Ladies’s NCAA match 2022 – Reseeding the spherical of 32

The 68-team discipline has been reduce to 32 within the 2022 girls’s NCAA match. Every of the No. 1 seeds had a simple journey into the second spherical. The highest 4 seeds in every area are nonetheless alive, however for groups such because the No. Three seed LSU Tigers and the fourth-seeded Arizona Wildcats and Oklahoma Sooners, it wasn’t by a lot. That does not imply every part goes by type. Six double-digit seeds have moved onto the second spherical. That is as many because the final two NCAA tournaments mixed.

This has been a resurgent yr for the Massive 12 and the league’s 6-Zero file over the primary two days has confirmed it. In contrast, the SEC, the highest-rated convention within the nation all season, went 4-4. The Kentucky Wildcats and Ole Miss Woman Rebels have been two SEC casualties to upsets.

All of this makes reseeding the ladies’s NCAA match not solely a enjoyable train, however nearly a necessity. The Kansas Jayhawks have been as spectacular as any Massive 12 workforce and are one workforce that earned an adjustment. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles ought to by no means have been a No. 12 seed within the first place. The Belmont Bruins are actually a first-round winner for the second yr in a row. And the Creighton Bluejays’ offense made individuals take discover, too. Now we will repair these seeds.

Observe this hyperlink for an entire have a look at Sunday’s schedule and Monday’s games, that are all on the ESPN household of networks. Go to this hyperlink to examine your Women’s Tournament Challenge bracket. By means of the primary 32 video games, two brackets stay good.

No. 1 seeds

South Carolina Gamecocks
Authentic Seed: No. 1 total
First spherical: Defeated No. 16 Howard 79-21

Enjoying South Carolina was a troublesome sufficient activity for Howard. Having to play a Gamecocks workforce that had been stewing for 11 days a few loss in its final recreation made the mountain even taller. That is not less than a part of the rationale South Carolina put its arms round this recreation and squeezed. Howard had 4 factors at halftime. Any focus the Gamecocks appeared to lack within the fourth quarter of their SEC match championship recreation loss to Kentucky was again. Granted, an SEC energy in opposition to the MEAC champ is not the proper litmus check for a title contender, however solely permitting 21 factors — the fewest in a girls’s recreation in NCAA match historical past — over 40 minutes means South Carolina was locked in. That’s sufficient of a takeaway for a workforce that plans to be taking part in two weekends from now.

Up subsequent: vs. Miami (Sunday, Three p.m. ET, ABC)

Stanford Cardinal
Authentic Seed: No. 1
First spherical: Defeated No. 16 Montana State 78-37

Fran Belibi dunked. The Cardinal pitched a shutout within the first quarter. Stanford might primarily title the rating. It was precisely what a No. 1 seed is meant to do to a No. 16: By no means give them an opportunity. Nobody on Stanford’s roster had an enormous recreation — Hannah Jump led the best way with 15 factors — and Haley Jones solely shot 2-of-9 from the sector, however in typical Stanford vogue it was dominance by teamwork (20 assists on 29 discipline objectives) and execution. Twelve completely different Cardinal gamers scored and so they had a 56-33 rebounding benefit. Cameron Brink led on the glass with 11 rebounds to go along with 11 factors. Decide a statistical class and Stanford made it lopsided. The Cardinal regarded each bit pretty much as good as their 21-game successful streak suggests.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas (Sunday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

NC State Wolfpack
Authentic Seed: No. 1
First spherical: Defeated No. 16 Longwood 96-68

Infamous sluggish starter NC State even wanted a while to get going in opposition to No. 16 seed Longwood, main by simply 4 halfway by means of the second quarter. Then a 17-Zero run, highlighted by a pair of Diamond Johnson 3-pointers, put the Wolfpack in management. It was just about cruise management from that time for NC State, which has now reached the second spherical in 4 consecutive tournaments after going 10 years with out an NCAA match victory.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas State (Monday, Four p.m. ET, ESPN)

Louisville Cardinals
Authentic Seed: No. 1
First spherical: Defeated No. 16 Albany 83-51

After an ACC match quarterfinal loss, the Cardinals hadn’t performed in two weeks. Rust? Not even a bit. Louisville made pictures early and sometimes in opposition to the bodily inferior Nice Danes. Louisville shot 52.4% from the sector and had 44 factors within the paint, and coach Jeff Walz did not should play anybody over 25 minutes. The Cardinals may be essentially the most rested workforce within the match heading to the second spherical. One of the best signal of all may be that Hailey Van Lith continues to point out that her struggles from the primary half of the season are a factor of the previous. She has averaged 17. 6 factors per recreation in her final 9, together with 20 factors on 8-for-15 capturing in opposition to Albany.

