection. A primary-round dissatisfied might be within the playing cards, however the rest past that isn’t price banking on.

Team in 16 phrases: Texas A&M’s 82.8 defensive ranking used to be the Aggies’ best mark since hitting 82.4 in 2012-2013 season.

Record: 19-12

Coach: Joni Taylor

Player to observe: Aicha Coulibaly

Strengths: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Will Durant will have get a hold of the quote, however the Blue Raiders implemented it this season. The Conference USA champs began the similar 5 gamers in all 29 regular-season video games. Those gamers had been in no less than 30.4 mins in step with sport. Coach Thibs is someplace smiling at this time. Middle Tennessee’s protection is elite, maintaining fighters to 54.3 issues in step with sport.

Weaknesses: The Blue Raiders’ energy of agenda used to be No. 170. Beating Tennessee used to be their largest win — on paper, no less than, as they registered a 45-point victory over Florida A&M — so they haven’t been examined like they’re going to be within the event. Can their protection translate over?

Outlook: The final time Middle Tennessee were given out of the primary around used to be 2007, when it used to be a No. 5 seed and knocked off Gonzaga. Since then, it’s been one-and-done 8 other instances. A moment around look is within the playing cards this 12 months.

Team in 16 phrases: From height to backside, this can be the most productive Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders group since 2013-2014.

Record: 29-4

Coach:Rick Insell

Player to observe: Anastasiia Boldyreva

Strengths: You’re going to fight within the SEC — until you’re South Carolina. It used to be no other for Auburn, but it surely did end the season on a three-game successful streak in opposition to Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Florida. The Tigers had shut calls in opposition to LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Tennessee – all losses that had been via unmarried digits that its protection saved aggressive. That unit lets in handiest 79.8 issues in step with 100 ownership, which is nice for the 7th preferrred mark within the nation.

Weaknesses: Auburn used to be unsightly from 3-point vary, taking pictures handiest 28.7 % there making simply 110 treys all season. It had the Thirteenth-worst 3-point fee at 18.8 %. That’s why, in spite of the forged tempo it performs, it nonetheless wasn’t ready to attain on the fee it had to to enrich its defensive efforts.

Outlook: Auburn hasn’t made it to the second one weekend since 1996, in spite of making the event 9 instances since then. It’ll face a tricky avenue as it really works to finish that streak. Even if first-team All-SEC Honesty Scott-Grayson is in her bag, the loss of taking pictures will put Auburn’s adventure on hang.

Team in 16 phrases: Auburn has a stifling protection, but it surely struggles immensely from 3-point vary, taking pictures simply 29 %.

Record: 20-11

Coach:Johnnie Harris

Player to observe: Honesty Scott-Grayson

Strengths: Arizona likes to play within out. It tried simply 414 3-pointers this season to fee within the Sixteenth percentile. Helena Pueyo earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors as she performed 36.4 mins in step with sport and swiped 3 balls in step with sport on common. The long term is vibrant in Arizona, too, as freshman Jada Williams earned All-Freshman honors.

Weaknesses: The Wildcats are in a tricky spot. Leading scorer Kailyn Gilbert made her final look for Arizona on Feb. 18. The struggles got here ahead of Gilbert left the group, although, as Arizona discovered itself in a stretch the place it misplaced six of 8 video games between Jan. 5 and Jan. 28. Williams and Pueyo assist, in fact, but it surely’s challenging to make up for Gilbert’s absence, and the ones two on my own can’t toughen Arizona’s defensive rebounding, which hauled 21.9 in step with sport.

Outlook: Getting Williams event revel in is a large plus right here. Whether it’s a sport or two stays the query, however development off it for subsequent 12 months is the principle target.

Team in 16 phrases: Who wishes the deep ball? Not Arizona, it sounds as if, because it tried simply 414 at the season.

Record: 17-15

Coach:Adia Barnes, one Final Four

Player to observe: Helena Pueyo

Strengths: Green Bay performs at a sluggish tempo, which is increased via its hard-nosed protection. Its 66.7 possessions in step with 40 mins ranked No. 322, but it surely held fighters to 57.8 issues in step with sport, with a mean margin of victory of 16.4 issues. First-team Horizon League guard Natalie McNeal leads the country in scoring and rebounds.

