The brackets are now set with 68 teams participating -- including the reigning champions. South Carolina to first-timer George Mason -- are set for a dance in the women's NCAA tournament. The brackets unveiled on Sunday showed who has made the cut, who hasn’t, and what potential match-ups lie ahead as they vie for the 2025 national championship title in Tampa, Florida, three weeks from now.
Following a year of equality in women's college basketball, several teams are vying for the chance to celebrate with net cutting. However, there isn’t one obvious frontrunner — an apt conclusion to this thrilling season brimming with numerous stellar players.
Pawnation.com offers your essential guide for the complete tournament lineup, providing all the information you need about each of the 68 teams participating in March Madness.
Review the information swiftly prior to the First Four games starting on Wednesday and Thursday. The opening round commences Friday morning at Pawnation.comworks.
NO. 1 SEEDS
UCLA Bruins
UCLA’s (30-2) remarkable campaign in Westwood includes not only the inaugural 30-win season but also securing their first-ever top position in the AP Poll, holding onto this rank for twelve continuous weeks. Their journey culminated in clinching second place during the regular Big Ten season and capturing their first conference championship title since 2006. The sole setbacks came when facing cross-town adversary USC; however, these defeats were redeemed later at the Big Ten tournament finale. Notably, UCLA achieved an impressive victory over then-No. 1 ranked South Carolina on November 24th—a triumph that stood out even more than the scoreboard suggested—marking their initial success against such highly ranked opponents. Additionally, between November and mid-February, they emerged victorious in twenty-two successive matches all by double-digit margins.
Lauren Betts is the team's two-way anchor and a contender for National Player of the Year, averaging nearly 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, while Kiki Rice She has made progress in her development by boosting her efficiency by 5 percentage points. The Bruins excel due to their substantial roster depth; significant new additions have been made. Timea Gardiner and Janiah Barker Come onto the bench, and as many as seven players score at least seven points each game. For example, during their Big Ten tournament semifinal victory against Ohio State, Londynn Jones , Gabriela Jaquez and Angela Dugalic Three out of UCLA's four players who scored in double digits were among them.
Following two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, failing to reach the Final Four -- which would mark their first appearance since the inception of the NCAA tournament -- would be considered disappointing for the UCLA team. With their current roster, they have the potential to set much loftier goals. -- Alexa Pصند hilippou
South Carolina Gamecocks
Having entered the previous two NCAA tournaments without any defeats, the Gamecocks boast an impressive record of 30 wins against just three losses, placing them firmly within the upper echelon of college basketball. The team’s setbacks came at the hands of UCLA in November and later against UConn and Texas during February. However, they have secured victories over SEC regular-season co-champions Texas not once but twice, with their most recent win coming in the conference tournament finale.
Despite losing center Kamilla Cardoso into the WNBA draft (as the No. 3 selection) and as a forward Ashlyn Watkins Due to a knee injury in January, South Carolina continues to excel in the post. Chloe Kitts , Sania Feagin and Joyce Edwards , collectively averaging more than 31 points and 17 rebounds per game, anchor the frontcourt. MiLaysia Fulwiley , Te-Hina Paopao , Tessa Johnson , Bree Hall and Raven Johnson led the Gamecocks' guard unit; each member played crucial parts on their national championship squad from the previous year.
South Carolina lacks one or two star players whom their opponents can solely concentrate on to neutralize, contributing significantly to how challenging they are to defend against. In Southeastern Conference play, the reigning champs secured the fifth spot in points scored per game with 80.5 PPG and clinched second place in points allowed per game at 57.8 PPG. As such, South Carolina continues to be formidable. emerge as the leading program in women's college basketball is aiming for its fourth NCAA championship and its third in the last four seasons. Michael Voepel
Texas Longhorns
During their inaugural season in the SEC, the 31-3 Longhorns shared the regular-season crown with South Carolina and advanced to the conference tournament final, where they lost to the Gamecocks. Additionally, they secured the top position in the AP Poll for two weeks, marking their first appearance at number one since 2004. As sophomores, these players were part of this achievement. Madison Booker (16.2 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game) earned SEC Player of the Year as a senior. Taylor Jones Led Texas in rebounds (7.0) and blocked shots (1.8) per game, while scoring an average of 12.1 points per game, alongside another big man on the team. Kyla Oldacre , who transferred from Miami, led the league in field goal percentage (60.7) while scoring an average of 9.3 points per game. Rori Harmon , who sat out for much of the 2023-24 campaign due to a knee injury, served as Texas' primary playmaker (averaging 5.9 assists per game).
The Longhorns aren't proficient from beyond the arc; they finished at the bottom of the SEC with only 110 three-pointers made and ranked second-to-last in terms of accuracy (29.6%). However, they compensate for this deficiency by excelling defensively, allowing opponents an average score of merely 55.9 points per game, which is the least in the entire conference. Voepel
USC Trojans
The Trojans (28-3) have mostly met the expectations with their star player. JuJu Watkins During their sophomore year, the team secured victories against Ole Miss and UConn but suffered only one defeat at the hands of Notre Dame. This impressive run allowed them to begin the season with an outstanding record of 19-1, which was the best start for the program since the 1981–82 season. After defeating UCLA twice, securing their first regular-season conference title since 1994, they also recorded their inaugural victory over a top-ranked opponent, No. 1 UCLA, since 1983. Consequently, this success propelled the Trojans to achieve their highest position yet in the Associated Press rankings: number two—a milestone not seen since 1984.
Watkins has had an outstanding second year and is currently leading as the frontrunner for the national player of the year award. The people around her have significantly shifted from last season, mostly due to transfers. Kiki Iriafen positioning herself as the second choice for the Trojans (averaging 18.2 points per game). However, their freshman class has also lived up to being ranked number one, demonstrating their capabilities effectively. Kennedy Smith She excels with her defensive vigor, determination, and crucial three-point shots. Although Watkins has the potential to score between 30 to 40 points on any particular evening, the squad prides itself on their robust defense, limiting adversaries to a 36.3% field-goal percentage and recording an average of 6.8 blocks each game.
Despite achieving their best NCAA tournament performance in three decades during the previous season, Watkins felt crushed following their loss in the Elite Eight. This year, however, the Trojans aspire not only to secure a place in the Final Four but also to claim the national championship title for the first time since 1984. Philippou
NO. 2 SEEDS
Duke Blue Devils
During Coach Kara Lawson's fifth year with the team, the Blue Devils achieved an impressive record of 26 wins against 7 losses and secured third place in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings with a 14-4 win-loss ratio within their conference games. They further showcased their prowess by defeating the co-champions—Notre Dame and NC State—in successive matches during both the semi-finals and finals stages of the conference championships. This victory marked Duke’s return to glory, earning them their ninth overall ACC championship title as a program and marking their first such triumph since 2013.
Under Lawson’s guidance, defensive strategy has played a crucial role in Duke's achievements. The team excelled defensively, ranking second among all ACC competitors in points allowed per game (averaging only 58.2 PPG). Their performance nearly matched top-ranked UNC but fell short by merely one-tenth of a point. On the offensive end, although not quite matching up defensively, they still managed to hold their own well enough, finishing sixth in terms of total average points scored each game (at approximately 73.9 PPG). Leading this balanced attack were standout performances from players like the ACC Rookie of the Year.
Toby Fournier
(13.9 PPG),
Ashlon Jackson
(12.4) and ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player
Oluchi Okananwa
(10.2).
