South Carolina and the 67 groups within the March Insanity

Mar 16, 2025, 08:43 PM ET

The bracket is about, and 68 groups — from protecting champion South Carolina to first-timer George Mason — are going dancing within the girls’s NCAA event. Sunday’s free up of the bracket published who is in, who is out and which matchups could be ready at the highway to crowning the 2025 nationwide champion 3 weeks from now in Tampa, Florida.

After a yr of parity in girls’s faculty basketball, a couple of groups are within the dialog to chop down the nets. However there is no simple favourite — a becoming finish to this riveting season stuffed with a number of superstar energy.

ESPN has your go-to primer for all of the event box, detailing the whole lot you want to learn about every of the 68 groups competing in March Insanity.

Find out about up temporarily earlier than the First 4 video games tip off Wednesday and Thursday. The primary around opens Friday morning on ESPN networks.

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NO. 1 SEEDS

UCLA Bruins

The Bruins (30-2) have put in combination a historical yr in Westwood, with the 1st 30-win season in program historical past and their first No. 1 rating within the Related Press ballot, a place the staff held for 12 consecutive weeks. And there is little to take factor with on their run to a second-place regular-season Giant Ten end and primary convention event crown since 2006. UCLA’s lone losses have been in opposition to crosstown rival USC, that have been avenged within the Giant Ten event ultimate. The Bruins rattled off a 15-point defeat of South Carolina on Nov. 24 that wasn’t as shut as the overall rating indicated, and it marked their first win over a No. 1-ranked squad at school historical past. And so they gained 22 consecutive video games from November via mid-February through double figures.

Lauren Betts is their two-way anchor and nationwide participant of the yr candidate, averaging simply shy of 20 issues, 10 rebounds and three blocks consistent with sport, whilst Kiki Rice has taken a favorable step in her enlargement, expanding her potency through 5 share issues. The Bruins’ power additionally lies of their intensity: Giant-time transfers Timea Gardiner and Janiah Barker come off the bench, and 7 avid gamers reasonable a minimum of seven issues consistent with contest. Of their Giant Ten event semifinal win over Ohio State, as an example, Londynn Jones, Gabriela Jaquez and Angela Dugalic have been 3 of UCLA’s 4 double-digit scorers.

After two immediately Candy 16 exits, the rest wanting a Ultimate 4 berth — what will be the program’s first within the NCAA technology — could be a sadness for the Bruins. And they have got the items to attempt even upper. — Alexa Philippou

South Carolina Gamecocks

After coming into the previous two NCAA tournaments undefeated, the Gamecocks are 30-3, which in fact remains to be ultra-elite. Their losses have been to UCLA in November and to UConn and Texas in February. However in addition they beat SEC regular-season co-champion Texas two times, together with within the league event ultimate.

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In spite of dropping middle Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA draft (No. 3 select) and ahead Ashlyn Watkins to a knee damage in January, South Carolina remains to be excelling within the submit. Chloe Kitts, Sania Feagin and Joyce Edwards, who mix to reasonable over 31 issues and 17 rebounds a sport, lead the frontcourt. MiLaysia Fulwiley, Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, Bree Corridor and Raven Johnson lead the Gamecocks’ guard corps; all performed necessary roles on their nationwide championship staff final yr.

South Carolina does not have one or two key avid gamers for warring parties to concentrate on to forestall, which is a part of why the protecting champions are so laborious to protect. The Gamecocks ranked 5th in scoring offense (80.5 PPG) within the SEC and moment in scoring protection (57.8 PPG). South Carolina, which has turn out to be the dominant program in girls’s faculty basketball, seeks its fourth NCAA championship, and its 0.33 up to now 4 seasons. — Michael Voepel

Texas Longhorns

Of their first yr within the SEC, the 31-3 Longhorns tied South Carolina for the regular-season championship and reached the league event name sport, falling to the Gamecocks. Additionally they reached the No. 1 AP ballot rating for 2 weeks, their first time in that spot since 2004. Sophomore Madison Booker (16.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG) used to be SEC Participant of the Yr. Senior Taylor Jones led Texas in rebounds (7.0) and blocks (1.8) whilst averaging 12.1 PPG, and fellow submit participant Kyla Oldacre, a switch from Miami, used to be tops in box purpose share (60.7) whilst averaging 9.3 PPG. Guard Rori Harmon, who ignored lots of the 2023-24 season with a knee damage, used to be Texas’ height playmaker (5.9 APG).

The Longhorns do not shoot 3-pointers properly: They tied for final within the SEC with simply 110 overall and have been moment to final in share (29.6). They are trying to make up for that through being some of the ultimate defensive groups within the nation, maintaining foes to 55.9 PPG, lowest within the SEC. — Voepel

USC Trojans

The Trojans (28-3) have in large part lived as much as the hype in famous person JuJu Watkins’ sophomore yr. At the back of wins over Ole Omit and UConn and only a unmarried loss to Notre Dame, they opened the season 19-1 for this system’s ultimate get started since 1981-82. They clinched their first regular-season convention crown since 1994 after sweeping UCLA, marking the college’s first win over a No. 1 staff since 1983. Because of this, the Trojans reached their best possible rating within the Related Press ballot, No. 2, since 1984.

Watkins has been impressive in Yr 2 and is the nationwide participant of the yr front-runner. Her supporting solid has in large part modified since final season, basically with switch Kiki Iriafen organising herself because the Trojans’ No. 2 possibility (18.2 PPG). However their freshman elegance has additionally regarded the a part of its No. 1 rating, with Kennedy Smith status out for her defensive power, grit and well timed 3-pointers. Whilst Watkins can pass off for 30 or 40 issues any given night time, the staff hangs its hat on its protection, which holds warring parties to 36.3% capturing from the sector and registers 6.8 blocks consistent with sport.

Even if final season marked this system’s ultimate NCAA event end in 30 years, Watkins used to be devastated after dropping within the Elite 8. This yr, the Trojans eye now not only a Ultimate 4 berth, however profitable the nationwide championship for the 1st time since 1984. — Philippou

NO. 2 SEEDS

Duke Blue Devils

In trainer Kara Lawson’s 5th season, the Blue Devils went 26-7 and completed 0.33 within the ACC at 14-4. Then they beat the groups that completed tied for first — Notre Dame and NC State — within the semifinals and ultimate of the league event. That gave Duke its 9th ACC event name as a program and primary since 2013. Protection has been on the middle of Duke’s luck below Lawson; it ranked moment within the ACC in scoring protection (58.2 PPG) through only a 10th of some extent to North Carolina. Duke used to be 6th in offense (73.9 PPG), led through ACC Freshman of the Yr Toby Fournier (13.9 PPG), Ashlon Jackson (12.4) and ACC event MVP Oluchi Okananwa (10.2).

As a No. 7 seed within the 2024 NCAA event, Duke disenchanted No. 2 Ohio State to make the Candy 16. The final time Duke made the Elite 8 used to be 2013. — Voepel

NC State Wolfpack

After making this system’s moment shuttle to the Ultimate 4 final yr, the Wolfpack needed to change two starters. However they returned the core of guards Aziaha James (17.9 PPG), Zoe Brooks (14.3), Saniya Rivers (11.7) – all-ACC first staff selections — and Madison Hayes (10.9). And NC State added ahead Tilda Trygger and guard Zamareya Jones as affect rookies.