Weaknesses: Despite all of its bigs and wings indexed at 6-foot-1 or taller, Green Bay ranks within the 18th percentile in blocks in step with sport with 2.1. The Phoenix additionally fight mightily at the forums, knocking down 34.2 in step with sport.

Outlook: Green Bay used to be aggressive in maximum video games, with its largest loss coming in opposition to Horizon League Player of the Year Colbi Maples and Cleveland State. The Phoenix had nonconference wins in opposition to Creighton and Washington State — via a mean of eleven.5 issues. A second-round look wouldn’t surprise me, but it surely’s challenging to peer them attending to the Sweet 16 for the primary time since 2011.

Team in 16 phrases: No senioritis in Green Bay, because it begins 5 juniors and rosters one senior (Natalie Andersen).

Record: 27-6

Coach:Kevin Borseth

Player to observe: Natalie McNeal

Portland 4

Horizon League

Strengths: The Eagles went undefeated in convention, and it wasn’t a very simple avenue, as they handled accidents to key participants all season. Still, they made it rain from at the back of the arc, making an attempt the eighth-most 3-pointers within the nation. They tried such a lot of, if truth be told, that the 804 makes an attempt had been simply 4 shy in their overall 2-point makes an attempt.

Weaknesses: FGCU performs at an excellent sluggish tempo of 68.4 possessions in step with 40 mins. The Eagles additionally take a quantity manner for its photographs from at the back of the arc, taking pictures 30.3 %, which is correct across the fiftieth percentile within the metric.

Outlook: FGCU has made the second one around in consecutive years however hasn’t made the Sweet 16 since 2007. If the photographs fall at higher than a 30.3 % clip, it will simply see the second one weekend.

Team in 16 phrases: The slow-paced FGCU Eagles held their fighters to the fewest issues in step with sport (55.9) since 2015-2016.

Record: 29-4

Coach: Karl Smesko

Player to observe: Uju Ezeudu

Strengths: Katie Dinnebier used to be implausible this season, averaging 18.1 issues and seven assists in step with sport in addition to 2.5 steals. Dinnebier used to be the one participant within the nation to common no less than 18 issues, 7 assists and a couple of steals in a sport.

Weaknesses: Drake became averaged 17.7 turnovers in step with sport, and it had 4 starters — Dinnebier, Grace Berg, Anna Miller and Taylor McAulay — who averaged no less than 2 in step with sport.

Outlook: Four of Drake’s 5 losses got here in opposition to Iowa, Richmond, Creighton and a double-overtime loss in opposition to Minnesota. It’ll want some assist for Dinnebier — in all probability from Anna Miller? — if it hopes to get to the second one weekend.

Team in 16 phrases: The Bulldogs’ 83.9 successful share is their best mark for the reason that 2016-2017 season (at 84.4 %).

Record: 27-5

Coach: Allison Pohlman

Player to observe: Katie Dinnebier

Strengths: Vandy is implausible at getting steals. It used to be within the 92nd percentile in steals in step with sport and 94th percentile in thieve fee. Though it struggled down the stretch, it saved video games shut in opposition to non-elite SEC groups — South Carolina, LSU and Tennessee — ahead of shedding to Florida in the second one around of the convention event.

Weaknesses: Vandy has promise for the long run. It has handiest two seniors on its roster. Losing freshman Madison Greene to a season-ending ACL harm after 11 video games used to be a large blow.

Outlook: Next season might be a good one, however so far as this event is going, it’s going to be an early go out. The Commodores, although, will have to be happy with its preferrred regular-season in 11 years.

Weaknesses: Vandy has promise for the long run. It has handiest two seniors on its roster. Losing freshman Madison Greene to a season-ending ACL harm after 11 video games used to be a large blow.

Team in 16 phrases: Vandy began the season scorching, going 16-1, however floundered overdue, completing 6-9 to complete the 12 months.

Record: 22-9

Coach: Shea Ralph

Player to observe: Iyana Moore

Strengths: The Lions are a sneaky-good offensive group. They scored 108 issues in step with 100 possessions and averaged 76 issues in step with sport, which is helping to offset its 63.2 issues allowed on common defensively. Columbia’s offensive rebounding skill can’t be overstated. It ranked 6th within the country in offensive rebounding fee, at the back of Kitty Henderon’s team-leading 2.4 forums.