As the seventh-seeded team in the 2024 NCAA tournament, Duke pulled off an upset against second-ranked Ohio State, advancing to the Sweet 16. Their last appearance in the Elite Eight was back in 2013. Voepel
NC State Wolfpack
Following their program’s second appearance in the Final Four last year, the Wolfpack needed to fill the roles left by two departed starters. However, they retained the core group of guards. Aziaha James (17.9 PPG), Zoe Brooks (14.3), Saniya Rivers (11.7) - selections for the All-ACC First Team -- Madison Hayes (10.9) Moreover, NC State brought in an additional forward. Tilda Trygger and guard Zamareya Jones as impact freshmen.
Wes Moore, who was named ACC Coach of the Year, guided NC State to a 26-6 overall record and shared first place in the ACC standings with Notre Dame after finishing conference play 16-2. Over their final 17 contests, the team secured victories in 15 matches, suffering only one defeat each against UNC on February 16th and Duke during the ACC tournament finals. Offensively, NC State boasted the fourth-highest scoring average within the league (averaging 76.8 points per game), along with ranking third in terms of assist-to-turnover margin (at 1.15). Although their defensive performance has slightly diminished this year—conceding an average of 65.4 points—the squad remains strong defensively. Voepel
TCU Horned Frogs
Selected to place fourth in the Big 12, TCU surpassed expectations during Coach Mark Campbell's sophomore year in Fort Worth, claiming both the conference’s regular-season (16-2) and tournament championships. This represents a significant improvement for a program that had gone a cumulative 13-59 in Big 12 action over the preceding four years. Just one season prior, they were also required to forfeit two games. hold open tryouts Despite suffering from numerous injuries, TCU makes their way to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010, back when they were part of the Mountain West Conference. The transfer guard leads the charge. Hailey Van Lith (17.9 points per game, 5.3 assists per game) earned the title of Big 12 Player of the Year and also claimed tournament MVP, with the center contributing significantly. Sedona Prince (17.5 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game) topped the league in blocks (3.0). Voepel
UConn Huskies
UConn (31-3) heads into March with one of its strongest chances in recent times to clinch an NCAA title and break their six-season-long streak without a national championship. Following several seasons marred by player injuries, the team has enjoyed improved health this campaign, resulting in both depth and skill levels that have thrilled Coach Geno Auriemma throughout the year. Their peak performance was showcased in a commanding 29-point victory over South Carolina in Columbia; however, they hit rock bottom only ten days later when they lost to Tennessee for the first time since 2007 in Knoxville.
Their posting centers around a youthful and less seasoned lineup, which leads Auriemma to frequently use smaller formations that emphasize three-point shooting. However, he believes this squad can manage greater challenges, something the team lacked due to their shallow roster from the previous year. Despite those limitations, UConn still managed to secure their spot in the 15th Final Four within the last 16 tournaments.
Having what might be considered the top three-player lineup in all of women’s collegiate basketball certainly provides an advantage. Paige Bueckers , named National Player of the Year for 2021 and anticipated to be the top selection in next month’s WNBA draft, is accompanied by two guaranteed superstars, one being an ace shooter. Azzi Fudd and likely national rookie of the year Sarah Strong And the pressure is intense at Storrs during Bueckers' last collegiate season. Since joining the team, she has led them to the Final Four every year (and even made it to the national championship game in 2022). However, securing a long-sought-after national title still stands as her primary objective. Philippou
NO. 3 SEEDS
LSU Tigers
Despite beginning their season with an impressive 20-0 record, the Tigers suffered losses in four Southeastern Conference matches and ultimately secured third place within the conference standings. Throughout Coach Kim Mulkey’s initial three years, they topped the SEC charts in terms of scoring average; however, this year they slipped to third position (averaging 84.5 points per game), trailing both Tennessee and Oklahoma. Nevertheless, this remains consistent with the team's desired playing style. The senior players have been pivotal throughout these developments. Aneesah Morrow headed the country in rebounds (13.6) and double-doubles (27), scoring an average of 18.5 points per game. Junior Flau'Jae Johnson (18.9 points per game) is LSU's leading scorer, however, she hasn't taken part in any games since the team's overtime defeat against Alabama on February 27 due to inflamed shins.
LSU (28-5) aims to welcome back Johnson and Morrow, who departed from the Tigers' SEC tournament semifinal defeat against Texas due to a foot sprain, in time for the NCAA tournament. This would reunite them with their key attacking force. Mikaylah Williams (17.2 points per game). LSU lost three out of its last four games; however, injuries significantly impacted these outcomes. Voepel
North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels are aiming for their second Sweet 16 berth under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Courtney Banghart, and they seem very capable of achieving this goal. With a record of 27-7, which marks the highest number of victories in a single season during her tenure, they showed resilience despite losing to NC State in the ACC tournament semifinals—a run that stands as their longest in the competition since 2014. The team faced setbacks towards the close of the regular season after falling to Duke and Virginia, particularly missing key players who had been sidelined. Alyssa Ustby and Reniya Kelly Due to injuries, they both made their comeback before the postseason began. Ustby, who was selected for the first team All-ACC, has consistently contributed throughout her five-year tenure with the Tar Heels, alongside Kelly and Maria Gakdeng , who were both selected for the second team last year, have assumed bigger responsibilities this season. Lanie Grant -- a young freshman still only 17 years old -- has shown brilliance at times.
North Carolina excels with its tough defense, limiting opposing teams to just 36.6% shooting throughout the season. However, they could benefit greatly from increased offensive contributions, particularly from their experienced players, as this could propel them further into March. For instance, in their three losses against UConn, Duke, and NC State, North Carolina scored only 58 points or less each time. Philippou
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish (26-5) shared the regular-season title with NC State as co-champions in the ACC at 16-2. During their streak, Notre Dame secured an impressive win of 19 consecutive matches and reached the number-one spot in the AP rankings. However, they stumbled towards the end, losing three out of their final five games. These defeats came against strong opponents within the ACC, which raises concerns for them moving forward into the NCAA tournament — particularly regarding potential weaknesses in their offensive capabilities. In their ACC tournament semi-final match against Duke, Notre Dame managed only a season-low score of 56 points.