ACC Trainer of the Yr Wes Moore led NC State to a 26-6 listing and a tie with Notre Dame for first position within the ACC at 16-2. The Wolfpack gained 15 in their final 17 video games, with the losses to North Carolina on Feb. 16 and to Duke within the ACC event championship sport. NC State had the fourth-best offense within the ACC (76.8 PPG) and used to be 0.33 in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.15). The Wolfpack should not have fairly as stingy a protection as final season, permitting 65.4 PPG, however they’re nonetheless forged on that finish of the court docket. — Voepel

TCU Horned Frogs

Picked to complete fourth within the Giant 12, TCU exceeded expectancies in trainer Mark Campbell’s moment yr in Citadel Price, profitable the league’s regular-season (16-2) and event titles. It is a exceptional turnaround for a program that used to be a blended 13-59 in Giant 12 play the former 4 seasons. And only a season got rid of from having to forfeit two video games and grasp open tryouts as it used to be decimated through accidents, TCU heads to the NCAA event for the 1st time since 2010, when this system used to be nonetheless within the Mountain West Convention. Switch guard Hailey Van Lith (17.9 PPG, 5.3 APG) used to be Giant 12 Participant of the Yr and event MVP, whilst middle Sedona Prince (17.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG) led the league in blocks (3.0). — Voepel

UConn Huskies

UConn (31-3) enters March with its ultimate shot in years at profitable an NCAA name and finishing its eight-year nationwide championship drought. After years of being decimated through accidents, the Huskies have most commonly had higher well being success this season, in spite of everything giving them a mixture of intensity and skill that has excited trainer Geno Auriemma throughout the year. They confirmed their ceiling in a 29-point demolition of South Carolina in Columbia; the low, simply 10 days prior in Knoxville, used to be falling to Tennessee for the 1st time since 2007.

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Their submit core skews younger and green, prompting Auriemma to frequently play smaller lineups that depend on 3-point capturing. However he feels this crew has the facility to take care of extra adversity, a high quality the staff did not have when working with the sort of brief bench final yr. Nonetheless, even then, UConn reached its fifteenth Ultimate 4 up to now 16 tournaments.

It is helping to have arguably the most efficient trio in all of girls’s faculty basketball. Paige Bueckers, the 2021 nationwide participant of the yr and the predicted No. 1 select in subsequent month’s WNBA draft, is flanked through a couple of surefire stars in sharpshooter Azzi Fudd and presumptive nationwide freshman of the yr Sarah Sturdy. And the urgency is lots excessive in Storrs with this being Bueckers’ ultimate season in faculty. She has propelled the staff to the Ultimate 4 every season she has performed (and to the nationwide name sport in 2022), however an elusive nationwide name stays her final purpose. — Philippou

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NO. 3 SEEDS

LSU Tigers

After beginning 20-0, the Tigers misplaced 4 video games in SEC play and completed 0.33 within the league. They led the SEC in scoring reasonable in trainer Kim Mulkey’s first 3 seasons, however ranked 0.33 this yr (84.5 PPG) in the back of Tennessee and Oklahoma. That is nonetheless very a lot on-target for the way the Tigers need to play. Senior Aneesah Morrow led the country in rebounding (13.6) and double-doubles (27) whilst averaging 18.5 PPG. Junior Flau’Jae Johnson (18.9 PPG) is LSU’s height scorer, however she has now not performed for the reason that Tigers’ time beyond regulation loss to Alabama on Feb. 27 on account of shin irritation.

LSU (28-5) hopes to have Johnson and Morrow, who left the Tigers’ SEC event semifinal loss to Texas with a foot sprain, again wholesome for the NCAA event to rejoin their different giant offensive risk, Mikaylah Williams (17.2 PPG). LSU misplaced 3 of its final 4 video games, however the accidents performed a large phase in that. — Voepel

North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels are angling for his or her moment Candy 16 look below sixth-year head trainer Courtney Banghart, and they’re well-poised to make it occur. Their 27-7 listing options probably the most wins in a season within the Banghart technology, and whilst they misplaced within the ACC event semifinals to NC State, it used to be their inner most look within the tournament since 2014. They faltered on the finish of the steady season with losses to Duke and Virginia, once they have been particularly with out standouts Alyssa Ustby and Reniya Kelly on account of damage, however each returned in time for the postseason. Ustby, a first-team All-ACC select, has been a gradual presence in her 5 years as a Tar Heel, whilst Kelly and Maria Gakdeng, each second-team alternatives, have taken on greater roles this season. Even Lanie Grant — a tender freshman at simply 17 years previous — has shined in stretches.

North Carolina is understood for its stingy protection, maintaining warring parties to 36.6% capturing at the season, however getting sufficient offensively from its upperclassmen specifically would lend a hand towards a deep March run. Living proof: In 3 in their losses – to UConn, Duke and NC State – the Tar Heels controlled a trifling 58 or fewer issues. — Philippou

Notre Dame Preventing Irish

The Irish (26-5) have been regular-season co-champions with NC State within the ACC at 16-2. At one level, Notre Dame gained 19 consecutive video games and used to be ranked No. 1 within the AP ballot. However the Irish misplaced 3 in their final 5. The ones losses have been to different height groups within the ACC, but it surely nonetheless provides them some worry heading into the NCAA event — together with questions concerning the anticipated power in their offense. Notre Dame scored a season-low 56 issues of their ACC event semifinal loss to Duke.

Nonetheless, led through guards Hannah Hidalgo (24.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.7 SPG), Olivia Miles (16.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.8 APG) and Sonia Citron (13.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Notre Dame had the ACC’s second-leading offense (84.7 PPG) and No. 3 scoring protection (62.1 PPG). Forwards Liatu King (11.2 PPG, team-best 10.4 RPG) and Maddy Westbeld (7.6 PPG) are giant keys. After they play properly together with the famous person guards, Notre Dame is difficult to overcome. — Voepel

Oklahoma Sooners

Closing season’s Giant 12 regular-season champions added switch middle Raegan Beers as they moved to the SEC, the place they tied for fourth with Kentucky at 11-5. An all-league first-team select, Beers averages 17.5 issues and eight.9 rebounds, whilst capturing an SEC-best 66% from the sector. The Sooners introduced their fast paced offense to the SEC: They have been moment within the league in scoring (85.2 PPG) and primary in assists (21.9 APG). Payton Verhulst (14.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.0 APG), Sahara Williams (10.8 PPG) and Skylar Vann (9.2 PPG) began all season together with Beers. The Sooners (25-7) even have a deep bench; 10 avid gamers reasonable double-digit mins. Oklahoma has gained 9 of its previous 11 video games, with the loss coming to South Carolina within the SEC event semifinals. — Voepel