Weaknesses: Columbia didn’t face a tricky agenda — No. 94 within the nation so far as issue — and its protection leaves so much to be desired. It will also be attacked at the internal, because it used to be within the twenty fourth percentile in blocks in step with sport with 2.3.

Outlook: This is Columbia’s first NCAA Tournament look, in spite of competing within the Ivy League since 1984. Could it knock off Vanderbilt? Yeah. Can it take down Baylor if it wins? Unlikely.

Team in 16 phrases: Columbia’s 108.9 offensive ranking is its best within the fashionable technology (ranking at 104.8 in 2023).

Record: 23-6

Coach: Megan Griffith

Player to observe: Abbey Hsu

Strengths: The Jackrabbits love the 3-point shot. Their 38.7 % from 3 is the fourth-best nationally this season. That performs an element in South Dakota State’s 0.93 issues in step with play and 1.14 issues in step with scoring try marks in spite of enjoying at a sluggish tempo.

Weaknesses: When confronted with nonconference pageant, South Dakota State has struggled mightily. All 5 losses got here in opposition to 5 tournament-bound fighters. The Jackrabbits have triumph over a large number of accidents, shedding Madysen Vlastuin to a season-ended harm 19 video games into the season. They additionally misplaced Kallie Theisen and Haleigh Timmer ahead of the season even began.

Outlook: South Dakota State can ranking, however we’ve noticed what occurs when it is going up in opposition to a nonconference foes. Yes, the Jackrabbits made the Sweet 16 in 2019 after they dissatisfied No. 3 Oregon, however this isn’t 2019. This Jackrabbits group has early go out written in every single place it.

Team in 16 phrases: South Dakota has been undefeated since Dec. 31, however went 0-5 in opposition to nonconference NCAA Tournament groups.

Record: 27-5

Coach: Aaron Johnston, one Sweet 16

Player to observe: Brooklyn Meyer

Portland 4

Summit League

Strengths: Fairfield’s offense used to be effective, however its protection that allowed 55 issues in step with sport used to be the large reason why it misplaced handiest as soon as this season. Meghan Andersen led the Stags with 15.5 issues and 1.4 blocks in step with sport.

Weaknesses: The Stags don’t have a deep bench, with seven gamers averaging quarter-hour or extra in step with sport. After that, it’s a deep drop-off. Fairfield’s protection is robust, however will that translate in opposition to more difficult groups? If now not, can its offense step up?

Outlook: It used to be a historical season, as its handiest loss got here on Nov. 12 in a three-point loss to Vanderbilt. The Stags would make a perfect Cinderella, and the trail isn’t the toughest to advance to the second one weekend. I’ll pick out them as a Round of 32 group.

Team in 16 phrases: Fairfield’s lone loss in opposition to Vanderbilt (73-70) is its fewest at school historical past, courting again to 1981.

Record: 31-1

Coach: Carly Thibault-DuDonis

Player to observe: Meghan Andersen

Strengths: The Pilots are using the momentum after taking down Gonzaga in one of the most season’s largest upsets within the WCC identify sport. They play at a quick tempo and are lively defensively, averaging 10.5 steals and 5.6 blocks in step with sport.

Weaknesses: It’s been a real momentum run during the convention event. Portland misplaced 4 of its ultimate 5 video games of the steady season, and the final two losses had been to San Francisco and Gonzaga via 12 and 50 issues, respectively. The Pilots common 18 turnovers in step with sport, and their 559 turnovers ranked No. 331 out of 360 groups.

Outlook: The convention run has been nice, and bursting the bubble of groups at the fringe has to really feel nice. But Portland has subsequent to no probability to go out the primary around as winner.

Team in 16 phrases: The Pilots’ defensive ranking (86.9) is the best it’s been in additional than a decade.

Record: 21-12

Coach: Michael Meek

Player to observe: Emme Shearer

Strengths: Marshall scored 116 issues in opposition to Appalachian State within the Sun Belt event, and it is simply an instance of the offense it is in a position to. The Herd have 3 gamers who common no less than 13.9 issues in step with sport.

Weaknesses: The Herd fight from the charity stripe, taking pictures 65.7 % in step with sport. What’s extra, its protection lets in 71.6 issues in step with sport.

Outlook: Marshall can pour at the issues — it scored greater than 100 issues thrice this season — however will its protection be capable to prevent any person within the event? It’s going house early this 12 months.