Still, led by 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 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game), Notre Dame boasted the ACC’s second-highest-scoring offense (84.7 points per game) and ranked third in scoring defense (62.1 points per game). Forwards Liatu King (11.2 Points Per Game, leading 10.4 Rebounds per game) and Maddy Westbeld (7.6 points per game) are crucial factors. When these players perform effectively alongside the star guards, Notre Dame becomes difficult to defeat. Voepel
Oklahoma Sooners
The Big 12 regular-season title holders from last season brought aboard a transfer center Raegan Beers As they transitioned to the SEC, they finished in a tie for fourth place with Kentucky, boasting a record of 11-5. A member of the All-League First Team, Beers contributes significantly with an average of 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, leading the conference with a remarkable field-goal percentage of 66%. The Sooners implemented their high-tempo offensive strategy within the new league; as a result, they ranked second in scoring (averaging 85.2 points per game) and topped the charts in assists (with 21.9 assists per game). Payton Verhulst (14.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.0 APG), Sahara Williams (10.8 PPG) and Skylar Vann (9.2 PPG) started all season along with Beers. The Sooners (25-7) also have a deep bench; 10 players average double-digit minutes. Oklahoma has won nine of its past 11 games, with the loss coming to South Carolina in the SEC tournament semifinals. -- Voepel
NO. 4 SEEDS
Baylor Bears
Baylor (27-7) secured the second spot for highest points per game during Big 12 matches with an average of 75.8 PPG and held the third position in defensive efficiency by allowing just 62.9 points per game. They concluded as runners-up in the Big 12 conference but were defeated by TCU in the finals of the league tournament. Despite losing their initial Big 12 match against Oklahoma State on January 1st, Baylor’s subsequent losses came exclusively from contests against UCLA and TCU (on three occasions). Their senior center contributes significantly to these achievements. Aaronette Vonleh (14.6 points per game) spearheads a well-distributed Baylor scoring effort. The junior guard/forward plays a key role. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (14.3 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game) has been sidelined since February 15 due to a knee injury; however, Baylor aims to welcome her back for the NCAA tournament. Voepel
Kentucky Wildcats
Coach Kenny Brooks, who guided Virginia Tech to their inaugural Final Four appearance in 2023, departed from Blacksburg this season to helm Kentucky, as the latter has returned to the NCAA tournament following a two-year absence. Ex-Hokie players have been impacted by this change. Georgia Amoore and Clara Strack also arrived in Lexington and have made some of the most significant impacts from transfer students nationwide. The 22-7 Wildcats ended up tying for fourth place with Oklahoma in the SEC, achieving an impressive record of 11-5 within the conference. During this time, Amoore excelled as Kentucky’s top scorer (averaging 19.1 points per game) and assist leader (with 6.9 assists per game), whereas Strack stood out by contributing 15.2 points per game along with leading the team in rebounds (at 9.7 boards per game) and blocks (clocking in at 2.4 blocks per game). Consequently, Strack earned recognition as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Under his guidance, Kentucky became the league’s premier block-stopping squad, averaging 6.9 blocks each contest. Additionally, two more transfer players joined them in their efforts. Dazia Lawrence (12.7 PPG) and forward Teonni Key (11.5 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game), also make significant contributions. Voepel
Maryland Terrapins
Players may join or leave the team, yet Brenda Frese consistently manages to find success. Following her earliest departure from the NCAA tournament during her time at Maryland, the program brought in ten fresh players this season, with seven being transfer students. Despite these numerous additions, the Terrapins (23-7) still secured a tied-third place finish in the Big Ten conference rankings. At one point early in the season, they climbed up to seventh position in the Associated Press polls after starting strong with a 16-1 record, which included defeating Duke. However, they later struggled, ending with a 6-7 performance across their last thirteen matches.
Losing crucial reserves hasn't been beneficial. Bri McDaniel due to a season-ending ACL injury and that star Shyanne Sellers had been competing despite a knee sprain for most of the season. Subsequently, the momentum gained from defeating Ohio State in their final regular-season game dissipated after they suffered a 27-point defeat against Michigan at the start of the Big Ten tournament—a performance marking their second-worst loss of the year. Nonetheless, the Terps remain formidable opponents due to having the league’s second-highest-scoring offense, spearheaded by possible top-tier WNBA draft prospect Sellers along with new additions. Kaylene Smikle , Sarah Te-Biasu and Saylor Poffenbarger . -- Philippou
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State's campaign began ideally, boasting an impressive 17-0 record which positioned them among the last three undefeated squads nationally. However, their performance within the Big Ten conference was mixed; they ended up tying for third place in the league standings yet suffered defeats against the California-based institutions by an average difference of 21 points. Entering the NCAA tournament, they have demonstrated inconsistency recently, posting a record of just 5 wins out of their last 10 matches.
Cotie McMahon , an individual recognized as part of the first team all-conference, and Taylor Thierry The team's sole returning starters are these players, however they have been joined by transfers. Chance Gray and Ajae Petty , plus star freshman Jaloni Cambridge , has meshed well. The Buckeyes (25-6) can pose a significant challenge in a tournament environment for teams not accustomed to facing their signature full-court press, which leads to an average of 22 turnovers per game.
Health remains of paramount concern after Cambridge and McMahon, who combine for 32 points per game, both exited the Big Ten tournament semifinal with injuries. -- Philippou
NO. 5 SEEDS
Alabama Crimson Tide
For the University of Alabama, this marks their third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance—the first time achieving this feat since their streak of eight straight appearances in the 1990s. Following those years, the team endured two difficult decades without qualifying for the NCAA tournament between 2000 and 2019. They returned to the stage in 2021, reached the WNIT quarterfinals in 2022, and currently boast four successive 20-victory seasons under head coach Kristy Curry’s guidance. This year, Alabama shared sixth place with Ole Miss in the SEC standings at 10 wins and 6 losses, finishing the regular season with only eight total defeats—an achievement last seen in 1997. Key performers include: Sarah Ashlee Barker (17.5 PPG), Zaay Green (15.7 PPG) and Aaliyah Nye (15.1 points per game) All of them began their collegiate journeys at different institutions but are concluding their academic and athletic tenure together at Alabama. Voepel
Kansas State Wildcats
K-State appeared to be like two distinct teams this season: they were 18-1 in the games involving their senior center. Ayoka Lee Played in eight of those with an additional six missed due to injury. Since her last game on February 2 against Kansas, Lee has maintained averages of 15.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per contest. Should she recover in time for the NCAA tournament, her presence could significantly aid K-State’s quest to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2002. In her absence, the team looks primarily to their senior guard. Serena Sundell (13.6 points per game, leading 7.1 assists per game in the Big 12) and senior forward Temira Poindexter (12.5 PPG). -- Voepel
Ole Miss Rebels
Under Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s guidance, the Rebels (20-10) have secured their spot in the NCAA tournament for the fourth year running during her seventh season with Ole Miss. The team thrives on scoring equilibrium, boasting five contributors averaging from 11.9 down to 9.4 points per game. Madison Scott and Kennedy Todd-Williams take the offensive lead. Similarly, the Rebels maintain balance in rebounding, thanks to Starr Jacobs '6.0 points per game. Ole Miss had a record of 10 wins and 6 losses during conference games, sharing the sixth position with Alabama. The team ranks second in the SEC in steals at 11.5 steals per game and holds the third spot in scoring defense, allowing only 58.2 points per game. '-- Voepel
Tennessee Lady Vols
Following her single year at Marshall, Coach Kim Caldwell received an offer to helm the program at Tennessee. She implemented a rigorous approach for both offensive and defensive strategies that demands significant endurance from her players. This strategy largely paid off, as Tennessee topped the Southeastern Conference in points per game (87.2 PPG) and led the league by causing 22.4 turnovers per contest. The team’s guard play was particularly notable. Talaysia Cooper (16.7 points per game) paced five players from the Lady Vol team who scored in double figures. Nonetheless, Tennessee (22-9) shared the eighth spot with Vanderbilt in the Southeastern Conference standings at an 8-8 record and appeared to fatigue towards the end of the season. The Lady Volunteers have now lost three out of their last four matches, which included a loss against Vanderbilt during the SEC tournament’s second round. Still, they had notable achievements such as defeating UConn in a non-conference match. Voepel
NO. 6 SEEDS
Florida State Seminoles
Ta'Niya Latson managed to achieve the remarkable feat of boosting her scoring output while simultaneously increasing her efficiency. Her scoring average jumped from 21.4 to an outstanding nation-leading 24.9 points per game. Additionally, she saw significant improvements in her 3-point shooting accuracy, which rose to 35.8%, and her free-throw rate, up to 7.6 attempts per game.