NO. 4 SEEDS

Baylor Bears

Baylor (27-7) ranked moment within the league in scoring in Giant 12 video games (75.8 PPG) and 0.33 in scoring protection (62.9). The Bears completed moment within the Giant 12 and misplaced the league event ultimate to TCU. Even supposing Baylor fell in its Giant 12 opener to Oklahoma State on Jan. 1, the Bears’ most effective losses since had been to UCLA and TCU (thrice). Senior middle Aaronette Vonleh (14.6 PPG) leads a balanced Baylor scoring assault. Junior guard/ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (14.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG) has been out since Feb. 15 with a knee damage, however Baylor hopes to have her again for the NCAA event. — Voepel

Kentucky Wildcats

Trainer Kenny Brooks, who led Virginia Tech to its first Ultimate 4 in 2023, left Blacksburg to take over this season at Kentucky, which is again within the NCAA event after lacking it the previous two years. Former Hokies avid gamers Georgia Amoore and Clara Strack got here to Lexington, as properly, and feature been some of the maximum impactful transfers within the nation. The 22-7 Wildcats completed tied for fourth with Oklahoma within the SEC at 11-5. Amoore led Kentucky in scoring (19.1 PPG) and assists (6.9 APG), whilst Strack (15.2 PPG) led in rebounding (9.7 RPG) and blocks (2.4 BPG) and used to be the SEC Defensive Participant of the Yr. With Strack main the best way, Kentucky used to be the SEC’s ultimate shot-blocking staff (6.9 BPG). Two different transfers, guard Dazia Lawrence (12.7 PPG) and ahead Teonni Key (11.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG), are also giant members. — Voepel

Maryland Terrapins

Avid gamers would possibly come and pass, however Brenda Frese all the time reveals some way. Coming off the earliest NCAA event go out in Frese’s tenure, this system welcomed 10 beginners this season, together with seven transfers, or even with the entire new faces, the Terps (23-7) controlled to tie for 0.33 within the Giant Ten standings. Early within the yr, they rose as excessive as No. 7 within the Related Press ballot, cruising to a 16-1 get started that featured an disenchanted over Duke, earlier than falling back off to earth with a 6-7 listing of their previous 13 video games.

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It hasn’t helped to lose key reserve Bri McDaniel to a season-ending ACL damage and that superstar Shyanne Dealers has been enjoying via a knee sprain a lot of the season. Then any momentum the Terps garnered from provoking Ohio State of their regular-season finale used to be extinguished with a 27-point loss to Michigan to open the Giant Ten event, the staff’s second-worst lack of the season. Nonetheless, the Terps may also be difficult to stand with the second-highest scoring offense within the Giant Ten, a unit led through possible first-round WNBA draft select Dealers and beginners Kaylene Smikle, Sarah Te-Biasu and Saylor Poffenbarger. — Philippou

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State’s season began off in addition to conceivable, with the Buckeyes’ 17-0 listing making them some of the ultimate 3 unbeaten groups within the nation. Giant Ten play, then again, has been up-and-down: They completed tied for 0.33 within the standings, however misplaced their contests to the Los Angeles colleges through a median margin of 21 issues and input the NCAA event having long gone 5-5 of their previous 10 video games.

Cotie McMahon, a first-team all-conference variety, and Taylor Thierry are the staff’s most effective returning starters, however transfers Likelihood Grey and Ajae Petty, plus superstar freshman Jaloni Cambridge, have have compatibility in properly. The Buckeyes (25-6) generally is a tough staff to stand in a event atmosphere if warring parties don’t seem to be used to going up in opposition to their trademark press, which is helping power 22 turnovers consistent with sport.

Well being stays of paramount worry after Cambridge and McMahon, who mix for 32 issues consistent with sport, each exited the Giant Ten event semifinal with accidents. — Philippou

NO. 5 SEEDS

Alabama Purple Tide

That is the 0.33 NCAA event look in a row for the Tide, the 1st time that has took place since they made 8 consecutive appearances within the Nineties. Alabama then went via two bleak many years, now not making the NCAA box from 2000-2019. The Tide were given again in 2021, complicated to the WNIT quarterfinals in 2022 and still have 4 immediately 20-win seasons below trainer Kristy Curry. Alabama tied Ole Omit for 6th within the SEC at 10-6, and at 23-8 general, will end this season with single-digit losses for the 1st time since 1997. Standouts Sarah Ashlee Barker (17.5 PPG), Zaay Inexperienced (15.7 PPG) and Aaliyah Nye (15.1 PPG) all began their faculty careers at different colleges however are completing them in combination at Alabama. — Voepel

Kansas State Wildcats

Ok-State used to be necessarily two other groups this season: 18-1 within the video games senior middle Ayoka Lee performed in, and 8-6 within the video games she used to be out injured. Lee, who final performed Feb. 2 vs. Kansas, averaged 15.5 issues, 6.1 rebounds and a couple of.2 blocks. If she will be able to go back for the NCAA event, she may lend a hand Ok-State attempt to advance to the Candy 16 for the 1st time since 2002. With Lee out, the Wildcats are led through senior guard Serena Sundell (13.6 PPG, Giant 12-best 7.1 APG) and senior ahead Temira Poindexter (12.5 PPG). — Voepel

Ole Omit Rebels

Trainer Yolett McPhee-McCuin has led the Rebels (20-10) to their fourth consecutive NCAA event look in her 7th season at Ole Omit. Scoring steadiness is the secret for the Rebels, with 5 avid gamers who reasonable between 11.9 and 9.4 issues. Madison Scott and Kennedy Todd-Williams paved the way offensively. The Rebels are in a similar way balanced in rebounding, led through Starr Jacobs’ 6.0 consistent with sport. Ole Omit went 10-6 in league play, tying for 6th with Alabama. The Rebels are moment within the SEC in steals (11.5 SPG) and 0.33 in scoring protection (58.2 PPG). — Voepel

Tennessee Woman Vols

After one season at Marshall, trainer Kim Caldwell were given the decision to take over at Tennessee. She introduced a machine this is high-pressure on offense and protection and calls for so much from avid gamers’ stamina. In some ways, it labored as meant, with Tennessee main the SEC in scoring reasonable (87.2 PPG) and forcing a league-best 22.4 turnovers. Guard Talaysia Cooper (16.7 PPG) led 5 Woman Vols who averaged double-figure scoring. Then again, Tennessee (22-9) tied Vanderbilt for 8th within the SEC at 8-8 and appeared to put on down a bit of through season’s finish. The Woman Vols have misplaced 3 in their previous 4 video games, together with within the SEC event moment around to Vanderbilt. However there have been some necessary highlights, together with a nonconference win over UConn. — Voepel

NO. 6 SEEDS

Florida State Seminoles

Ta’Niya Latson completed the spectacular double-dip of turning into a extra prolific scorer whilst getting extra environment friendly on the similar time. She larger her scoring reasonable from 21.4 to a best-in-the-nation 24.9 issues consistent with sport. Her 3-point capturing share (35.8%) and her loose throw makes an attempt (7.6 consistent with sport) every considerably progressed as properly.