Up subsequent: vs. Gonzaga (Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

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No. 2 seeds

Baylor Bears
Authentic Seed: No. 2
First spherical: Defeated No. 15 Hawai’i 89-49

For 20 minutes, Baylor could not fairly shake the Massive West champion. Then got here the third quarter. The protection went to a different degree and the Bears’ bodily superiority took over. Baylor made 12 discipline objectives, six of which have been from point-blank vary, en path to a 34-Eight quarter and a 35-point lead. Hawai’i used to be 3-of-20 from the sector within the third. NaLyssa Smith‘s typical brilliance was on show with 21 factors and 14 rebounds, and Jordan Lewis‘ 7-for-Eight capturing and 23 factors was a great signal as coach Nicki Collen received her first NCAA match win.

Up subsequent: vs. South Dakota (Sunday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

UConn Huskies
Authentic Seed: No. 2
First spherical: Defeated No. 15 Mercer 83-38

It was UConn basketball the best way we often see it in opposition to an inferior opponent: methodical and overpowering. The Huskies by no means let Mercer breathe, particularly within the second half when the Bears scored solely 15 factors (and none within the third quarter). A lot has been fabricated from the return of Paige Bueckers (12 factors, 5 assists) and getting all the rotation of proficient gamers again wholesome, however protection is fueling the Huskies. Solely one among UConn’s final 9 opponents has scored over 50 factors (51 by Marquette), and 6 did not hit 40. Mercer shot simply 23.2% from the sector and dedicated 18 turnovers. That is why it is simply positive that Christyn Williams was the main scorer for the Huskies with 13 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. UCF (Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Texas Longhorns
Authentic Seed: No. 2
First spherical: Defeated No. 15 Fairfield 70-52

The Longhorns have one components for achievement and it begins and ends with their protection. The Stags have been recreation, even outscoring Texas within the second half, however 22 turnovers and a 10-rebound deficit on the boards have been simply an excessive amount of to beat. These further possessions helped the Longhorns overcome 43.1% capturing and 10 missed free throws. An 18-point, 10 rebound efficiency from freshman Aaliyah Moore was an enormous enhance. She did not have a double-double all season. Rori Harmon‘s 11 assists have been additionally key.

Up subsequent: vs. Utah (Sunday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Iowa Hawkeyes
Authentic Seed: No. 2
First spherical: Defeated No. 15 Illinois State 98-58

Even a sluggish begin could not cease Iowa from scoring 98 factors. The Hawkeyes merely relied on what they do finest: put the ball within the basket at a excessive charge of effectivity. The nationwide chief in discipline purpose share made 60% of its pictures. Iowa additionally made 21 of 22 free throws and is making an attempt to be the primary workforce since UConn in 2016 to steer the nation in each classes for a season. Monika Czinano did not miss a shot (6-for-6 from the sector and 6-for-6 from the road) and Caitlin Clark‘s stat line of 27 factors, 10 rebounds and 6 rebounds could be spectacular if she wasn’t making these sorts of video games so routine.

Up subsequent: vs. Creighton (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)

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No. Three seeds

Indiana Hoosiers
Authentic Seed: No. 3
First spherical: Defeated No. 14 Charlotte 85-51

The sputtering that Indiana was experiencing on the finish of the common season appears a very long time in the past now. The Hoosiers misplaced three in a row and 4 of 5 earlier than a run to the Massive Ten match closing appeared to get issues again on observe. It is official now after the convincing and thorough domination of the 49ers on Saturday. Just one Hoosier did not make not less than half of her pictures (Nicole Cardano-Hillary was 3-of-8) and so they by no means let Charlotte consider for a second this is able to be aggressive. This additionally marked the ninth recreation that Mackenzie Holmes has been again after recovering from a knee harm. Her 19 factors and eight rebounds is her finest efficiency in that point.