Surround Latson's boundary with his averages of 17.6 points and 10.6 rebounds each game. Makayla Timpson And the Seminoles (23-8) boasted one of the top pairs in the ACC. O'Mariah Gordon (16.2 PPG) and Sydney Bowles (10.5 points per game) were significant contributors to the nation’s second-highest scoring offense. The Seminoles are counting on this potent attack to secure their first NCAA tournament victory since 2019. -- Charlie Creme
Iowa Hawkeyes
The period following Caitlin Clark’s departure in Iowa City has seen both highs and lows; however, there is much to appreciate about Jan Jensen's inaugural year leading the team, resulting in their ninth successive 20-victory campaign. The challenge of filling Clark's shoes as point guard was met with the addition of Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen has excelled as a Hawkeye, receiving first-team All-Big Ten recognition. Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter came back as seasoned upperclassmen, enhancing a program that had attracted a top-15 recruiting class. Despite the 10 losses, they were—much to the frustration of Iowa’s supporters—narrow defeats, all within 10 points or less.
In January, the Hawkeyes (22-10) suffered five successive defeats, causing them to fall outside the Top 25 rankings. However, they bounced back strongly within the Big Ten, defeating USC—their sole regular-season conference defeat—and almost upsetting Ohio State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament as an underdog seeded eleventh. Although Iowa’s scoring average has dipped to 74.3 points per game without Clark leading their attack, consistency during March might make them challenging opponents for other teams. Philippou
Michigan Wolverines
Given the number of players entering the transfer portal following the previous season, predicting how things would go for Michigan in 2024-25 seemed uncertain. However, with their highest-rated recruiting class ever (ranked No. 8 nationally), the Wolverines (22-10) find themselves in familiar territory: notching another 20-victory campaign, securing a spot among the elite teams in the Big Ten, and earning an NCAA tournament berth as they typically do lately.
Syla Swords made an impressive initial showing, highlighted by scoring 27 points along with grabbing 12 rebounds against South Carolina in early November, however her teammate Olivia Olson was designated as the league's Co-Freshman of the Year. Along with Olson, Swords stands out as the country’s sole duo of freshman teammates who both score an average of 15.0 points per game. She is joined by her senior teammate. Jordan Hobbs is an experienced stabilizing presence and the sole remaining player from Michigan’s Elite Eight appearance in 2022. Both Maryland and USC discovered this during the Big Ten tournament — where the Wolverines dominated the Terrapins in the quarterfinals and almost pulled off an upset against the Trojans in the semifinals — suggesting that Michigan might pose a surprisingly tough challenge in the initial stages of March Madness. Philippou
West Virginia Mountaineers
The top defensive squad in the Big 12, allowing just 55.9 points per game overall and 57.9 within their conference matches, wasWest Virginia. This team shared the fourth spot alongside Kansas State and Utah before falling to TCU during the semi-finals of the league tournament. With an impressive record of 24 wins against seven losses, these tough opponents are not easy to beat.They excel at derailing offensive plays from rivals, forcing 23.7 turnovers each contest—a number which leads all Power 4 conferences—alongside boasting a turnover margin of 8.26, also topping this category among similar programs. Their standout player is a seasoned senior guard. JJ Quinerly leads West Virginia in points per game with 20.6 PPG and ranks second in steals with 3.0. Kyah Watson (3.2). Fellow guards Jordan Harrison (13.5 PPG) and Sydney Shaw (11.7) Also averages in double digits in scoring. Voepel
NO. 7 SEEDS
Louisville Cardinals
Coach Jeff Walz has transformed the Cardinals into a regular force within the ACC, such that despite their somewhat modest 21-10 record this year, they managed to secure an impressive 13-5 conference standing thanks to notable victories against teams like Georgia Tech, Cal, Florida State, and Duke. The squad leans heavily towards youth, featuring eight freshmen alongside only five returning players from last season’s roster, which includes the five-year starter. Olivia Cochran The standout among the newcomers is Tajianna Roberts (13.1 points per game), an all-ACC freshman team pick who along with Jayda Curry (13.4 Points Per Game) tops the Cardinals' scoring charts. Following significant early-season defeats against UConn and NC State by more than 30 points each, Louisville appeared to gain momentum as conference matches continued. For this season’s NCAA tournament run to surpass last year's premature exit in the first round, Walz requires Curry's return; she has been sidelined for the previous two contests—including the ACC tournament quarterfinal—due to a shoulder injury. Philippou
Michigan State Spartans
Coach Robyn Fralick is leading the Spartans (21-9) into their second consecutive NCAA tournament. Despite finishing in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Big Ten with Michigan and Illinois, each boasting an impressive record of 11-7, the team suffered a setback when they lost to the No. 11-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes in the conference tournament’s second round. That particular match saw Michigan State committing 24 turnovers, marking one of their highest totals for the year—a stark contrast to their usual average of only 15.1 giveaways per contest. As they gear up for the upcoming NCAA games, erasing the memory of this disappointing loss will likely fuel their determination.
Guard Grace VanSlooten She spent her initial two years at Oregon before leading Michigan State this season with an average of 15.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. The guards were instrumental in these achievements. Julia Ayrault (14.8 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game) and Theryn Hallock (13.7 points per game) also posted double-digit scoring averages. -- Voepel
Oklahoma State Cowgirls
During Coach Jacie Hoyt's third year, her team—the Cowgirls—have experienced one of their most successful seasons ever with an impressive record of 25-6. This places them as tied for having the second-highest number of victories since the start of the NCAA era in 1981-82; the sole years where Oklahoma State secured more wins (with 27 each) were back-to-back during the 2007–08 period and once before way back in 1990–91. In January, OSU earned a spot in the Associated Press rankings for the first time since 2018, eventually concluding the regular season ranked third within the Big 12 conference and advancing into the quarterfinals of the league’s championship event. Throughout this campaign, notable triumphs included matches over both the Big 12 champion TCU and Kansas State teams, alongside splitting points with West Virginia. A standout among these achievements has been sophomore guard Stailee Heard OSU leads in scoring with 16.7 points, rebounds at 8.1 per game, and steals averaging 1.8. -- Voepel
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last year, The Commodores (22-10), who hadn’t qualified for the NCAA tournament in ten years, returned after making it into the field once again. Both Vanderbilt and Tennessee ended up tying for eighth place in the SEC with an 8-8 record, marking the first occasion where Vanderbilt defeated their state rival twice within one season. Mikayla Blakes (23.2 Points Per Game) spearheads the Commodores' scoring; she achieved over 50 points in two games this season and earned the title of SEC Freshman of the Year during her sophomore year. Khamil Pierre averaged 20.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.0 steals. Under Coach Shea Ralph’s guidance, the team achieved consecutive 20-victory campaigns, marking the first instance of such an accomplishment for Vanderbilt University since the periods spanning from 2011-12 and 2012-13. -- Voepel
NO. 8 SEEDS
California Golden Bears