Pair Latson’s perimeter with the 17.6 issues and 10.6 rebounds consistent with sport from Makayla Timpson and the Seminoles (23-8) had some of the ultimate duos within the ACC. O’Mariah Gordon (16.2 PPG) and Sydney Bowles (10.5 PPG) have been additionally giant members to the second-highest scoring offense within the nation. The Seminoles are hoping that offense can raise them to their first NCAA event win since 2019. — Charlie Creme

Iowa Hawkeyes

The post-Caitlin Clark technology in Iowa Town has had some ups and downs, however there is a lot to love about Jan Jensen’s first yr on the helm, which produced this system’s 9th consecutive 20-win season. Changing Clark on the level, Villanova switch Lucy Olsen has shined as a Hawkeye, incomes first-team All-Giant Ten honors. Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter returned as skilled upperclassmen, complementing a program that welcomed in a top-15 recruiting elegance. And whilst the ten losses would possibly stand out, every of them have been — quite excruciatingly for Hawkeyes lovers — through 10 issues or fewer.

Their 5 consecutive losses in January dropped the Hawkeyes (22-10) out of the Most sensible 25 scores, however they rebounded with a powerful end within the Giant Ten, handing USC its most effective regular-season convention loss and just about knocking off Ohio State within the quarterfinals of the Giant Ten event because the 11-seed. Iowa’s offense is not as high-powered because it used to be with Clark, averaging simply 74.3 PPG this season, but when it may be extra constant in March, the gang may give groups some hassle. — Philippou

Michigan Wolverines

With a slew of avid gamers hitting the switch portal after final season, it used to be tough to understand what to anticipate from Michigan in 2024-25. However due to the top-ranked recruiting elegance in program historical past (No. 8 within the nation), the Wolverines (22-10) are proper the place they have got been lately: compiling a 20-plus-win season, completing within the higher quarter of the Giant Ten and enjoying within the NCAA event.

Syla Swords had a splashy freshman debut, shining with 27 issues and 12 forums in opposition to South Carolina in early November, however classmate Olivia Olson used to be tabbed the league’s Co-Freshman of the Yr. In combination, Olson and Swords are the country’s most effective pair of freshman teammates to every reasonable 15.0 issues consistent with sport. Senior Jordan Hobbs is a veteran steadying power and the one holdover from Michigan’s Elite 8 run in 2022. As Maryland and USC discovered within the Giant Ten event — the Wolverines overwhelmed the Terps within the quarterfinals and just about disenchanted the Trojans within the semis — Michigan is usually a sneaky-tough matchup within the early rounds of March Insanity. — Philippou

West Virginia Mountaineers

The Giant 12’s height defensive staff (permitting 55.9 PPG general and 57.9 in league play), West Virginia tied for fourth with Kansas State and Utah, then misplaced to TCU within the league event semifinals. The 24-7 Mountaineers are not any amusing to stand. They specialise in disrupting opposing offenses, developing 23.7 turnovers consistent with sport with a turnover margin of 8.26 — each rating first amongst Energy 4 convention groups. Senior guard JJ Quinerly leads West Virginia in scoring (20.6 PPG) and is moment in steals (3.0) to Kyah Watson (3.2). Fellow guards Jordan Harrison (13.5 PPG) and Sydney Shaw (11.7) additionally reasonable in double figures in scoring. — Voepel

NO. 7 SEEDS

Louisville Cardinals

Trainer Jeff Walz has grew to become the Cardinals right into a constant ACC contender, such a lot in order that even in a season when their 21-10 listing does not leap off the web page, they nonetheless completed 13-5 in league play with high quality wins over Georgia Tech, Cal, Florida State and Duke. This crew skews younger, with 8 rookies and simply 5 returners from final season’s staff, together with five-year starter Olivia Cochran. The superstar of the first-years is Tajianna Roberts (13.1 PPG), a spread to the All-ACC Freshman Workforce who along Jayda Curry (13.4 PPG) leads the Playing cards in scoring. After some not easy early-season losses to UConn and NC State through 30-plus issues, Louisville appeared to in finding its stride as convention play improved. To strengthen upon final yr’s NCAA event first-round go out, Walz will want Curry again after she ignored the previous two video games, together with the ACC event quarterfinal, with a shoulder damage. — Philippou

Michigan State Spartans

Trainer Robyn Fralick is making her moment NCAA event look in as many seasons with the Spartans (21-9). They completed in a three-way tie for 5th within the Giant Ten with Michigan and Illinois at 11-7 however have been disenchanted in the second one around of the league event through No. 11 seed Iowa. Michigan State had 24 turnovers in that sport, tied for its second-highest overall of the season and uncharacteristic for a staff that averaged 15.1 turnovers consistent with sport. The Spartans will have to be desperate to erase the disappointment from that sport as they begin NCAA play.

Guard Grace VanSlooten, who performed her first two years at Oregon, led the best way for Michigan State this season, averaging 15.4 issues and seven.0 rebounds. Guards Julia Ayrault (14.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG) and Theryn Hallock (13.7 PPG) additionally averaged double-figure scoring. — Voepel

Oklahoma State Cowgirls

In trainer Jacie Hoyt’s 0.33 yr, the Cowgirls have had some of the ultimate seasons at school historical past at 25-6. That ties for this system’s second-most wins for the reason that NCAA technology started in 1981-82; the one seasons Oklahoma State gained extra video games (27) have been in 2007-08 and 1990-91. OSU entered the Related Press ballot in January for the 1st time since 2018, then completed 0.33 within the Giant 12 and made the league event semifinals. The Cowgirls’ ultimate wins of the season got here in opposition to Giant 12 champ TCU and Kansas State, and so they cut up with West Virginia. Sophomore guard Stailee Heard leads OSU in scoring (16.7), rebounding (8.1) and steals (1.8). — Voepel

Vanderbilt Commodores

The Commodores (22-10) made the NCAA event box for the 1st time in a decade final yr, and now they are again. Vanderbilt tied Tennessee for 8th within the SEC at 8-8 and beat its in-state competitors two times in the similar season for the 1st time. Guard Mikayla Blakes (23.2 PPG) leads the Commodores; she scored 50-plus issues two times this season and used to be the SEC’s Freshman of the Yr. Sophomore ahead Khamil Pierre averaged 20.5 issues, 9.7 rebounds and three.0 steals. Trainer Shea Ralph now has back-to-back 20-win seasons, the 1st time Vanderbilt has carried out that since 2011-12 and 2012-13. — Voepel

NO. 8 SEEDS

California Golden Bears

When Charmin Smith went from Lindsay Gottlieb’s height assistant in Berkeley to go trainer, she first of all could not replica this system’s luck below Gottlieb. In her first 4 seasons, Cal completed beneath .500, however final season’s growth become full-blown luck this season, and the Bears are of their first NCAA event since 2019. The transfer to the ACC got here at a great time for the Bears (25-8), whose seventh-place end used to be higher than this system had ever completed within the Pac-12 below Smith. The Bears don’t seem to be deep, however all 5 starters reasonable in double figures, led through Ioanna Krimili (14.2 PPG), a fearless shooter, and hugely progressed guard Lulu Twidale (13.2 PPG). Cal ranks 9th within the nation in assists. — Creme