Weaknesses: The Herd fight from the charity stripe, taking pictures 65.7 % in step with sport. What’s extra, its protection lets in 71.6 issues in step with sport.

Team in 16 phrases: Marshall can completely ranking, averaging 84.2 issues in step with sport (that ranks as 5th within the nation).

Record: 26-6

Coach: Kim Stephens

Player to observe: Abby Beeman

Strengths: UC Irvine is elite defensively. Five other gamers – Nikki Tom, Deja Lee, Diaba Konate, Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba, and Nevaeh Dean – completed the season with defensive win stocks of greater than 1. Lee used to be the best at 1.7.

Weaknesses: The Anteaters business elite protection for deficient offense at a sluggish tempo. They rank within the Sixteenth percentile in tempo (67.4) and common a hair over 63.2 issues in step with sport.

Outlook: Its key victory this season used to be in opposition to Eastern Washington, so UC Irvine would possibly fight in opposition to event groups. It had the 59th best possible agenda at the 12 months.

Team in 16 phrases: The Anteaters are making their first NCAA Tournament look since 1995, after they misplaced to Stanford.

Record: 23-8

Coach: Tamara Inoue

Player to observe: Deja Lee

Strengths: Aaliyah Alexander and Jamie Loera are Eastern Washington’s leaders, serving to protected its first NCAA Tournament look in 37 years. Loera averages 2.4 steals in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Eastern Washington had the 93rd best possible agenda this season, with its fighters’ common successful share coming in at 46.2 %.

Outlook: Returning to the event is an unbelievable accomplishment for Joddie Gleason and Co. No disgrace in an early go out.

Strengths: Aaliyah Alexander and Jamie Loera are Eastern Washington’s leaders, serving to protected its first NCAA Tournament look in 37 years. Loera averages 2.4 steals in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Eastern Washington had the 93rd best possible agenda this season, with its fighters’ common successful share coming in at 46.2 %.

Outlook: Returning to the event is an unbelievable accomplishment for Joddie Gleason and Co. No disgrace in an early go out.

Strengths: Aaliyah Alexander and Jamie Loera are Eastern Washington’s leaders, serving to protected its first NCAA Tournament look in 37 years. Loera averages 2.4 steals in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Eastern Washington had the 93rd best possible agenda this season, with its fighters’ common successful share coming in at 46.2 %.

Outlook: Returning to the event is an unbelievable accomplishment for Joddie Gleason and Co. No disgrace in an early go out.

Team in 16 phrases: This is the Eagles first NCAA Tournament look since 1987, when it misplaced 75-56 as opposed to Oregon.

Record: 29-5

Coach: Joddie Gleason

Player to observe: Jamie Loera

Strengths: After shedding its ultimate 5 video games of the season, Rice made rather simple paintings of the contest within the AAC event. What used to be the adaptation? Well, the Owls’ protection stepped up. Both its offense and protection used to be middling all the way through the steady season, however within the convention event, Rice didn’t permit any person to eclipse the 60-point mark. It used to be particularly spectacular maintaining East Carolina to 41 issues.

Weaknesses: Rice can get sloppy. It became over the ball 500 instances this season — 15.2 in step with sport — and allowed its fighters to reside on the foul line, committing 18.1 fouls in step with sport.

Outlook: It’s a shocking event bid for Rice, and it’s a perfect accomplishment for Lindsay Edmonds, making her first Big Dance as a head trainer. But Rice struggled in shut video games all season in opposition to inferior pageant in comparison to what it’ll face within the NCAA Tournament. With neither an above-average offense or protection, it’s challenging to peer Rice being the primary No. 14 seed to drag off an dissatisfied.

Team in 16 phrases: This 12 months’s NCAA Tournament is Rice’s fourth look within the Big Dance in its college’s historical past.

Record: 19-14

Coach:Lindsay Edmonds

Player to observe: Malia Fisher

Strengths: Miya Crump and Angel Jackson supply a pleasant one-two punch for the Tigers. Jackson State averages 10.3 issues, 6.9 rebounds and a couple of.8 blocks in step with sport. The blocks places the Tigers within the country’s a hundredth percentile.

Weaknesses: The Tigers tend to foul a ton. They common 17.8 fouls in step with sport, so there’s a drawback to its 4.8 blocks in step with sport and the aggressiveness defensively.