When Charmin Smith transitioned from being Lindsay Gottlieb’s lead assistant at UC Berkeley to becoming the head coach herself, she struggled to replicate the team's previous achievements under Gottlieb. During her initial four years as head coach, Cal ended up with records below .500. However, last season marked significant progress which has now culminated in substantial success this year; consequently, the Bears have qualified for their first NCAA tournament since 2019. Joining the ACC proved beneficial for the Bears (with a record of 25-8). They secured a seventh-place spot—a higher ranking than they ever achieved during Smith’s tenure within the Pac-12. Despite not having depth, each starter averages over ten points per game, led by Ioanna Krimili (14.2 points per game), an intrepid marksman, and a significantly enhanced playmaker Lulu Twidale (Cal scores 13.2 points per game). The team ranks ninth nationally in assists. Creme
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has made another appearance in the NCAA tournament for the second time within three years with Shauna Greene at the helm. They enter the Big Dance holding their title from the recent WBIT championship. This season, Illinois joins an exclusive group among college teams who have had four players reach the milestone of scoring over 1,000 points each. Kendall Bostic , Genesis Bryant , Makira Cook and Adalia McKenzie but lacking Cook’s presence, along with being without a junior Gretchen Dolan Since early January because of some health problems, Greene’s team still secured 21 wins (notably starting with an unexpected victory against Florida State). In conference games, they maintained an impressive record of 11 wins out of 18 matches within the Big Ten. They aim to recapture the momentum from their successful run of eight consecutive Big Ten game wins before hitting a slump of four losses in a row, including being knocked out unexpectedly by Nebraska during the second round of the Big Ten tournament. Bostic, recognized as part of the first All-Conference Team, stands out for her exceptional rebounding skills; she ranks second nationally amongst currently active Division I athletes when considering total rebounds throughout their careers. Alongside Bryant—who was named to the second All-Conference Team—both contribute significantly alongside McKenzie towards powering Illinois’ offensive plays, where each averages more than ten points per game. Philippou
Richmond Spiders
Led by its top three players Maggie Doogan , Rachel Ullstrom and Addie Budnik Richmond is appearing in its fifth NCAA tournament but only their second as an at-large selection. They excelled during the Atlantic 10’s regular season, clinching first place with a margin of three games ahead of others before facing setbacks in the A-10 tournament semis against Saint Joseph's, which snapped their school record-breaking 17-game win streak. Doogan (averaging 16.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, with a field-goal percentage of 54.9) claimed the title for A-10 Player of the Year. Alongside Ullstrom (scoring 15.5 PPG, hitting 53.9% from the floor), they contributed significantly towards making Richmond the second most efficient shooting squad nationally. Additionally, the Spiders top the charts nationwide when it comes to points scored per scoring attempt. Creme
Utah Utes
The Utes joined the Big 12 Conference, embarking on a new chapter. Shortly after, Coach Lynne Roberts departed from her position of ten years with Utah just four games into the season when she moved to become part of the WNLA’s team, the Los Angeles Sparks. Experienced assistant coach Gavin Peterson stepped up to lead the program, successfully steering Utah (with an impressive record of 22 wins against eight losses) to share the fourth place spot within the Big 12 standings. The squad excelled particularly in their performance beyond the arc, leading the conference in three-pointers made each game (averaging around 10), and also ranked highly in terms of accuracy from long range, placing third overall with a success rate of approximately 37.1%. Among these players was standout junior guard. Gianna Kneepkens came in second place for three-point shooting percentage (45.0%) and topped the charts in free throw accuracy (89.5%), all while scoring an average of 19.2 points per game. Voepel
NO. 9 SEEDS
Creighton Bluejays
This tournament signifies the "final chapter" for Creighton's senior group. Lauren Jensen , Morgan Maly , Molly Mogensen , Mallory Brake and Jayme Horan The entire team came back to Omaha aiming for their fifth year with dreams of another spectacular NCAA tournament performance. This squad had orchestrated some of the most surprising series of upsets during March in recent memory, defeating Caitlin Clark’s Hawkeyes followed by an upset over Iowa State to reach the 2022 Elite Eight. Over the past couple of seasons, they failed to progress beyond the initial round but now hope to turn things around this month following a successful season record of 26 wins and six losses. Among those defeats, three were handed by UConn, including a significant win by twenty points in their first Big East Tournament finals appearance since 2016. Two others were lopsided losses against UCLA and Kansas State. However, under coach Jim Flanery’s guidance, the team employs a challenging-to-defend motion offense, particularly when playing on shorter rest periods. As such, Creighton could prove to be quite formidable as the tournament approaches. Philippou
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The base that Nell Fortner started constructing two years ago with Kara Dunn and Tonie Morgan delivered during this season as a freshman Dani Carnegie The addition of these elements has enhanced the team dynamics. With 22 victories, this marks the highest win count for the Yellow Jackets since 2017, coinciding with their return to the NCAA tournament after an absence in 2022. Players Dunn (averaging 15.8 points per game), Morgan (with 13.8 points per game), and Carnegie (scoring 13.1 points per game) collectively accounted for over half—specifically 53.3 percent—of Georgia Tech’s total scoring output. Additionally, Morgan stood out by ranking among the top three in the Atlantic Coast Conference for assists (at 5.6 per game). Meanwhile, Carnegie earned recognition as the ACC Sixth Man of the Year. Under Morgan's leadership from the point guard position, the squad achieved a commendable national standing: seventh overall in terms of assist-to-turnover ratio. Despite experiencing some difficulties towards the end of the campaign—a sequence of losses in their final four regular-season matches—they came close to defeating NC State during the ACC tournament quarterfinal stage. Creme
Indiana Hoosiers
Getting used to life without Mackenzie Holmes and Sara Scalia took some time, as losses in November to Butler and Harvard illustrated. Wins over Columbia and Baylor in the Bahamas righted the ship, and the Hoosiers rode the 3-point shooting of Yarden Garzon (41.5%) and Shay Ciezki (37.7%) to a 10-8 Big Ten record. The Hoosiers rank 15th in the country in 3-point shooting. With more opportunity and more experience as a junior, Garzon (14.5 PPG, 3.2 APG) emerged as Indiana's best player and made the All-Big Ten second team. Making those shots is key for the Hoosiers, who don't get many second chances. They rank 355th in the country in offensive rebounds per game. -- Creme
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Last season, the Bulldogs went 8-8 in the SEC but didn't make the NCAA tournament in part due to a bad finish, as they lost six of their last seven. They reached the field this season despite a worse SEC record at 7-9. That's because the league is recognized as tougher this season, especially with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma. Mississippi State is 4-3 in its past seven games, and the Bulldogs (21-11) also have victories against Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Senior guard Jerkaila Jordan leads the Bulldogs in scoring (16.1 PPG) and steals (2.0), while junior center Madina Okot averaged 11.3 points and a team-best 9.6 rebounds. -- Voepel
NO. 10 SEEDS
Harvard Crimson
For the first time since 2007, Harvard (24-4) is in the NCAA tournament -- and it took a huge weekend from Harmoni Turner To achieve this feat, the 5-foot-10 senior tallied an Ivy Madness record of 44 points, aiding the Crimson in overturning a deficit to defeat Princeton in the semis. A day after that performance, she attained the milestone of 2,000 career points as Harvard narrowly defeated Columbia to secure the championship and the Ivy League’s automatic bid. Turner (averaging 22.5 PPG), stood out as the conference’s top scorer, exceeding the nearest competitor by almost five points each game. Additionally, she topped the Ivies in thefts, playing a key role in a defensive lineup that conceded the fewest points per contest nationally. Creme