Illinois Preventing Illini

Illinois is again within the NCAA event for the second one time in 3 years below Shauna Greene and enters the Giant Dance because the reigning WBIT champion. The Illini are certainly one of 4 colleges this season that returned 4 1,000-point scorers (Kendall Bostic, Genesis Bryant, Makira Prepare dinner and Adalia McKenzie) however had been with out Prepare dinner, plus sophomore Gretchen Dolan, since early January because of well being problems. Nonetheless, Greene’s crew controlled to achieve 21 victories (together with a season-opening disenchanted over Florida State) in addition to an 11-7 mark in Giant Ten pageant. The squad will hope to channel the sturdy play from its eight-game Giant Ten profitable streak that immediately preceded its present four-game dropping skid, which integrated an disenchanted loss to Nebraska in the second one around of the Giant Ten event. Bostic, a first-team all-conference select, is without doubt one of the ultimate rebounders within the country, rating moment amongst all lively Department I avid gamers in profession forums. She, Bryant (a second-team variety) and McKenzie gasoline the Illini’s offense, every averaging double-figures scoring. — Philippou

Richmond Spiders

Led through its giant 3 of Maggie Doogan, Rachel Ullstrom and Addie Budnik, Richmond is in its 5th NCAA event however simply the second one time as an at-large invite. The Spiders ruled the Atlantic 10’s steady season, profitable the league through 3 video games earlier than stumbling within the A-10 event semifinals to Saint Joseph’s, a loss that ended a school-record 17-game profitable streak. Doogan (16.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 54.9 FG%) used to be the A-10 Participant of the Yr. She and Ullstrom (15.5 PPG, 53.9 FG%) helped make Richmond the second-most correct capturing staff within the nation, and the Spiders lead the country in issues consistent with scoring try. — Creme

Utah Utes

The Utes entered a brand new convention, becoming a member of the Giant 12. Then they misplaced trainer Lynne Roberts simply 4 video games into her tenth season at Utah as she left for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Longtime assistant Gavin Petersen took over, guiding Utah (22-8) to a three-way tie for fourth within the Giant 12. Utah led the league in 3-pointers consistent with sport (10.0) and used to be 0.33 in 3-point share (37.1). Junior guard Gianna Kneepkens used to be moment within the league in 3-point share (45.0) and primary in loose throw share (89.5) whilst averaging 19.2 PPG. — Voepel

NO. 9 SEEDS

Creighton Bluejays

This event marks the “final dance” for Creighton’s senior core of Lauren Jensen, Morgan Maly, Molly Mogensen, Mallory Brake and Jayme Horan, who all returned to Omaha for his or her 5th yr in hopes of 1 final magical NCAA event run. That crew used to be chargeable for some of the extra surprising string of March upsets lately, knocking off Caitlin Clark’s Iowa after which Iowa State to advance to the 2022 Elite 8. This system did not make it previous the 1st weekend the previous two years however is hoping to modify that this month at the heels of a 26-6 marketing campaign. 3 of the losses have been to UConn, which defeated the Bluejays through 20 of their first Giant East event ultimate look since 2016; a couple of them have been blowouts by the hands of UCLA and Kansas State. However Jim Flanery’s movement offense is hard to play in opposition to, particularly on a brief turnaround, and Creighton generally is a not easy out come event time. — Philippou

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The root that Nell Fortner started to construct two years in the past with Kara Dunn and Tonie Morgan delivered this season when freshman Dani Carnegie used to be added to the combination. The Yellow Jackets’ 22 wins are their maximum since 2017 as they make their first NCAA event look since 2022. Dunn (15.8 PPG), Morgan (13.8 PPG) and Carnegie (13.1 PPG) blended to attain 53.3% of Georgia Tech’s issues. Morgan used to be additionally 0.33 within the ACC in assists (5.6 APG), and Carnegie used to be named ACC 6th Participant of the Yr. Led through Morgan’s play on the level, the Yellow Jackets (22-10) ranked 7th within the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio. They struggled a bit of overdue within the season, dropping their final 4 regular-season video games, however just about disenchanted NC State within the ACC event quarterfinals. — Creme

Indiana Hoosiers

Being used to lifestyles with out Mackenzie Holmes and Sara Scalia took a while, as losses in November to Butler and Harvard illustrated. Wins over Columbia and Baylor within the Bahamas righted the send, and the Hoosiers rode the 3-point capturing of Yarden Garzon (41.5%) and Shay Ciezki (37.7%) to a 10-8 Giant Ten listing. The Hoosiers rank fifteenth within the nation in 3-point capturing. With extra alternative and extra revel in as a junior, Garzon (14.5 PPG, 3.2 APG) emerged as Indiana’s ultimate participant and made the All-Giant Ten moment staff. Making the ones photographs is vital for the Hoosiers, who do not get many moment possibilities. They rank 355th within the nation in offensive rebounds consistent with sport. — Creme

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Closing season, the Bulldogs went 8-8 within the SEC however did not make the NCAA event partially because of a nasty end, as they misplaced six in their final seven. They reached the sector this season in spite of a worse SEC listing at 7-9. That is for the reason that league is known as more difficult this season, particularly with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma. Mississippi State is 4-3 in its previous seven video games, and the Bulldogs (21-11) even have victories in opposition to Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Senior guard Jerkaila Jordan leads the Bulldogs in scoring (16.1 PPG) and steals (2.0), whilst junior middle Madina Okot averaged 11.3 issues and a team-best 9.6 rebounds. — Voepel

NO. 10 SEEDS

Harvard Purple

For the 1st time since 2007, Harvard (24-4) is within the NCAA event — and it took an enormous weekend from Harmoni Turner to do it. The 5-foot-10 senior scored an Ivy Insanity-record 44 issues to lend a hand the Purple come again to overcome Princeton within the semifinals. Twenty-four hours later, she reached 2,000 issues for her profession and Harvard edged Columbia to earn the name and the Ivy’s computerized berth. Turner (22.5 PPG) used to be the league’s main scorer through just about 5 issues consistent with sport. She additionally led the Ivy in steals, spearheading a protection that allowed the second-fewest issues consistent with sport within the nation. — Creme

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The veteran — senior middle Alexis Markowski — and the rookie — freshman guard Britt Prince — are the catalysts for the Cornhuskers. Markowski will go away Lincoln with the second-most rebounds in program historical past and is the best-ever chief in double-doubles. Prince used to be moment at the staff in scoring (13.4 PPG) and led Nebraska with 3.7 assists consistent with sport. The Huskers percentage the ball properly — 0.33 within the Giant Ten in assists — which results in open seems. That has helped shooters like Prince, Alberte Rimdal (8.0 PPG) and Logan Nissley (7.0 PPG) produce Nebraska’s conference-leading 37.1% 3-point capturing share. — Creme

Oregon Geese

After lacking the NCAA event the previous two seasons, Kelly Graves necessarily began over, incorporating 4 new starters because the Geese started their new lifestyles within the Giant Ten. Deja Kelly set profession highs in assists (3.4 APG) and box purpose share (38.3%) after moving from North Carolina and gave Oregon steadiness at level guard. Having a most commonly wholesome Peyton Scott again additionally helped after she ignored the majority of final season in Eugene. A 2,000-point profession scorer, maximum of which got here at Miami (Ohio), Scott provides the Geese their 3-point risk (34.9% on 3-pointers). However the important thing to Oregon advancing is a protection that limits warring parties to 62.9 issues consistent with sport. — Creme

