March Madness 2024 Bracketology Projections: Setting the Stage for a Thrilling Women’s NCAA Tournament
As the college basketball season races towards its climax, the excitement for the Women’s NCAA Tournament continues to build. With just a few weeks remaining before Selection Sunday, CBS Sports research department presents its updated Women’s Bracketology projections, offering a glimpse into the possible field of 68 teams.
Top Seeds: A Battle of the Best
The top seeds in this year’s tournament are a testament to the depth of talent in women’s college basketball.
1. South Carolina Gamecocks (17-0, 5-0 SEC): Led by the dynamic duo of Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks remain a dominant force. Their balanced scoring attack and stout defense make them a formidable opponent for any team.
2. Stanford Cardinal (17-2, 6-1 Pac-12): With Tara VanDerveer at the helm, Stanford continues to be a powerhouse. Boasting five NET top-25 wins, they are a battle-tested team determined to avenge last season’s early tournament exit.
3. UCLA Bruins (15-2, 4-2 Pac-12): The Bruins are known for their relentless rebounding, led by Charisma Osborne and Aaliyah Gayles. Their ability to control the boards gives them a significant edge over their opponents.
4. Iowa Hawkeyes (18-2, 7-1 Big Ten): Caitlin Clark is a true superstar, averaging over 30 points per game and leading the Hawkeyes to an impressive record. Their high-scoring offense makes them a threat to any team.
Contenders in the Hunt: Seeds 2-4
The second-tier seeds are a mix of established programs and rising stars, all vying for a chance to challenge the top teams.
1. UConn Huskies (16-3, 8-0 Big East): Despite injuries, UConn has bounced back with a 12-game winning streak. Paige Bueckers is back to her All-American form, leading the Huskies’ charge towards another deep tournament run.
2. Colorado Buffaloes (16-2, 6-1 Pac-12): The Buffaloes have made a statement with their strong start, led by the energetic Jaylyn Sherrod. They are ready to prove themselves as a legitimate contender.
3. Kansas State Wildcats (19-1, 8-0 Big 12): With only one loss this season, Kansas State has been a force to be reckoned with. Their stingy defense, allowing fewer than 60 points per game, makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.
4. NC State Wolfpack (16-2, 4-2 ACC): The Wolfpack boasts a balanced scoring attack, with six players averaging double figures. They are looking to make a deeper run in the tournament this year.
Dark Horses to Watch: Seeds 3-4
These teams may not be among the top seeds, but they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
1. Texas Longhorns (18-2, 5-2 Big 12): Despite losing star player Rori Harmon to injury, Texas remains a dangerous team. Madison Booker has stepped up, averaging nearly 20 points per game in the last seven games.
2. Indiana Hoosiers (16-2, 7-1 Big Ten): The Hoosiers have only lost to Stanford and Iowa this season. They will face a challenging stretch of games against Maryland, Ohio State, and Michigan State, which will test their mettle.
3. USC Trojans (13-3, 3-3 Pac-12): Freshman sensation JuJu Watkins has been a revelation for USC. Despite a tough conference schedule, the Trojans have shown they can compete with the best.
4. LSU Tigers (18-2, 5-1 SEC): The Tigers have a talented roster, led by Angel Reese. However, their weak nonconference schedule may prevent them from securing a top seed.
Completing the Field: Seeds 5-16
The remaining seeds feature a mix of established programs and up-and-coming teams, all vying for a spot in the Big Dance.
Ohio State, Baylor, Utah, and Gonzaga round out the top 4 seeds, while Louisville, North Carolina, Oregon State, and Notre Dame are among the teams vying for 5 seeds.
Seeds 6-10 include Syracuse, Creighton, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Washington State, Maryland, Duke, and West Virginia. Marquette, Minnesota, Princeton, and Nebraska are in contention for 8 seeds.
Seeds 9-12 feature Penn State, Florida State, Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Richmond, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Green Bay. UNLV, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Ole Miss, Washington, TCU, California, and Drake are among the teams battling for spots in the 11-12 seed range.
The final four seeds and the teams on the bubble add further intrigue to the tournament picture.
Fairfield, James Madison, Stony Brook, Grand Canyon, Chattanooga, Maine, Jackson State, Lamar, UC Irvine, Norfolk State, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, High Point, and Tennessee Tech are all in the mix for a chance to dance in March.
As the regular season winds down, the race for the NCAA Tournament intensifies. Every game matters as teams jockey for position and try to secure a spot in the Big Dance. The updated Bracketology projections provide a snapshot of the current landscape and set the stage for a thrilling Women’s NCAA Tournament.