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The experienced -- seasoned central hub Alexis Markowski -- and the newcomer -- freshman guard Britt Prince -- serve as the driving forces behind the Cornhuskers' success. Markowski departs from Lincoln holding the second-highest rebound total in the program’s record book and stands alone at the top regarding double-doubles achieved. Prince ranked second on the squad in points scored (13.4 PPG) and topped the team with 3.7 assists per contest. The Huskers excel in sharing the basketball — ranking third in the Big Ten in terms of assists — leading to numerous clear shooting opportunities. This strategy benefits players such as Prince, Alberte Rimdal (8.0 PPG) and Logan Nissley (7.0 points per game), contributes to Nebraska's conference-best 37.1% three-point shooting percentage. Creme
Oregon Ducks
After missing the NCAA tournament the past two seasons, Kelly Graves essentially started over, incorporating four new starters as the Ducks began their new life in the Big Ten. Deja Kelly set career highs in assists (3.4 APG) and field goal percentage (38.3%) after transferring from North Carolina and gave Oregon stability at point guard. Having a mostly healthy Peyton Scott Back again, having missed almost the entire previous season in Eugene. As a 2,000-point career scorer primarily achieved during her time at Miami (Ohio), Scott brings the Ducks a valuable outside shooting threat with her 34.9% accuracy from beyond the arc. However, the crucial element for Oregon’s progression lies in their defensive capabilities, holding opposing teams to just 62.9 points per contest. Creme
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
South Dakota State remains at the top of the Summit League, maintaining an unbeaten record in conference games for three years running. They secured significant victories against Creighton and Oregon outside of league play and narrowly missed out to Duke. In summit matches, their defensive strategy has been key, conceding only 61 points from these opponents. However, they boast impressive offensive stats as well; their 48.3 percent field goal success rate places them among the nation’s elite six. These strengths provide solid footing heading into March Madness. Over the last half-decade, this team has demonstrated exceptional prowess, posting a commendable .828 winning percentage—a mark achieved by merely four programs nationally—recording 135 wins versus just 28 losses. Additionally, during their time in the NCAA tournament, South Dakota State holds a competitive track record of 5-12 overall, highlighted notably by reaching the Sweet 16 stage back in 2019. Kendra Andrews
NO. 11 SEEDS
Columbia Lions
Prior to last year, the Lions (23-6) had not appeared in an NCAA tournament before. However, they have now secured their spot for two consecutive years despite losing their all-time top scorer from the program. The team’s improved distribution of scoring coupled with the nation’s third-highest rate of offensive rebounds contributed significantly to Columbia clinching its third successive Ivy League regular-season championship and winning it outright this time around. Riley Weiss (17.8 points per game) ranked as the league’s third-highest point scorer. Kitty Henderson (13.4 points per game, 4.8 assists per game, 2.4 rebounds per game) topped the Ivy League in assists and ranked second in steals. Two seasons back, Columbia advanced to the finals of theWNIT. The previous year, the Lions fell short against Vanderbilt in the First Four round. This season, their aim is securing a win in the NCAA tournament. Creme
George Mason Patriots
Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis has turned around a George Mason program that went winless in the A-10 in the season prior to her 2021 hiring. The improvement has been evident each season, including last season when the team won 23 games and appeared in the WBIT, but 2024-25 proved to be the breakthrough: The Patriots, the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament, went 25-7 on their way to earning their first A-10 title and NCAA tournament appearance. They did it by beating a fourth-seeded Saint Joseph's squad that had knocked off conference power Richmond in the A-10 semifinals, making the conference a multibid league. Paula Suarez , the league's Most Improved Player, first-team selection Zahirah Walton and second-team pick Kennedy Harris Lead by George Mason, the squad demonstrated its capability to go up against Power 5 teams early in the season when they put up a strong fight against Maryland in a non-conference match. Philippou
Iowa State Cyclones
This season did not meet expectations for the 22-11 Cyclones, who were ranked eighth in the preseason Associated Press poll but ended up finishing seventh in the Big 12. Nonetheless, over the last month, things have improved; Iowa State has secured victories in seven out of their last nine games, with both defeats coming from matches against Baylor. The sophomore center remains key for the team’s performance. Audi Crooks headed the Big 12 in both points per game (23.2 PPG) and field goal percentage (60.2%), while also being a seasoned senior guard. Emily Ryan came in second in the league for assists (6.3). Expect the Cyclones to continue their long-range shooting as usual, averaging 8.2 three-pointers each game.-- Voepel
Murray State Racers
Murray State (25-7) had waited more than 15 years to get back to the NCAA tournament, and the drought is officially over as of Sunday, when the Racers beat Belmont for the MVC tournament crown. It marks the program's second NCAA tournament appearance (and first since 2008), coming on the heels of its winningest season in school history with 25 victories. As the top seed in the MVC tournament, Murray State has won 10 consecutive games, the longest streak under head coach Rechelle Turner. The Racers sport four scorers averaging at least 13 points per game -- All-MVC selections Katelyn Young (22.2 PPG, also the program's leading scorer who already has her jersey retired), Halli Poock (17.1 PPG), Haven Ford (15.2 PPG) and Ava Learn (13.9 PPG) -- giving them one of the most efficient offenses in the country. LSU fans might remember Murray State for giving their Tigers a tough game in November -- Kim Mulkey's group needed a big fourth quarter to put the Racers away. -- Philippou
Princeton Tigers
In 2018, the Tigers last failed to secure both an Ivy Madness victory and the conference’s automatic bid. Additionally, they did not clinch the regular-season Ivy League championship. Nevertheless, they managed to earn their place in the NCAA tournament for six consecutive years, excluding 2020 due to cancellation of the event and 2021 as the Ivies opted out of playing that season. Following this streak, Coach Carla Berube implemented a lineup predominantly centered around her talented sophomores after losing key support from one of her star players. Madison St. Rose stepped away due to a knee injury after just four games of the season. Skye Belker (13.1 PPG) and Ashley Chea (12.5 points per game, 2.6 assists per game) stand out among those sophomore players and together they form one of the strongest mid-major backcourts in the nation for Princeton. Creme
Washington Huskies
A late-season run of five consecutive wins and nearly taking down USC boosted the Huskies into their first NCAA tournament since 2017. They achieved this success largely due to their shooting prowess. The team secured the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten and cracked the national top 10 in both overall field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage. This achievement was led by standout performances from junior players. Elle Ladine (17.1 PPG) and sophomore Sayvia Sellers (15.2 points per game), they both made more than 39% of their three-point attempts and ranked among the top ten scorers in the conference. In their recent push, the team achieved a shooting percentage of 44.7% from beyond the arc. Coach Tina Langley depends significantly on her starting lineup, especially her leading four players: Ladine, Sellers, Hannah Stines and Dalayah Daniels . Washington ranks 328th in the country in bench points per game. -- Creme
NO. 12 SEEDS
Ball State Cardinals
