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Exploring the Winners and Losers of the Women’s NCAA Tournament Bracket
The absence of a rematch of the national championship game in women’s college basketball for the 2024 season removes a significant storyline. Instead, attention shifts to potential blockbuster matchups such as LSU versus Iowa, which could occur in the Elite Eight if both teams advance that far.
Losers:
The disappointment for the losers begins with the absence of the last two teams standing from the 2023 season in Cleveland. LSU, national champion, and Iowa, national runner-up, face a challenging road ahead. The Albany 2 Regional presents a formidable lineup with defending champion LSU, national runner-up Iowa, and UCLA, all considered Final Four contenders before the bracket reveal. The grouping of these powerhouse teams, including No. 4 seed Kansas State, raises eyebrows and tests expectations.
As ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo noted, the distribution of teams in the regional brackets has created contrasting difficulty levels for top seeds. South Carolina, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament and top seed in the Albany 1 Regional, appears to have a smoother path compared to Iowa, now facing challenging matchups.
Winners:
South Carolina Gamecocks:
The two-time national champion South Carolina, positioned in the Albany 1 Regional, faces a competitive field including Notre Dame, Oregon State, and Indiana. Despite a significant setback with the absence of center Kamilla Cardoso in their opener, the Gamecocks are well-positioned to progress in the tournament. The potential Elite Eight matchup against Notre Dame presents a clash between talented freshmen, ultimately favoring South Carolina’s depth and strength.
- Ivy League: The inclusion of Princeton and Columbia in the field reflects the conference’s growing competitiveness in women’s basketball.
USC Trojans:
The USC program’s resurgence culminated in a No. 1 seed in the Portland 3 Regional, marking a significant achievement after several decades. The Trojans, led by standout freshman JuJu Watkins, possess depth beyond individual brilliance, making them a formidable force. The potential matchup against UConn in the Elite Eight promises a captivating showdown.
Losers Continued:
Iowa Hawkeyes:
The Hawkeyes face a challenging bracket path, notably encountering West Virginia or Princeton in the second round. Potential matchups against Kansas State, UCLA, or LSU in the later stages add to the hurdles for Iowa. Overcoming formidable opponents will test Iowa’s resilience and strategic adaptations.
UCLA Bruins:
Despite a strong season, UCLA finds itself in a demanding regional bracket alongside LSU and potentially Iowa. The Bruins, aiming for their first NCAA Final Four appearance, must navigate through tough opponents led by seasoned player Charisma Osborne and a promising sophomore class.
LSU Tigers:
While defending champions and seeded No. 3 in the Albany 2 Regional, LSU faces comparatively better odds due to prior matchups against top teams and coach Kim Mulkey’s championship experience. Confidence and experience may provide the Tigers with a competitive edge, easing their path through the tournament.
Miami Hurricanes:
Following last year’s remarkable tournament run, the Hurricanes faced challenges in the 2024 season. Despite notable victories, Miami’s overall performance fell short, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the formidable competition in the NCAA tournament.
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