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

South Dakota State continues to dominate the Summit League, going undefeated in convention play for the 0.33 consecutive season. The Jackrabbits picked up notable nonconference wins over Creighton and Oregon and misplaced an in depth contest to Duke. Their protection used to be their engine in convention play, permitting simply 61 issues through Summit League groups, however their 48.3% box purpose capturing ranks 6th within the nation and provides them a possibility within the Giant Dance. This program is aware of learn how to win: South Dakota State is 135-28 (.828) during the last 5 seasons, which is the fourth-best listing of any Department I program in that span. And the Jackrabbits are 5-12 within the NCAA event, with one Candy 16 look (2019). — Kendra Andrews

NO. 11 SEEDS

Columbia Lions

Earlier than final yr, the Lions (23-6) had by no means been to the NCAA event. Now they are making it two in a row even after graduating this system’s all-time main scorer. A extra balanced assault and the third-best offensive rebounding price within the nation helped Columbia to a 3rd immediately Ivy League regular-season name and its first outright. Riley Weiss (17.8 PPG) used to be the league’s third-leading scorer and Kitty Henderson (13.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.4 APG) led the Ivy in assists and used to be moment in steals. Two years in the past, Columbia made a shuttle to the WNIT ultimate. Closing yr, the Lions misplaced to Vanderbilt within the First 4. Now they are hoping the next move is an NCAA event victory. — Creme

George Mason Patriots

Trainer Vanessa Blair-Lewis has grew to become round a George Mason program that went winless within the A-10 within the season previous to her 2021 hiring. The advance has been obtrusive every season, together with final season when the staff gained 23 video games and seemed within the WBIT, however 2024-25 proved to be the leap forward: The Patriots, the No. 2 seed within the convention event, went 25-7 on their method to incomes their first A-10 name and NCAA event look. They did it through beating a fourth-seeded Saint Joseph’s squad that had knocked off convention energy Richmond within the A-10 semifinals, making the convention a multibid league. Paula Suarez, the league’s Maximum Progressed Participant, first-team variety Zahirah Walton and second-team select Kennedy Harris lead George Mason. The staff confirmed the facility to compete with Energy 4 squads previous this season when it gave Maryland a tricky sport in nonconference motion. — Philippou

Iowa State Cyclones

This season did not are living as much as expectancies for the 22-11 Cyclones, who have been picked No. 8 within the Related Press preseason ballot however completed 7th within the Giant 12. Then again, the previous month has been excellent: Iowa State has gained seven of its previous 9, with each losses to Baylor. Sophomore middle Audi Crooks led the Giant 12 in scoring (23.2 PPG) and box purpose share (60.2), whilst senior guard Emily Ryan used to be moment within the league in assists (6.3). As all the time, rely at the Cyclones to hit 3-pointers; they reasonable 8.2 consistent with sport. — Voepel

Murray State Racers

Murray State (25-7) had waited greater than 15 years to get again to the NCAA event, and the drought is formally over as of Sunday, when the Racers beat Belmont for the MVC event crown. It marks this system’s moment NCAA event look (and primary since 2008), coming at the heels of its winningest season at school historical past with 25 victories. As the end seed within the MVC event, Murray State has gained 10 consecutive video games, the longest streak below head trainer Rechelle Turner. The Racers recreation 4 scorers averaging a minimum of 13 issues consistent with sport — All-MVC alternatives Katelyn Younger (22.2 PPG, additionally this system’s main scorer who already has her jersey retired), Halli Poock (17.1 PPG), Haven Ford (15.2 PPG) and Ava Be told (13.9 PPG) — giving them some of the environment friendly offenses within the nation. LSU lovers would possibly take into account Murray State for giving their Tigers a tricky sport in November — Kim Mulkey’s crew wanted a large fourth quarter to place the Racers away. — Philippou

Princeton Tigers

For the 1st time since 2018, the Tigers did not win Ivy Insanity and the league’s computerized bid. Additionally they did not win the regular-season Ivy League name. However they snuck into the NCAA box for the 6th immediately yr (now not counting 2020, when the NCAA event used to be canceled, or 2021, when the Ivy League did not take part within the season). Trainer Carla Berube used a rotation in large part constructed round her sophomore elegance after height participant Madison St. Rose went out with a knee damage 4 video games into the season. Skye Belker (13.1 PPG) and Ashley Chea (12.5 PPG, 2.6 APG) are the most efficient of the ones second-year avid gamers and mix to present Princeton some of the ultimate mid-major backcourts within the nation. — Creme

Washington Huskies

A late-season five-game profitable streak and a near-upset of USC propelled the Huskies into their first NCAA event since 2017. And so they did it with capturing. Washington ranked moment within the Giant Ten and height 10 nationally in box purpose share and 3-point box purpose share. Junior Elle Ladine (17.1 PPG) and sophomore Sayvia Dealers (15.2 PPG) each shot over 39% from 3-point vary and have been top-10 scorers within the convention. All through their overdue surge, the Huskies shot 44.7% from deep. Trainer Tina Langley is predicated closely on her starters, specifically her height 4 avid gamers: Ladine, Dealers, Hannah Stines and Dalayah Daniels. Washington ranks 328th within the nation in bench issues consistent with sport. — Creme

NO. 12 SEEDS

Ball State Cardinals

Recent off profitable its first MAC regular-season name in 22 years, Ball State punched its price ticket to the Giant Dance on Saturday after defeating Toledo within the MAC event ultimate. The Cardinals were regulars in different postseason occasions, however this marks their first NCAA event berth since 2009, and primary below Brady Sallee. The trainer made certain his crew used to be examined in nonconference play, the place it beat Texas A&M and Davidson and had shut video games in opposition to the likes of North Carolina and South Dakota State. Alex Richard, a second-team all-league select, leads Ball State in scoring (16.5 PPG) and rebounding (7.1 RPG), however MAC Participant of the Yr Best friend Becki runs the operation with 6.3 assists consistent with contest, some of the ultimate marks within the nation. Closing time Ball State (27-7) made the NCAA event, it disenchanted then-defending champion Tennessee as a 12-seed, a observe listing this system hopes to proceed on this yr’s tournament. — Philippou

Fairfield Stags

Previous this month, Fairfield’s 42-game win streak in opposition to MAAC warring parties used to be snapped when it misplaced its regular-season finale at Quinnipiac. On Saturday, the Stags (28-4) were given revenge over the Bobcats within the MAAC event ultimate, securing a place of their moment consecutive NCAA event below third-year head trainer Carly Thibault-DuDonis. The staff misplaced Janelle Brown, the 2024 MAAC Participant of the Yr, early within the season because of damage however has been in a position to lean on its intensity with 10 avid gamers averaging a minimum of 12 mins consistent with sport. Meghan Andersen (15.1 PPG) and Kaety L’Amoreaux (12.5 PPG), first- and second-team All-MAAC alternatives respectively, tempo Fairfield in scoring. However other avid gamers confirmed up right through the MAAC event — together with Sydni Scott (18 issues) within the ultimate — to lend a hand the Stags clinch the name. They hope their sizzling 3-point capturing within the championship sport, once they hit 15 of 29 3-point makes an attempt, will raise over into the NCAA event. — Philippou