Outlook: A No. 14 seed hasn’t ever defeated a No. 3 seed. It’s now not taking place this 12 months with Jackson State, both.

Weaknesses: The Tigers tend to foul a ton. They common 17.8 fouls in step with sport, so there’s a drawback to its 4.8 blocks in step with sport and the aggressiveness defensively.

Outlook: A No. 14 seed hasn’t ever defeated a No. 3 seed. It’s now not taking place this 12 months with Jackson State, both.

Weaknesses: The Tigers tend to foul a ton. They common 17.8 fouls in step with sport, so there’s a drawback to its 4.8 blocks in step with sport and the aggressiveness defensively.

Outlook: A No. 14 seed hasn’t ever defeated a No. 3 seed. It’s now not taking place this 12 months with Jackson State, both.

Team in 16 phrases:It used to be a perfect end to the season as Jackson State completed 18-0 after beginning 2-6.

Record: 26-6

Coach: Tomekia Reed

Player to observe: Angel Jackson

Strengths: Jada Quinn used to be a bucket for Chattanooga this season, averaging 19.5 issues and seven.2 forums in step with sport on 52.2 % taking pictures. Its protection used to be difficult, permitting 54.5 issues in step with sport.
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Weaknesses: The Mocs struggled from downtown, taking pictures 29.4 % from 3. They additionally ranked No. 357 out of 360 groups with 7.1 offensive rebounds in step with sport.

Outlook: A key win in opposition to Mississippi State confirmed that it might compete, however Chattanooga isn’t going to get previous the primary around in opposition to NC State.

Weaknesses: The Mocs struggled from downtown, taking pictures 29.4 % from 3. They additionally ranked No. 357 out of 360 groups with 7.1 offensive rebounds in step with sport.

Outlook: A key win in opposition to Mississippi State confirmed that it might compete, however Chattanooga isn’t going to get previous the primary around in opposition to NC State.

Weaknesses: The Mocs struggled from downtown, taking pictures 29.4 % from 3. They additionally ranked No. 357 out of 360 groups with 7.1 offensive rebounds in step with sport.

Outlook: A key win in opposition to Mississippi State confirmed that it might compete, however Chattanooga isn’t going to get previous the primary around in opposition to NC State.

Team in 16 phrases: Its 25 wins, at the back of an elite protection that permits 54.7 ppg, are essentially the most since 2014-2015.

Record: 28-4

Coach: Shawn Poppie

Player to observe: Jada Quinn

Portland 4

Southern Conference

Strengths: The Golden Flashes offense, led via Katie Shumate (15.1 issues in step with sport) and Jenna Batsch (13.8) does sufficient to stay them in video games, averaging 70.2 issues in step with contest. In 1/2 of its losses, Kent State used to be not able to hit its season-long mark in common issues scored in step with sport.

Weaknesses: Kent State struggles mightily from the free-throw line, taking pictures 74.3 %. That reared its head in single-digit losses to Ball State, Ohio, Old Dominion and Duquesne.

Outlook: Kent State goes dancing for the primary time in two-plus years. Does the end result in reality subject? It’s an enormous accomplishment for Todd Starkey and body of workers — even with a first-round go out coated up.

Weaknesses: Kent State struggles mightily from the free-throw line, taking pictures 74.3 %. That reared its head in single-digit losses to Ball State, Ohio, Old Dominion and Duquesne.

Team in 16 phrases: Kent State is making its first NCAA Tournament look for the reason that 2002 season (No. 14 seed).

Record: 21-10

Coach: Todd Starkey

Player to observe: Katie Shumate

Strengths: The Lancers can ranking, and they are able to ranking in bunches. Chloe Webb leads them with 21.1 issues in step with sport, however as a squad, they common 81.1 issues to rank No. 11 nationally – because of its speedy tempo (78.3 possessions in step with 40 mins).

Weaknesses: Cal Baptist’s protection lets in fighters to attain at will, permitting 70.9 issues in step with sport. It additionally struggles at the glass; its 30.1 defensive rebounds in step with sport are the fifth-fewest in step with sport within the nation.

Outlook: The Lancers had been dominant since making the transfer to Division I, shedding a complete of 26 video games over the last 4 seasons — 1/2 of the ones coming final 12 months. They will have to have a look at making the NCAA Tournament as a test of the field. Switch to DI? Check. Win the convention? Check. Make the event? Check. Win a event sport? Maybe subsequent 12 months.