Up subsequent: vs. Princeton (Monday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPNU)

Michigan Wolverines
Authentic Seed: No. 3
First spherical: Defeated No. 14 American 74-39

Michigan’s protection had been uncharacteristically inconsistent towards the top of the season. Maybe the lengthy layoff is what the Wolverines wanted. Greater than two weeks have handed since they misplaced within the Massive Ten quarterfinals, and all that saved vitality went into stifling the Eagles. The offense took a couple of minutes to get began as Michigan hosted NCAA match video games for the primary time, however the protection was able to go from the outset. American scored 13 first-half factors and the Eagles’ 39 for the sport have been the fewest the Wolverines had allowed this season. Naz Hillmon‘s 24 factors and 11 rebounds have been her 15th double-double of the season.

Up subsequent: vs. Villanova (Monday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPNU)

LSU Tigers
Authentic Seed: No. 3
First spherical: Defeated No. 14 Jackson State 83-77

Kim Mulkey won’t sleep properly Saturday. Her Tigers led by 17 and regarded on their approach to a routine first-round victory when Jackson State, which entered the NCAA match with a nation-best 21-game successful streak, remodeled right into a close to big killer. The Woman Tigers, who performed confidently all day and by no means backed right down to LSU, went on a 24-5 run to take the lead, and so they have been nonetheless on high with 2:44 left within the recreation. Sparked by two baskets by Khayla Pointer, LSU completed on a 10-Three run. Solely then might the closely favored Tigers take a deep breath. Pointer, who’s the important thing to the Tigers’ match success, completed with 25 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. Ohio State (Monday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPN2)

Iowa State Cyclones
Authentic Seed: No. 3
First spherical: Defeated No. 14 UT Arlington 78-71

No top-four seed and not one of the 4 Massive 12 groups in motion Friday had a more durable time than the Cyclones. Regardless of Ashley Joens‘ 36 factors and 15 rebounds, Iowa State wanted a fourth-quarter rally and a few key performs by Emily Ryan down the stretch to carry off UT Arlington. The Cyclones did not even play poorly; credit score the Woman Mavs, who outperformed their seed. Starr Jacobs, the Solar Belt Participant of the 12 months, who began her profession at Houston earlier than going the junior school route for 2 years, confirmed that she is a Energy 5 expertise with 19 factors. Joens, Ryan and Lexi Donarski performed all 40 minutes, which could possibly be one thing to look at in what must be a bodily recreation in opposition to Georgia.

Up subsequent: vs. Georgia (Sunday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPN2)

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No. Four seeds

Maryland Terrapins
Authentic Seed: No. 4
First spherical: Defeated No. 13 Delaware 102-71

It stays onerous to consider {that a} Maryland workforce that led the nation in scoring a season in the past and was sixth this yr might have a three-game stretch wherein it solely averaged 59 factors. But that is what occurred within the Terps’ closing three video games of the season. There needed to be some concern from coach Brenda Frese, however the Maryland workforce she higher acknowledges returned Friday. All 5 starters scored in double figures and the Terps shot almost 60%. Ashley Owusu, who had been bothered by harm and ineffectiveness for a lot of February, regarded like her outdated self once more with 24 factors on an environment friendly 10-of-14 capturing, with six assists.

Up subsequent: vs. Florida Gulf Coast (Sunday, Three p.m. ET, ESPN)

Tennessee Lady Volunteers
Authentic Seed: No. 4
First spherical: Defeated No. 13 Buffalo 80-67

Tennessee performed to its strengths, and it paid dividends. Buffalo might rating proper with the Woman Vols, however the Bulls could not rebound with Tennessee. That was the distinction. The Woman Vols, fourth within the nation in rebounding charge, simply saved pounding the glass. The 55-38 benefit Tennessee had on the boards led to a 21-6 distinction in made free throws. Tamari Key and Alexus Dye every had 11 rebounds to go along with a mixed 34 factors. The Woman Vols will dangle on to their No. Four seed regardless of nonetheless not having main scorer Jordan Horston again, and persevering with to have turnover issues with one other 19 on Saturday. They rank 325th within the nation in whole turnovers.

Up subsequent: vs. Belmont (Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Arizona Wildcats
Authentic Seed: No. 4
First spherical: Defeated No. 13 UNLV 72-67

The ultimate rating didn’t point out the angst that was felt in Tucson. The Wildcats pulled away late within the fourth quarter, one of many few top-four seeds near dropping within the first spherical. UNLV, a sizeable underdog, led for a lot of the sport and as late as eight minutes left. Shaina Pellington and her 30 factors saved Arizona, taking part in in its first NCAA match dwelling recreation. The Wildcats additionally welcomed again Cate Reese after she missed 4 video games on the finish of the season with a shoulder harm. Her 16 factors have been additionally essential in disposing of a UNLV workforce that outshot and outrebounded Arizona.