Inexperienced Bay Phoenix

At the back of first-year trainer Kayla Karius, Inexperienced Bay (28-5) rides a 22-game profitable streak into the NCAA event and completely ruled the Horizon League event, beating its warring parties through 29, 14 and 13 issues. The Phoenix’s scoring protection ranks nineteenth within the country (55.8 opponent issues consistent with sport). Natalie McNeal has been a power on each ends of the court docket for the Phoenix, main the staff in issues (14.9) and rebounds (7.3) and recording 13 double-doubles. — Andrews

South Florida Bulls

Two losses to groups rated outdoor the end 100 of the NET price the Bulls a possibility for an at-large bid, so as a substitute they took the direct trail to the NCAA event through profitable the AAC event in Citadel Price. South Florida (23-10) performed some of the ultimate nonconference schedules within the nation, dropping to different NCAA event groups UConn, Louisville, TCU, Mississippi State and South Carolina. The Bulls additionally beat Duke in overdue December. They’re led through former Florida State guard Sammie Puisis (14.8 PPG) and AAC Defensive Participant of the Yr Mama Dembele (2.5 SPG). — Creme

NO. 13 SEEDS

Grand Canyon Lopes

Grand Canyon (32-2) capped its very best run during the Western Athletic Convention with the event name Saturday to earn a shuttle to its first NCAA event. The Lopes deliver the country’s longest win streak — their 30 consecutive victories may be a WAC listing — to March Insanity. That includes WAC Participant of the Yr Trinity San Antonio, Defensive Participant of the Yr Tiarra Brown and Trainer of the Yr Molly Miller, the Lopes show a well-balanced assault at the court docket. San Antonio led the staff in scoring (15.5 PPG) and made 72 extra assists than any of her teammates (165 overall). Brown completed moment at the staff in rebounding (146) and used to be the staff chief in blocks (37) and steals (37). — Andrews

Liberty Flames

The Flames (26-6) had been knocking at the door of an NCAA event bid for some time, first with a slew of runner-up finishes within the ASUN event, after which final season with an look within the Convention USA event ultimate. In any case, 2025 is their leap forward. On Saturday, the Flames avenged final yr’s championship sport loss to Heart Tennessee to clinch a berth within the Giant Dance for the 1st time since 2018. The Flames returned 4 in their starters from final season, together with first-team all-conference variety Bella Smuda (11.8 PPG) however are recognized for his or her intensity, with their 27.7 bench issues consistent with sport a top-10 mark within the nation. They may be able to additionally shoot properly from the 3-point arc (36.9%), which helped stay Liberty in video games as opposed to Duke and Tennessee in nonconference play. — Philippou

Montana State Bobcats

After dominating the Giant Sky all season, the Bobcats (30-3) wanted a buzzer-beating putback through second-leading scorer Marah Dykstra to overcome Montana within the event ultimate and protected their moment shuttle to the NCAA event in 4 years. Esmeralda Morales (15.5 PPG, 3.6 APG) joined Montana State from Portland State for her ultimate season and gained the Giant Sky most dear participant. Taylee Chirrick ranks 6th within the nation with 3.4 steals consistent with sport, and the Bobcats are the country’s ultimate staff at taking the ball away (14.2 SPG). — Creme

Norfolk State Spartans

The Spartans (30-4) have ruled the MEAC in contemporary seasons, and this season used to be no other. They have been very best in convention play on their method to a 3rd immediately MEAC event name, probably the most consecutive championships within the league since Hampton (2010-14). Norfolk State has misplaced just one MEAC contest since former NC State superstar Diamond Johnson joined this system forward of the 2023-24 marketing campaign. This season, Larry Vickers guided the Spartans to their first 30-win season of their Department I technology, which featured a couple of wins over SEC colleges Missouri and Auburn. 3 in their 4 losses — together with to Alabama and Washington State — have been through 10 or fewer issues. Their 19-game win streak is tied for moment longest through a MEAC staff this century.

Johnson, the MEAC Participant of the Yr, led the league with 19.0 issues consistent with sport and ranked moment with 4.1 assists consistent with contest. However she hasn’t needed to do all of it on my own, with final season’s convention participant of the yr, Kierra Wheeler, flanking her and contributing 15.6 issues and 9.0 forums consistent with sport. — Philippou

NO. 14 SEEDS

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

After beginning this system in 2002 and overseeing its transition to Department I in 2007-08, Karl Smesko left two video games into this season to take over as trainer of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Longtime assistant Chelsea Lyles used to be increased to go trainer, and the championship effects persisted. The Eagles (30-3) gained the ASUN event name for the 8th time in a row — and eleventh general — after going 18-0 in regular-season league play. Senior guard Emani Jefferson (14.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.4 APG) used to be ASUN Participant of the Yr for the second one season in a row, and Lyles used to be the league’s Trainer of the Yr. The Eagles have gained 23 consecutive video games. — Voepel

Oregon State Beavers

The Beavers are heading to the NCAA event after profitable the West Coast Convention championship of their first season within the convention. Because the 4-seed within the convention event, the Beavers knocked off top-seeded Gonzaga within the semifinals and second-seeded Portland within the name sport. It is an unbelievable run: After attaining the Elite 8 a yr in the past, 4 of the staff’s height scorers transferred because the Pac-12 dissolved amongst realignment. Oregon State began the season 1-5 and used to be 9-13 after a four-game skid in January. However the Beavers appear to be peaking within the stretch run.

Each member of the beginning lineup — Kelsey Rees (12.8), AJ Marotte (11.4), Catarina Ferreira (9.2), Tiara Bolden (8.3) — in addition to Kennedie Shuler (8.3) averaged profession highs in scoring, and height reserve Sela Heide additionally averaged a career-best 7.4 issues consistent with sport. — Andrews

San Diego State Aztecs

It took 3 time beyond regulation classes, however San Diego State (22-9) gained the Mountain West championship to punch its price ticket to the Giant Dance for the 1st time since 2012. The Aztecs entered the Mountain West event using a sizzling streak — profitable their ultimate 5 video games of the steady season. They boast the second-best protection within the league, permitting warring parties to attain simply 60.4 issues and maintaining them to a league-best 29.6% from 3-point vary. — Andrews

Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks

After 3 seasons away within the WAC, the Ladyjacks (28-5) picked up proper the place they left off through profitable the Southland Convention event. SFA final gained the Southland in 2021. The Ladyjacks then left for the WAC, profitable that event in 2022. After beating regular-season champ SE Louisiana, they’re again within the NCAA event for the 0.33 time in 5 years. Religion Blackstone, who began her profession at Syracuse and has performed at a brand new faculty every yr, leads the most efficient offense within the Southland at 14.8 issues consistent with sport. However 3-pointers are the Ladyjacks’ calling card. They rank 9th within the nation with 9.5 makes consistent with sport from in the back of the arc. — Creme