Team in 16 phrases: The Lancers are making the NCAA Tournament for the primary time after finishing their DI transition.

Record: 28-3

Coach: Jarrod Olson

Player to observe: Chloe Webb

Strengths: Adrianna Smith used to be implausible for the Black Bears, averaging 16.3 issues and 11.1 rebounds in step with to move along side 4.7 assists. Smith used to be the one participant to perform the ones marks this season.

Weaknesses: Maine’s sluggish tempo limits its offensive ceiling. It averaged 64.3 issues in step with sport, and although its protection held fighters to 56.5, that used to be in opposition to non-tournament pageant.

Outlook: A primary-round loss is going on, however the protection and Smith’s play will stay it from being a blowout. Take the below if you happen to’re a making a bet user.

Team in 16 phrases: Maine performs at a 65.5 tempo (6th percentile) — and that’s up from 64.5 final season.

Record: 24-9

Coach: Amy Vachon

Player to observe: Adrianna Smith

Strengths: Diamond Johnson averaged 4 steals in step with sport, which trailed handiest Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and Siena’s Elisa Mevius this season.

Weaknesses: Norfolk State ranks lifeless final in fighters common issues in step with 100 possessions with 82.3.

Outlook: No. 15 seeds are 0-116 all time within the event.

Strengths: Diamond Johnson averaged 4 steals in step with sport, which trailed handiest Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and Siena’s Elisa Mevius this season.

Weaknesses: Norfolk State ranks lifeless final in fighters common issues in step with 100 possessions with 82.3.

Outlook: No. 15 seeds are 0-116 all time within the event.

Strengths: Diamond Johnson averaged 4 steals in step with sport, which trailed handiest Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and Siena’s Elisa Mevius this season.

Weaknesses: Norfolk State ranks lifeless final in fighters common issues in step with 100 possessions with 82.3.

Outlook: No. 15 seeds are 0-116 all time within the event.

Team in 16 phrases: Norfolk State’s ranked within the ninety fifth percentile or higher in fighters ppg 5 instances since 2017-2018.

Record: 27-5

Coach: Larry Vickers

Player to observe: Diamond Johnson

Strengths: If there’s something that stands proud in an effective way for the Blue Hose, it is their protection. They restrict the scoring opportunies and personal the defensive forums.

Weaknesses: That’s the place the reward ends. Presbyterian has a -3.3 scoring differential at the season, averaging 56.5 issues on offense and 59.8 allowed in step with sport on protection.

Outlook: Seventeen years after changing into a Division I college, Alauara Sharp led Presby to its first NCAA Tournament. Losing within the first around will nonetheless be regarded as a luck.

Strengths: If there’s something that stands proud in an effective way for the Blue Hose, it is their protection. They restrict the scoring opportunies and personal the defensive forums.

Weaknesses: That’s the place the reward ends. Presbyterian has a -3.3 scoring differential at the season, averaging 56.5 issues on offense and 59.8 allowed in step with sport on protection.

Outlook: Seventeen years after changing into a Division I college, Alauara Sharp led Presby to its first NCAA Tournament. Losing within the first around will nonetheless be regarded as a luck.

Strengths: If there’s something that stands proud in an effective way for the Blue Hose, it is their protection. They restrict the scoring opportunies and personal the defensive forums.

Weaknesses: That’s the place the reward ends. Presbyterian has a -3.3 scoring differential at the season, averaging 56.5 issues on offense and 59.8 allowed in step with sport on protection.

Outlook: Seventeen years after changing into a Division I college, Alauara Sharp led Presby to its first NCAA Tournament. Losing within the first around will nonetheless be regarded as a luck.

Team in 16 phrases: Great defensively however now not such a lot on offense; it is nice simply to be in!

Record: 20-14 (8-8 Big South)

Coach: Alaura Sharp (First NCAA Tournament)

Players to observe: Bryanna Brady and Tilda Sjokvist

Strengths: The offense for Sacred Heart runs via Ny’Ceara Pryor. She makes an attempt 15.2 subject objectives in step with sport, averaging 19.4 issues in step with contest with a 30.5 utilization fee.

Weaknesses: The Pioneers struggled on the charity stripe (68.7 %) in addition to at the back of the arc (28.7 %) on offense, they usually additionally struggled at the forums defensively, averaging simply 23.1 defensive rebounds in step with sport.

