March has arrived, and the thrill of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has come. With just two weeks until the final brackets are unveiled, teams across the nation are making their final case for seeding.
This year’s tournament promises plenty of drama, with shifting rankings and powerhouse programs vying for dominance. There has already been plenty to talk about, expected jaw-dropping upsets and pivotal matchups. Will Notre Dame recover from its recent slip? Could USC secure the No. 1 overall seed after a critical victory? And how will South Carolina and UConn factor into the top seeding debate?
Here’s a breakdown of expert predictions and what fans can expect as tournament time nears.
A Shifting Landscape in the Top-16 Seeds
The last week has been a rollercoaster for many top teams in women’s basketball. On Thursday, the NCAA released the second and final top-16 seed reveal. Yet, the rankings didn’t last long before things got shaken up.
Hours later, No. 4 Notre Dame suffered a shocking loss at home to No. 24 Florida State, and No. 7 LSU stumbled in a tough loss against No. 20 Alabama. These games put heavy pressure on Notre Dame and LSU and sent ripples through the rankings for others, including South Carolina and USC.
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the weekend was the clash between No. 3 USC and No. 1 UCLA on Saturday. USC emerged victorious with a decisive 80-67 win, further solidifying its place as a top contender. Both teams had entered the weekend as No. 1 seeds. Nonetheless, USC’s second win over UCLA this season guarantees its claim to the No. 1 overall spot.
Expert Predictions for March Madness
With all this shifting, what do the experts say about how the top seeds are shaping up?
Charlie Creme from ESPN believes South Carolina’s recent performance has vaulted them back into the No. 1 seed conversation after Notre Dame’s loss. He notes:
“South Carolina’s solid finish to the regular season and Notre Dame’s stumble against Florida State shake up the rankings yet again.”
Meanwhile, Mark Schindler from The Athletic has UCLA, Texas, USC, and South Carolina as his projected No. 1 seeds. However, his decision to place South Carolina ahead of UConn—a team that earned a head-to-head win earlier this season—has sparked debate. Schindler explains, “Based on the committee’s emphasis on recent performance, South Carolina edges ahead despite UConn’s earlier victory.” These differences in opinion will no doubt fuel debates among fans leading up to Selection Sunday.
Fans following the latest NCAAB news know the next few weeks will be critical for teams looking to solidify their positions as top seeds—or fight their way back into contention.
What’s On the Horizon?
The road to Tampa, Florida, where the Final Four games will take place at the University of South Florida’s Amalie Arena. It begins on Sunday, March 16, when the tournament brackets are revealed. From there, the excitement will ramp up quickly with the First Four games on March 19 and 20, followed by the official first round on March 21 and 22.
Sportsbooks like FanDuel have already come prepared to give basketball fans an added level of thrill with the NCAAB odds by FanDuel. This will enable them to place wagers and evaluate how teams perform during this critical final stretch. These last two weeks can determine their fate for teams on the bubble, and the higher-seeded powerhouses will fight to lock in advantageous matchups.
Who Will Rise to the Occasion?
With the regular season wrapping up, the unpredictability of this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is palpable. Will Notre Dame and LSU find redemption in time? Can South Carolina prove it deserves a No. 1 seed more than UConn? And is USC the powerhouse we should be betting on to go all the way?
One thing is for certain—March Madness never disappoints. Circle March 16 on your calendar, get ready for your brackets, and prepare for a thrilling tournament guaranteed to deliver unforgettable action.
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