Up subsequent: vs. North Carolina (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

Oklahoma Sooners
Authentic Seed: No. 4
First spherical: Defeated No. 13 IUPUI 76-72

The Sooners’ greatest weak point all season has been inside protection, so IUPUI’s Macee Williams, a 65% shooter from the sector and an 18.7 PPG scorer, posed an issue. Williams was stable, however Oklahoma largely saved her in examine. Williams completed with 15 factors, which fell in need of the 21 factors of Oklahoma’s personal Madi Williams. She and Taylor Robertson as soon as once more led the Sooners, who’re within the second spherical for the primary time in 5 years. The Oklahoma-Notre Dame assembly in spherical two figures to be an entertaining, offensive shootout.

Up subsequent: vs. Notre Dame (Monday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

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No. 5 seeds

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Authentic Seed: No. 5
First spherical: Defeated No. 12 UMass 89-78

A triple-double from Olivia Miles, 58.7% capturing and 38-22 benefit on the boards — and Notre Dame nonetheless could not shake UMass till the closing minutes. That is as a result of the Minutewomen’s offense was nearly pretty much as good at that of the Irish, particularly with 31 factors from Atlantic 10 Participant of the 12 months Sam Breen. Miles had 12 factors, 10 rebounds and 11 assists for the second NCAA match triple-double in Notre Dame historical past (Skylar Diggins had the opposite, in 2012) and Dara Mabrey hit 5 pictures from 3-point vary for an Irish workforce that continues to depend on its offense.

Up subsequent: vs. Oklahoma (Monday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

North Carolina Tar Heels
Authentic Seed: No. 5
First spherical: Defeated No. 12 Stephen F. Austin 79-66

North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart warned that SFA, with its up-tempo, urgent type, was going to be robust to play in opposition to. For 3 quarters, it regarded like this could possibly be one other double-digit seed pulling an upset. Then got here the fourth quarter. With Deja Kelly scoring 9 of her 28 factors within the closing 10 minutes, North Carolina outscored the Ladyjacks 25-10 to get out of the primary spherical for the primary time since 2015. This was the second straight yr SFA performed proper with an ACC workforce within the NCAA match. The Ladyjacks took Georgia Tech to time beyond regulation final March.

Up subsequent: vs. Arizona (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

Ohio State Buckeyes
Authentic Seed: No. 6
First spherical: Defeated No. 11 Missouri State 63-56

With a late spurt, the Buckeyes survived Missouri State in a recreation wherein they have been out-rebounded 51-33 and made 5 of 20 3-pointers. A 23-6 run on the finish of the primary half, fueled by a relentless full-court press, and a 13-6 end have been the variations in a recreation that was in any other case properly managed by the Bears. If Missouri State had carried out a greater job defending the ball, it will be the primary workforce to have participated within the First 4 to win a second recreation. Ohio State turned 22 turnovers into 25 factors. Jacy Sheldon‘s 5 steals have been an enormous a part of that; she hit a handful of layups off these steals on her approach to a game-high 25 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. LSU (Monday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPN2)

Georgia Lady Bulldogs
Authentic Seed: No. 6
First spherical: Defeated No. 11 Dayton 70-54

Dayton made 17 3-pointers within the First 4 recreation in opposition to DePaul. Georgia solely allowed the Flyers to shoot 6-of-18 from deep. The Woman Canine’ protection was on one other degree. Georgia did not do something particular on offense, primarily taking part in proper at its anticipated output. That was sufficient to regulate the sport almost from begin to end. Coach Joni Taylor turned to her veterans in key moments. Que Morrison and Jenna Staiti mixed for 35 factors and 16 rebounds as Georgia received an NCAA match recreation for the third time beneath Taylor. She has but to get previous the second spherical.

Up subsequent: vs. Iowa State (Sunday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPN2)

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No. 6 seeds

Utah Utes
Authentic Seed: No. 7
First spherical: Defeated No. 10 Arkansas 92-69

The Utes received an NCAA match recreation for the primary time since 2009 and did it in emphatic vogue. Given the standard of the opponent and magnitude of the second, Utah had its most spectacular and environment friendly offensive recreation of the season. The Razorbacks, who sometimes depend on their very own capturing skills, had no reply for the younger Utes’ proficiency from deep. Sophomore Kennady McQueen and freshman Gianna Kneepkens mixed to make 9 of 12 3-pointers, and Utah was by no means critically challenged.