Fresh off winning its first MAC regular-season title in 22 years, Ball State punched its ticket to the Big Dance on Saturday after defeating Toledo in the MAC tournament final. The Cardinals had been regulars in other postseason events, but this marks their first NCAA tournament berth since 2009, and first under Brady Sallee. The coach made sure his group was tested in nonconference play, where it beat Texas A&M and Davidson and had close games against the likes of North Carolina and South Dakota State. Alex Richard , a second-team all-league pick, leads Ball State in scoring (16.5 PPG) and rebounding (7.1 RPG), but MAC Player of the Year Ally Becki orchestrates the game with an average of 6.3 assists per match, ranking among the highest nationally. The last time Ball State (27-7) participated in the NCAA tournament, they stunned the then-reigning champions, Tennessee, as a 12th seed, a feat the team aims to replicate in this year’s competition. -- Philippou
Fairfield Stags
Earlier this month, Fairfield’s 42-game winning streak against MAAC opponents came to an end with a loss during its last regular-season game at Quinnipiac. However, on Saturday, the Stags (28-4) took their revenge against the Bobcats in the MAAC tournament final, earning a place in their second successive NCAA tournament under third-year head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis. The team had previously faced defeat. Janelle Brown , named the 2024 MAAC Player of the Year, missed some time at the beginning of the season because of an injury but has since relied on its deep roster, featuring 10 players who each average at least 12 minutes per contest. Meghan Andersen (15.1 PPG) and Kaety L'Amoreaux (12.5 points per game), First- and Second-team All-MAAC honorees, lead Fairfield’s offensive efforts. However, various players emerged during the MAAC tournament — including Sydni Scott (18 points) in the final -- to help the Stags clinch the title. They hope their hot 3-point shooting in the championship game, when they hit 15 of 29 3-point attempts, will carry over into the NCAA tournament. -- Philippou
Green Bay Phoenix
Behind first-year coach Kayla Karius, Green Bay (28-5) rides a 22-game winning streak into the NCAA tournament and absolutely dominated the Horizon League tournament, beating its opponents by 29, 14 and 13 points. The Phoenix's scoring defense ranks 19th in the nation (55.8 opponent points per game). Natalie McNeal has been a force on both ends of the court for the Phoenix, leading the team in points (14.9) and rebounds (7.3) and recording 13 double-doubles. -- Andrews
South Florida Bulls
Two defeats against squads ranked outside the top 100 in the NET ranking eliminated the Bulls' hopes for an at-large berth into the NCAA tournament. As a result, they secured their spot directly by clinching the AAC title in Fort Worth. South Florida (23-10) faced one of the toughest out-of-conference schedules nationally, with losses coming from other NCAA tournament participants like UConn, Louisville, TCU, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. Additionally, the team triumphed over Duke later in December. Their leadership comes from a former player of Florida State guard. Sammie Puisis (14.8 points per game) and AAC Defensive Player of the Year Mama Dembele (2.5 SPG). -- Creme
NO. 13 SEEDS
Grand Canyon Lopes
Grand Canyon (32-2) capped its perfect run through the Western Athletic Conference with the tournament title Saturday to earn a trip to its first NCAA tournament. The Lopes bring the nation's longest win streak -- their 30 consecutive victories is also a WAC record -- to March Madness. Featuring WAC Player of the Year Trinity San Antonio Defensive Player of the Year Tiarra Brown And under the guidance of Coach of the Year Molly Miller, the Lopes exhibit a balanced offensive strategy on the basketball court. San Antonio topped the team in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game and contributed 72 additional assists compared to any other teammate, totaling 165 assists. Brown ranked second on the squad in rebounds with 146 and led the team in both blocks with 37 and steals also with 37. Andrews
Liberty Flames
The Flames (26-6) have been knocking on the door of an NCAA tournament bid for a while, first with a slew of runner-up finishes in the ASUN tournament, and then last season with an appearance in the Conference USA tournament final. Finally, 2025 is their breakthrough. On Saturday, the Flames avenged last year's championship game loss to Middle Tennessee to clinch a berth in the Big Dance for the first time since 2018. The Flames returned four of their starters from last season, including first-team all-conference selection Bella Smuda (11.8 PPG) but are known for their depth, with their 27.7 bench points per game a top-10 mark in the country. They can also shoot well from the 3-point arc (36.9%), which helped keep Liberty in games versus Duke and Tennessee in nonconference play. -- Philippou
Montana State Bobcats
Following their dominance throughout the Big Sky season, the Bobcats (30-3) required a game-winning follow-up shot at the buzzer from their second-highest point-scorer. Marah Dykstra To defeat Montana in the championship match and ensure their second appearance in the NCAA tournament within four years. Esmeralda Morales (15.5 PPG, 3.6 APG) transferred from Portland State to Montana State for her senior year and was named the Big Sky Most Valuable Player. Taylee Chirrick ranks sixth nationally with an average of 3.4 steals per game, and the Bobcats lead the country in takeaways (14.2 SPG). Creme
Norfolk State Spartans
The Spartans (30-4) have consistently ruled the roost in the MEAC over recent years, and this season proved no exception. They remained undefeated throughout their conference matches en route to clinching their third successive MEAC tournament championship—a streak unmatched in the league since Hampton’s run from 2010 to 2014. Since joining, Norfolk State has tasted defeat just once in the MEAC during regular-season games led by a former NC State standout. Diamond Johnson He joined the program before the start of the 2023-24 season. Under Coach Larry Vickers, the Spartans achieved their first-ever 30-win season since transitioning to Division I. The victories included two against Southeastern Conference teams: Missouri and Auburn. Of their four losses this year, three—including games against Alabama and Washington State—were decided by ten points or less. Additionally, their current 19-game winning streak ranks as the second-longest among Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) teams in this millennium.
Johnson, who was named the MEAC Player of the Year, topped the league averages scoring 19.0 points per game and secured second place with her 4.1 assist average each match. However, she didn’t have to shoulder this burden solo; joining her efforts is last season’s conference player of the year. Kierra Wheeler Surrounding her and providing 15.6 points and 9.0 rebounds each game.-- Philippou
NO. 14 SEEDS
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
In 2002, when the program commenced and saw its shift to Division I during the 2007–08 period under his leadership, Karl Smesko departed just two games into the current season to assume the role of coach at the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. His long-time assistant, Chelsea Lyles, stepped up to become the new head coach; nonetheless, the team kept achieving championships. The Eagles secured their victory with an impressive record of 30 wins against only three losses, clinching the ASUN tournament title for the eighth consecutive year — and eleventh overall — following a flawless streak of 18 victories throughout the standard league schedule. Their senior guard played a crucial part in these successes. Emani Jefferson (14.4 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game) earned ASUN Player of the Year honors for the second year consecutively, with Lyles being named the league’s Coach of the Year. The Eagles have secured 23 successive victories. Voepel
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers have secured their spot in the NCAA tournament following their victory in the West Coast Conference championship during their inaugural season with the conference. Seeded fourth in the conference tournament, they defeated top-seeded Gonzaga in the semis and second-seeded Portland in the final. This journey has been quite unexpected; last year they reached the Elite Eight but lost four key players due to transfers when the Pac-12 underwent restructuring. The Beavers began this season with a record of 1-5 and were at 9-13 after losing four games consecutively in January. However, they appear to be hitting their stride towards the end of the regular season.