Outlook: Pryor will give you the scoring quantity that Sacred Heart must keep away from a first-half blowout, however there aren’t sufficient complementary gamers round her to position them in dissatisfied territory.

Team in 16 phrases: The Pioneers are making the NCAA Tournament in consecutive years for the primary time in historical past.

Record: 24-9

Coach: Jessica Mannetti

Player to observe: Ny’Ceara Pryor

Strengths: Holy Cross goes dancing once more, and it’s largely to the play of Bronagh Power-Cassidy, who now not handiest has progressed her scoring common from 13.5 issues final season to 16.6 this season, however her 24.2 PER and 26 % utilization fee are high-water marks in her four-year occupation.

Weaknesses: Holy Cross performs at an exceptionally sluggish tempo, averaging 65.9 possessions in step with 40 mins. Though it has a forged total defensive ranking and holds fighters off of the scoreboard, it’s one of the most worst groups within the nation (No. 351) in steals in step with sport with simply 4.9.

Outlook: Back-to-back years within the event out of the Patriot League is an unbelievable accomplishment.

Team in 16 phrases: The Crusaders are making consecutive appearances within the NCAA Tournament for the primary time since 2000-2001.

Record: 20-12

Coach: Maureen Magarity

Player to observe: Bronagh Power-Cassidy

Strengths: Anaya Brown stood out for the Skyhawks, averaging 15.1 issues, 8.9 forums and three.4 STOCKs. UT Martin ranked No. 21 (77.4 %) and No. 14 (36.9 %) in unfastened throw and 3-point share, respectively.

Weaknesses: The Skyhawks sluggish tempo led to simply 67.3 possessions in step with 40 mins. What’s extra, their fighters averaged 93.6 issues in step with 100 possessions.

Outlook: Kudos are deserved for turning round a season that gave the look to be misplaced in early December. It’s the 5th total NCAA Tournament for the Skyhawks — their first since 2014.

Weaknesses: The Skyhawks sluggish tempo led to simply 67.3 possessions in step with 40 mins. What’s extra, their fighters averaged 93.6 issues in step with 100 possessions.

Outlook: Kudos are deserved for turning round a season that gave the look to be misplaced in early December. It’s the 5th total NCAA Tournament for the Skyhawks — their first since 2014.

Weaknesses: The Skyhawks sluggish tempo led to simply 67.3 possessions in step with 40 mins. What’s extra, their fighters averaged 93.6 issues in step with 100 possessions.

Outlook: Kudos are deserved for turning round a season that gave the look to be misplaced in early December. It’s the 5th total NCAA Tournament for the Skyhawks — their first since 2014.

Team in 16 phrases: UT Martin misplaced 8 of its first 9 video games, completing .500 after successful its convention event.

Record: 16-16

Coach: Kevin McMillan

Player to observe: Anaya Brown

Strengths: The Islanders have 3 gamers who raise the burden offensively, depending on Paige Allen, Alecia Westbrook and Mireia Aguado — all of whom common eleven-plus issues in step with sport. Their difficult protection limits fighters to 82.5 issues in step with 100 possessions.

Weaknesses: The Islanders fight from at the back of the 3-point line, the place they shot 26.2 %. Only 29 groups shot worse.

Outlook: Only one No. 16 group ever knocked off a No. 1 seed ahead of. The huge win for the Islanders used to be over Lamar within the convention event … and making it to the Big Dance for the primary time.

Weaknesses: The Islanders fight from at the back of the 3-point line, the place they shot 26.2 %. Only 29 groups shot worse.

Team in 16 phrases: The Islanders earned their first NCAA Tournament bid at school historical past after knocking off Lamar 68-61.

Record: 23-8

Coach: Royce Chadwick

Player to observe: Alecia Westbrook

Portland 3

Southland Conference

Strengths: Drexel persevered its streak of enjoying elite protection, as 2023-2024 marked the 14th instantly season the place it has allowed fewer than 60 issues in step with sport. Its 55.5 allowed on common used to be the Twelfth-best mark this season.

Weaknesses: The tempo. Was so. Slow. Drexel’s 63.5 tempo used to be the fourth-worst mark within the nation. With that, it scored 57.2 issues in step with sport.