Up subsequent: vs. Texas (Sunday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)

UCF Knights
Authentic Seed: No. 7
First spherical: Defeated No. 10 Florida 69-52

It sounds unusual to say, however Florida would not see protection just like the Knights’ within the SEC. The Gators solely shot 30% from the sector with out injured Kiki Smith. Florida did not have its main scorer and creator to penetrate a protection that permits a nation-lowest 47.5 factors per recreation. And dropping heart Faith Dut late within the first half was an excessive amount of to beat. Throw within the offense of Brittney Smith, whose 26 factors have been a profession excessive, and UCF had its first win over the Gators (it was 0-26 beforehand) and first NCAA match win in program historical past.

Up subsequent: vs. UConn (Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Kansas Jayhawks
Authentic Seed: No. 8
First spherical: Defeated No. 9 Georgia Tech 77-58

The Yellow Jackets ran out of fuel. Kansas was there to take full benefit, handing Georgia Tech its worst lack of the season. Enjoying with a six- or seven-player rotation for many of the second half of the season, Georgia Tech ended the yr dropping 5 of its final seven. In the meantime, the Jayhawks received their first NCAA match recreation since 2013, outscoring the Yellow Jackets 64-36 over the ultimate three quarters. Similar to they’ve been doing all yr, the Jayhawks did it with protection and offensive stability. Georgia Tech shot 38.7% and 4 Kanas gamers scored in double figures, led by Holly Kersgieter‘s 19 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. Stanford (Sunday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Miami Hurricanes
Authentic Seed: No. 8
First spherical: Defeated No. 9 South Florida 78-66

If Kate Meier will get her Hurricanes to the NCAA match, she’s a great guess to play a second recreation. Miami is now 6-Three in first-round video games beneath the 17-year head coach. The Hurricanes have a number of methods to win. Towards USF, main scorer Kelsey Marshall solely received 10 discipline purpose makes an attempt and 12 factors, however Miami’s bench contributed 29 factors. In its ACC match run, all three of Miami’s wins included erasing second-half deficits. On Friday it was a few quick begin. Miami took a 24-11 lead after 10 minutes and easily answered any South Florida spurt the remainder of the sport.

Up subsequent: vs. South Carolina (Sunday, Three p.m. ET, ABC)

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No. 7 seeds

Gonzaga Bulldogs
Authentic Seed: No. 9
First spherical: Defeated No. Eight Nebraska 68-55

The Bulldogs have discovered the proper time of yr to be taking part in their finest basketball. After being blown out twice by BYU this season, Gonzaga delivered a a lot better efficiency in opposition to the Cougars within the WCC match championship recreation to win the title. The Bulldogs went to yet one more degree in opposition to the Cornhuskers, who might by no means break by means of after Gonzaga scored the primary six factors of the second half. Kayleigh Truong scored 20 factors, however extra importantly managed the sport from her level guard spot.

Up subsequent: vs. Louisville (Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Authentic Seed: No. 12
First spherical: Defeated No. 5 Virginia Tech 84-81

A No. 7 seed is nearer to the place the Eagles ought to have been within the first place. Virginia Tech received a troublesome break from the committee having to play a workforce within the first spherical that was fully overqualified for a 12-seed. And the sport performed out that approach. FGCU led the nation in 3-point capturing and made 15 in opposition to the Hokies. The Eagles knew that they had no reply for heart Elizabeth Kitley, who went off for a career-high 42 factors, however FCGU mitigated that drawback by solely committing three turnovers. Every workforce performed to its strengths and the Eagles have been just a bit bit higher. It additionally helps to have an all-around expertise like Kierstan Bell to show to when the offense breaks down and that 3-pointer is unavailable. Bell, who completed with a team-high 22 factors, turned a superb particular person transfer right into a layup that gave FGCU a 76-74 lead, one which the Eagles by no means relinquished.