Each player in the starting lineup -- Kelsey Rees (12.8), AJ Marotte (11.4), Catarina Ferreira (9.2), Tiara Bolden (8.3) -- along with Kennedie Shuler (8.3) averaged career highs in scoring, and top reserve Sela Heide also averaged a career-best 7.4 points per game. -- Andrews
San Diego State Aztecs
It took three overtime periods, but San Diego State (22-9) won the Mountain West championship to punch its ticket to the Big Dance for the first time since 2012. The Aztecs entered the Mountain West tournament riding a hot streak -- winning their final five games of the regular season. They boast the second-best defense in the league, allowing opponents to score just 60.4 points and holding them to a league-best 29.6% from 3-point range. -- Andrews
Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks
Following their three-year stint in the WAC, the Ladyjacks (28-5) resumed their dominance by clinching the Southland Conference tournament title. This marks SFA’s return to victory since their previous win in the conference was in 2021. Previously, after leaving for the WAC, they secured the championship of this league in 2022. By defeating the team with the best record during the regular season, Southeastern Louisiana, they have earned their spot in the NCAA tournament for the third occasion within the past half-decade. Faith Blackstone , who began her career at Syracuse and has switched schools annually since then, heads the top offense in the Southland Conference, averaging 14.8 points per game. However, their specialty is three-point shots; they hold the ninth spot nationally with an average of 9.5 threes made per contest. Creme
NO. 15 SEEDS
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Following their victory at the Sun Belt Conference championships, Arkansas State will be participating in the NCAA tournament for the very first time ever. Despite being predicted to place last at 13th in the league standings, they secured the second seed entering the conference tournament. Known for their proficiency from long range, the Red Wolves (21-10) led the league with an impressive total of 328 three-pointers this season, placing them among the top four teams in terms of accuracy from beyond the arc at 32.6%. Andrews
FDU Knights
Another first-timer is in our midst: FDU (29-3) will make its first NCAA tournament appearance, representing the NEC by advancing to the championship game, where opponent Stonehill is ineligible for the Big Dance as a reclassifying institution (the Knights then proceeded to beat the Skyhawks in Sunday's final for good measure). Under second-year coach Stephanie Gaitley, FDU has made history all season, notching the most wins in program history (29, more than double last season's total) and a perfect regular-season league record (16-0). The team dominated in the process, winning those games by an average margin of 17.6 points to clinch its third regular-season title in four years. The Knights haven't lost since mid-December, when they fell to Rutgers, giving them one of the longest win streaks (22 games) in the nation. First-team All-NEC picks Teneisia Brown and Ava Renninger won the league's Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors, respectively. -- Philippou
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
The Mountain Hawks (27-6) secured their spot in the NCAA tournament as one of the last teams invited following their victory over Army in the Patriot League championship game on Sunday. This marks their fifth trip to the Big Dance and their first since 2021. Under third-year head coach Addie Micir, who earned Patriot League Coach of the Year honors, the team achieved an impressive 15-3 conference record this season, highlighted by a remarkable 12-game winning streak. Additionally, they clinched their first outright regular-season title since the 2008-09 campaign. During nonconference matches, the Mountain Hawks made history again by defeating their first Power 4 school since 2010 with a convincing win against Northwestern by 17 points. The team boasts valuable experience, bringing back seven key players from last year’s roster, among them being a first-team All-Conference selection. Maddie Albrecht (15.7 Points Per Game) and second-team selection Ella Stemmer (11.3 Points Per Game). The Mountain Hawks are also among the best free-throw shooting teams nationally (80.7%), and they have successfully made 32.8% of their three-point shots. Philippou
Vermont Catamounts
Throughout the whole America East season, Vermont kept pursuing Albany but managed to overtake them at their own game during the crucial conference tournament championship match. They achieved this victory using their signature strategy of slowing down the tempo and focusing on solid defensive plays from start to finish. In that decisive game, Albany only managed to score 55 points, surpassing Vermont’s usual limit; typically opponents could manage an average of merely 51.7 points against Vermont, placing them as one of the top three teams nationally in terms of defense. Furthermore, not a single team in the U.S. saw fewer total possessions throughout games compared to Vermont. Over her five-year tenure, forward Ana Olson stood out consistently, leading the squad with impressive averages of 12.6 points each contest. Creme
NO. 16 SEEDS
UC San Diego Tritons
In 2020, the program transitioned to Division I, making this the inaugural season during which UC San Diego became eligible for the NCAA tournament. They secured their place by winning their initial Big West conference championship, defeating UC Davis 75-66 in the finale following two evenly matched encounters against them earlier in the regular season. Seeded fourth, the Tritons advanced to the championship match by narrowly overcoming top-seeded Hawaii—the reigning Big West regular-season champions—by a score of 51-49 in the semis, thanks to a clutch last-second layup from sophomore guard. Sumayah Sugapong She tops the team in points per game with 14.7 PPG and assists with an average of 3.6 APG. The Tritons' head coach is Heidi VanDerveer, who happens to be the younger sibling of ex-Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer. Vanessa Nygaard, a previous Stanford athlete andWNBA mentor, serves as one of their assistants. At the beginning of the season, UC San Diego had a record of 1-8; however, they enter the NCAA tournament boasting a solid 20-15 overall record. Voepel
High Point Panthers
High Point (21-11) makes a return to the NCAA tournament in 2023 for the first time since 2021 following their victory in the Big South conference championship. Their performance was spearheaded by standout play from a talented junior player. Nevaeh Zavala , who led the team with the highest average in both points (10.6) and rebounds (4.1). Nakyah Terrell She has served as the team leader for the Panthers, securing second place in the conference for assists with an average of 3.4 per game; her assist-to-turnover ratio was also among the best at 1.3. AndrewsUNC Greensboro Spartans
UNC Greensboro had an extraordinary season, remaining unbeaten at home and achieving a 13-1 conference record, which led to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998. This success was largely due to the robust performance of their players. Nya Smith The player, recognized as both SoCon Freshman of the Year and Sixth Woman of the Year, recorded an average of 13.6 points per game during conference matches, maintaining a field goal percentage of 40.1%. Additionally, the Spartans boast a formidable defense, spearheaded by her efforts. Khalis Cain She earned a spot on both the SoCon second team and the all-defensive squad. Nationally, she placed 13th with an average of 4.2 offensive boards per contest and led the conference with 34 total blocks and averaged 1.2 blocks per game. Andrews
Southern Jaguars
After missing out in previous years, Southern (20-14) has returned to the NCAA tournament following recent showings in 2019 and 2023. Under coach Carlos Funchess’s leadership, the team did not shy away from difficult fixtures; they played nine matches against top-tier programs during nonconference seasons — contests like their close 12-point defeat against Illinois contrast with heavier losses like the one by 58 points to Texas. It wasn’t until early January that they secured a victory over another Division I school. These challenging encounters proved worthwhile when Southern entered conference play, achieving an impressive record of 15 wins and just three defeats, thus clinching the SWAC regular-season championship. Following this success, they defeated reigning champions Jackson State in the semi-finals of the conference tournament before triumphing over sixth seed Alcorn State in the final match, marking only the second time within the last decade that they’ve achieved twenty victories in a single season. Their standout player was recognized as part of the second-team All-Conference selection. Aniya Gourdine leads the team with 11.9 points per game. -- Philippou
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles (26-5) are set to participate in their 12th NCAA tournament, marking only their second appearance over the past 20 years after advancing in 2023 as well. They head into March Madness with an impressive 17-game win streak behind them, which includes victories from both games of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Throughout the season, they dominated with a top-scoring offense at 72 points per contest and maintained strong defense by allowing opposing teams just 62.1 points on average. A key strength lies within their balanced lineup where multiple starters contribute significantly—led by Reghan Grimes 12.9 points per game — an average of double-digit scores, with the fifth player falling short at 9.9 points per game. Andrews
William & Mary Tribe
The final automatic bid for the 2025 women’s NCAA tournament led to one of the most remarkable Cinderella stories during Championship Week. Under second-year head coach Erin Dickerson Davis, William & Mary joined the CAA tourney with an overall record of 11-18 (and 8-10 within their conference). They proceeded to secure four consecutive victories over just four days, earning themselves a spot in the prestigious March Madness event. Their journey featured surmounting a 12-point gap against top-seeded North Carolina A&T in the semifinals via overtime, followed by reversing a 14-point deficit on Sunday to triumph over number-three seeded Campbell—marking the university’s inaugural title match since 1993. As the Tribe join only six others from this millennium who made it into the big dance despite having records more than two losses worse than wins, they stand out as well: entering as the ninth seeds, these players became the smallest-ranked squad ever to claim victory in the CAA postseason. Notably among them is Second Team All-CAA pick. Bella Nascimento imprinted her name in program annals on Sunday, shining with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Philippou
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