Outlook: When its fighters scored no less than 60 issues, Drexel used to be 2-10. Its different 4 losses got here when its offense stalled, scoring 57, 56, 47, and 48 issues, respectively. The loss of offense gained’t play for Drexel’s hopes of creating a tight run within the NCAA Tournament.

Weaknesses: The tempo. Was so. Slow. Drexel’s 63.5 tempo used to be the fourth-worst mark within the nation. With that, it scored 57.2 issues in step with sport.

Team in 16 phrases: Drexel has allowed fewer than 60 issues in step with sport in each and every of the final 14 seasons.

Record: 19-14

Coach: Amy Mallon

Player to observe: Chloe Hodges

Regional breakdowns

Albany 1

South Carolina being the No. 1 total seed isn’t a surprise, in fact, and if the bracket is going complete chalk, we’ll get a showdown between the Gamecocks and Hanna Hidalgo and the Irish. The must-watch sport of the bracket — assuming each win their respective first-round matchups — is Nebraska vs. Oregon State in Round 2. Nebraska is among the few groups that has the facility to knock off South Carolina in regional play. We’ve noticed how difficult it performed Iowa this 12 months.

If Mackenzie Holmes isn’t one hundred pc, Oklahoma will have an more straightforward trail to the Sweet 16 than expected.

Albany 2

Caitlin Clark and Iowa made it to the identify sport final 12 months. If it hopes to go back, it has one heck of a adventure forward of it. Iowa, arguably, has the toughest adventure for a No. 1 seed, because it must triumph over LSU or UCLA as possible favorites from the ground of the area.

You noticed the faces of the LSU gamers and body of workers, proper? They gave the impression as stunned as us at house after they noticed that it used to be a No. 3 seed as an alternative of a No. 2 seed.

Bulletin board subject matter proper there, and you’ve got to really feel for Rice who has to stand the Tigers within the first around.

Whatever the Over/Under is at the West Virginia and Princeton sport, hammer the Under. Both groups are difficult defensively, and Princeton performs a grind-them-out taste of ball. If it might defeat West Virginia, gazing that protection in opposition to Clark and Iowa goes to be a large number of amusing.

Portland 3

Butter or undeniable? No subject how you are taking your popcorn, get it able. This is a area this is going to position on a display. JuJu Watkins, Jacy Sheldon, Georgia Amoore, Dyaisha Fair, Paige Bueckers — the buckets are unending right here.

As amusing because it’s going to be as audience, for lovers of the respective groups within the area — and, in fact, the groups themselves – this can be a difficult, difficult area.

Outside of the way Watkins performs within the event as a real freshman, the opposite largest storyline this is the well being of Elizabeth Kitley, the three-time ACC Player of the Year for Virginia Tech. She injured her knee within the regular-season finale, and updates had been scarce. If Kitley is in a position to cross and is the rest on the subject of one hundred pc, Virginia Tech turns into a group who may simply make it out of the area and directly to Cleveland.

Circled within the area is the prospective Round of 32 matchup between UConn and Syracuse. Fair vs. the combination of Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards is the kind of sport the place you should faux a in poor health day to song in.

The winner of Vanderbilt and Columbia has a tricky matchup in opposition to Baylor, however you’ll pencil in Baylor vs. Virginia Tech in Round 2.

Portland 4

What have you ever finished for me in recent years, or what have you ever earned? That’s the query with the No. 1 seed right here. Texas – now not Stanford – earned the No. 1 seed, and with Texas’ play within the Big 12 Tournament, you’ll see why.

Cameron Brink and the Cardinal gets the winner of Maryland and Iowa State in Round 2. The Cyclones struggled in opposition to the Longhorns in event play, however seeing Brink in opposition to Audi Crooks might be amusing.

Don’t sleep on Tennessee, as Rickea Jackson got here on all the way through the second one 1/2 of the season and gave the look of the participant we anticipated to peer. She’s going to polish within the WNBA, however now not ahead of hanging on a display within the event. Tennessee vs. Stanford within the Sweet 16? Yes, please.

Gonzaga has a perfect Round 1 draw, however will face a problem in opposition to Utah in the second one around.

This nonetheless looks like Stanford’s area to lose.

(Illustration: Sean Reilly / The Athletic; Photos of JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers and Hannah Hidalgo: Brian Rothmuller / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images, G Fiume / Getty Images, Joseph Weiser / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)

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