Up subsequent: vs. Maryland (Sunday, Three p.m. ET, ESPN)

Creighton Bluejays
Authentic Seed: No. 10
First spherical: Defeated No. 7 Colorado 84-74

Colorado has a top-30 rated protection, in accordance with Her Hoops Stats. The Bluejays’ movement offense carved it up. The one time this season the Buffs allowed something near the 84 factors Creighton placed on the board was when Oregon scored 86, but it surely took double time beyond regulation for the Geese to get there. That is not too shocking. Jim Flanery’s groups run offenses that create good pictures, and he brings in gamers like Emma Ronsiek (14.Eight PPG) and Lauren Jensen (43.7% on 3-pointers) who could make them. The Bluejays are fifth within the nation in factors per 100 possessions. Iowa, their subsequent opponent (and the place Jensen started her profession), leads the nation in that class.

Up subsequent: vs. Iowa (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)

South Dakota Coyotes
Authentic Seed: No. 10
First spherical: Defeated No. 7 Ole Miss 75-61

South Dakota seniors Chloe Lamb, Hannah Sjerven and Liv Korngable determined to return for his or her further yr to take yet another shot on the program’s first NCAA match win. Mission achieved. The Coyotes led wire-to-wire, dicing up the Rebels’ protection to the tune of 55.8% capturing. Lamb and Sjerven every scored 20 factors. A protection that was 10th within the nation in factors allowed per recreation was simply as efficient in opposition to an SEC opponent because it has been in opposition to the Summit League. Coach Daybreak Plitzuweit’s technique rendered Ole Miss star Shakira Austin a nonfactor. The 6-foot-5 Austin had simply 9 factors on Three of 16 capturing, regardless of her dimension benefit.

Up subsequent: vs. Baylor (Sunday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2)

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No. Eight seeds

Kansas State Wildcats
Authentic Seed: No. 9
First spherical: Defeated No. Eight Washington State 50-40

Kansas State star heart Ayoka Lee had three touches within the first half and the Wildcats’ offense was stumbling with simply 17 factors. Changes have been made. The ball discovered Lee way more within the second half. The offense by no means exploded, however Lee completed with 15 rebounds and 20 factors, half of which got here from the free throw line, because the Wildcats superior for the primary time since 2017. Neither workforce will put this one of their archives. Kansas State shot 26.7% from the sector and was the extra correct of the 2. These struggles are why, regardless of all of the upsets, Kansas State stays put as a No. Eight seed.

Up subsequent: vs. NC State (Monday, Four p.m. ET, ESPN)

Princeton Tigers
Authentic Seed: No. 11
First spherical: Defeated No. 6 Kentucky 69-62

With 10 straight wins, Kentucky got here in sizzling. Princeton was hotter. The Tigers have received 18 in a row after beating the Wildcats. The seeds say upset, however Princeton was the higher workforce for a lot of this recreation. Abby Meyers‘ career-high 29 factors was essentially the most from an Ivy League participant within the NCAA match since 2000. Whereas the Tigers dedicated 19 turnovers, they ran their offense exactly in any respect the proper instances and by no means let the Wildcats inside a single possession all the fourth quarter. Rhyne Howard‘s Kentucky profession ends on simply Four of 14 capturing and 17 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. Indiana (Monday, Eight p.m. ET, ESPNU)

Villanova Wildcats
Authentic Seed: No. 11
First spherical: Defeated No. 6 BYU 61-57

Nothing in regards to the Wildcats will wow you. They’re simply onerous to play in opposition to. Whether or not it was beneath Harry Perretta for 42 years or Denise Dillon now, Villanova runs a disciplined offense, makes open pictures and would not make many errors. BYU turned the newest casualty of that Saturday and was the primary of two No. 6 seeds to fall. Maddy Siegrist (Massive East) received the higher of Shaylee Gonzales (WCC) in a matchup of convention gamers of the yr with 25 factors. The Wildcats’ protection additionally rose to the event and held Gonzales to simply eight factors on 3-of-14 capturing.

Up subsequent: vs. Michigan (Monday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPNU)

Belmont Bruins
Authentic Seed: No. 12
First spherical: Defeated No. 5 Oregon 73-70, 2OT

The Bruins performed Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Ole Miss and UCF this season. Additionally they received a first-round recreation final March as a No. 12 seed. They have been as ready for the NCAA match as any mid-major could possibly be, and it paid off as soon as once more. Final yr Belmont took down Gonzaga. This time round might need been extra spectacular. The Geese have been coming off 4 straight journeys to not less than the Candy 16. The Bruins survived regardless of having no reply for Nyara Sabally (31 factors, 12 rebounds) and giving up 40 factors within the paint. Twelve 3-pointers helped. Tuti Jones made all 4 of her pictures from deep and completed with 22 factors.

Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee (Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)