The NCAA women’s basketball selection committee recently revealed the top 16 seeds for the upcoming tournament, with South Carolina, Ohio State, Stanford, and UCLA emerging as the No. 1 seeds if the tournament began today. The committee highlighted the competitive nature of this season, with 11 of the original top 16 seeds experiencing losses in the past two weeks.
Committee chair Lisa Peterson emphasized the strong performances of South Carolina and Ohio State, while also discussing the deliberations around the final two No. 1 seeds. Stanford's consistent performance throughout the season earned them a secure spot, despite a recent loss to Arizona.
Outside the top four teams, Iowa, led by standout player Caitlin Clark, was projected as a No. 2 seed and will face Ohio State in an upcoming game. The top 16 seeds will have the opportunity to host first- and second-round games, with regional rounds taking place at neutral sites in Portland, Oregon, and Albany, New York.
In the Albany Regional, South Carolina and Ohio State were predicted as the top seeds, while Stanford and UCLA were placed in the Portland region. The Pac-12 conference showcased its strength with five teams among the top 16 seeds.
The Final Four is scheduled to take place in Cleveland on April 5, followed by the NCAA championship game two days later. The NCAA will announce the full tournament bracket on March 17, providing teams with a clearer picture of their potential path to the title.
Teams just outside the top 16, including Kansas State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, and Utah, will be looking to make a strong push in the remaining games to secure a spot in the tournament. The NCAA's in-season reveals aim to give teams early insights into their tournament prospects, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the women's college basketball season.
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