Top Seeds and Regional Matchups

As Selection Sunday approaches, the focus is squarely on the top 16 seeds in the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament. The geographical placement of these top seeds will significantly impact the path to the championship in Tampa.

Key Matchups to Watch

• South Carolina, UCLA, USC, and Texas are projected to be the headliners for the tournament, with UConn closely trailing as a strong contender.
• The SEC and Big Ten championship games have already influenced the seeding order, with Texas potentially moving to the fourth No. 1 seed after their loss to South Carolina.
• UCLA and USC are set to compete in the Spokane Regional, ensuring an intense battle in the Northwest.

Influence of Champ Week

Champ Week played a pivotal role in shaping the top 16 seeds:

• Baylor, despite a lower NET ranking, secured a spot in the top 16 by advancing to the Big 12 tournament finals.
• Ohio State, with nine wins against top-tier teams, also bolstered their position with a strong showing in the Big Ten semifinals.

Final Spot Contenders

The committee faces a tough choice between Princeton and Virginia Tech for the final spot in the tournament:

• Princeton boasts a slightly stronger nonconference schedule but lacks significant wins.
• Virginia Tech, despite some poor losses, has victories over notable teams like Louisville and Cal.

This decision will be crucial as it could influence the narrative of the tournament and the path to the Final Four.