NO. 15 SEEDS

Arkansas State Pink Wolves

After profitable the Solar Belt Convention championship, Arkansas State is heading to the NCAA event for the 1st time in program historical past. The Pink Wolves (21-10) have been picked to complete thirteenth within the league however entered the convention event because the No. 2 seed. Arkansas State is understood for its 3-point capturing, hitting a league-high 328 3s right through the season, and its 32.6% from past the arc ranks fourth within the convention. — Andrews

FDU Knights

Some other first-timer is in our midst: FDU (29-3) will make its first NCAA event look, representing the NEC through advancing to the championship sport, the place opponent Stonehill is ineligible for the Giant Dance as a reclassifying establishment (the Knights then proceeded to overcome the Skyhawks in Sunday’s ultimate for excellent measure). Underneath second-year trainer Stephanie Gaitley, FDU has made historical past all season, notching probably the most wins in program historical past (29, greater than double final season’s overall) and a super regular-season league listing (16-0). The staff ruled within the procedure, profitable the ones video games through a median margin of 17.6 issues to clinch its 0.33 regular-season name in 4 years. The Knights have not misplaced since mid-December, once they fell to Rutgers, giving them some of the longest win streaks (22 video games) within the country. First-team All-NEC selections Teneisia Brown and Ava Renninger gained the league’s Defensive Participant of the Yr and Rookie of the Yr honors, respectively. — Philippou

Lehigh Mountain Hawks

The Mountain Hawks (27-6) have been some of the ultimate groups to e book their price ticket to the NCAA event after taking down Military on Sunday within the Patriot League event ultimate. It’ll be their 5th general look within the Giant Dance and primary since 2021. 3rd-year trainer Addie Micir used to be tabbed Patriot League Trainer of the Yr after main the squad to a 15-3 convention listing, which featured a 12-game win streak, and their first outright regular-season name since 2008-09. In nonconference play, the Mountain Hawks additionally took down their first Energy 4 opponent since 2010 once they beat Northwestern through 17. They’ve revel in on their aspect, returning seven in their height scorers from final season, together with first-team all-conference select Maddie Albrecht (15.7 PPG) and second-team variety Ella Stemmer (11.3 PPG). The Mountain Hawks are also some of the height loose throw capturing groups within the nation (80.7%) and feature made 32.8% in their 3-point makes an attempt. — Philippou

Vermont Catamounts

Vermont spent all of the The usa East season chasing Albany and in spite of everything stuck the regular-season champs and beat them when it counted maximum: within the convention event name sport. The Catamounts did it the similar means they have got succeeded all season: gradual the tempo and shield within the part court docket. Albany scored 55 issues in that sport, which is greater than Vermont (21-12) most often permits. Fighters averaged simply 51.7 issues consistent with sport in opposition to the Catamounts, which used to be the third-lowest quantity within the nation, and no staff within the country had fewer possessions consistent with sport than Vermont. Ahead Ana Olson has been a mainstay for 5 years and led the staff with 12.6 issues consistent with sport. — Creme

NO. 16 SEEDS

UC San Diego Tritons

This system moved to Department I in 2020, so this used to be the 1st season UC San Diego used to be eligible for the NCAA event. The Tritons punched their price ticket with their first Giant West event name, beating UC Davis 75-66 within the ultimate after splitting video games with the Aggies within the steady season. The No. 4 seed Tritons made the name sport through provoking Giant West regular-season champion and event No. 1 seed Hawaii 51-49 within the semifinals on a last-second layup through sophomore guard Sumayah Sugapong. She leads the staff in scoring (14.7 PPG) and assists (3.6 APG). The Tritons are coached through Heidi VanDerveer, more youthful sister of former Stanford trainer Tara VanDerveer. Former Stanford participant and WNBA trainer Vanessa Nygaard is a Tritons assistant. UC San Diego began the season 1-8 however is 20-15 heading within the NCAA event. — Voepel

Prime Level Panthers

Prime Level (21-11) returns to the NCAA event for the 1st time since 2021 after profitable the Giant South event. The staff used to be led through junior Nevaeh Zavala, who averaged a staff excessive in issues (10.6) and rebounds (4.1). Nakyah Terrell has been the ground normal for the Panthers, completing moment within the convention in assists (3.4 consistent with sport); she had the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3). — Andrews

UNC Greensboro Spartans

UNC Greensboro put in combination a historical season, going undefeated at house on its method to a 13-1 convention listing and culminating within the Spartans’ first NCAA event berth since 1998. And so they did it in the back of the sturdy play of Nya Smith, who used to be named SoCon Freshman of the Yr and 6th Lady of the Yr. Smith averaged a team-high 13.6 issues in convention play whilst capturing 40.1% from the sector. The Spartans even have a sturdy protection led through Khalis Cain, who used to be named to the SoCon moment staff and all-defensive staff. She ranked thirteenth nationally with 4.2 offensive rebounds consistent with sport and fourth general within the SoCon with 34 overall blocks and 1.2 blocks consistent with sport. — Andrews

Southern Jaguars

Southern (20-14) is again within the NCAA event after contemporary appearances in 2019 and 2023. Trainer Carlos Funchess did not again clear of scheduling not easy: The Jaguars confronted 9 Energy 4 groups in nonconference play — the place some video games, comparable to a 12-point loss to Illinois, have been extra aggressive than others, comparable to a 58-point loss to Texas — and they did not select up a win over a Department I program till early January. The ones demanding situations paid off as soon as Southern moved into league play, the place it went 15-3 and gained the SWAC regular-season crown. Then, after knocking off protecting champion Jackson State within the semifinals of the league event, the Jags took care of commercial in opposition to 6-seed Alcorn State within the name sport, securing their moment 20-win season up to now 10 years within the procedure. 2nd-team all-conference select Aniya Gourdine paces the squad with 11.9 issues consistent with sport. — Philippou

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles (26-5) are showing of their twelfth NCAA event however making simply their moment look within the final twenty years (in addition they complicated in 2023). The Eagles trip a 17-game profitable streak into March Insanity, together with two wins within the Ohio Valley event. The Golden Eagles led the league in scoring, averaging 72 issues consistent with sport, and likewise held their warring parties to the second-fewest issues (62.1). Stability is a plus; 4 starters — led through Reghan Grimes’ 12.9 issues consistent with sport — reasonable double-figure scoring, and the 5th simply misses the minimize at 9.9 PPG. — Andrews

William & Mary Tribe

The final auto-bid punched for the 2025 girls’s NCAA event used to be chargeable for the best Cinderella storyline this Champ Week. Led through third-year trainer Erin Dickerson Davis, William & Mary entered the CAA event with an 11-18 listing (8-10 in convention) earlier than damn off 4 wins in 4 days to clinch its first look within the Giant Dance. The staff’s trail integrated overcoming a 12-point deficit within the quarterfinals to knock off 1-seed North Carolina A&T in time beyond regulation, after which on Sunday — within the faculty’s first championship sport look since 1993 — erasing a 14-point deficit to overcome 3-seed Campbell. The Tribe are the 7th staff on this century to make the NCAA event with a listing a minimum of 3 video games below .500, and primary since 2022, and because the No. 9 seed, are the bottom seed to win the CAA event. 2nd-team All-CAA variety Bella Nascimento etched her identify in program historical past on Sunday, dazzling with 33 issues and 11 forums. — Philippou