The Sweet 16 field is set — mostly as expected but with some surprises.
The left side of the bracket (Albany 1 and Portland 4 regions) features No. 1 through No. 4 seeds, while the right side (Albany 2 and Portland 3 regions) has a No. 5 and a No. 7 seed.
With the regionals underway, will we see more upsets or will the top seeds continue to dominate? Let’s analyze the matchups and make some predictions.
(All times Eastern)
Friday
Albany 1 | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
The matchup between the Fighting Irish and Beavers will showcase contrasting styles. Notre Dame, driven by star freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo, excels in pace and transition scoring. Whereas, Oregon State relies on efficient offense around the rim and from beyond the arc. It will be interesting to see how each team’s strategies play out.
Pick: Notre Dame
— Ben Pickman
Albany 1 | 5 p.m. | ESPN
After a thrilling win against Oklahoma, the Hoosiers face a tough challenge against South Carolina, the tournament favorite. Can Indiana find a way to contain South Carolina’s dominant center Kamilla Cardoso?
Pick: South Carolina
— Grace Raynor
Don’t blink with these two around!! 👀 @tehinapaopa0 @Kamillascsilva pic.twitter.com/4P331tTcwX
— South Carolina Women’s Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 24, 2024
No. 3 NC State vs. No. 2 Stanford
Portland 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
In a close game against Tennessee, NC State’s guards shined. Stanford will need to focus on limiting NC State’s guards to advance.
Pick: Stanford
— Pickman
Portland 4 | 10 p.m. | ESPN
Gonzaga faces a tough test against Texas, known for its dominant offense and rebounding prowess. Can Gonzaga’s sharpshooting overcome Texas’ physicality?
Pick: Texas
— Shannon Ryan
Saturday
No. 3 LSU vs. No. 2 UCLA
Albany 2 | 1 p.m. | ABC
LSU and UCLA, two powerhouse teams, clash in what promises to be an intense showdown. Experience vs. talent, who will prevail?
Pick: LSU
– Sabreena Merchant
Albany 2 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
Iowa and Colorado renew their rivalry in a game that could go either way. Physical defense vs. potent offense, who will emerge victorious?
Pick: Iowa
— Chantel Jennings
Portland 3 | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN
USC and Baylor, two teams with pro-style offenses, face off in what is expected to be an exciting matchup. Can USC’s size disrupt Baylor’s game plan?
Pick: USC
– Merchant
Yes, we’re still thinking about @jadawalkr11‘s performance from last night 🤩
Go inside the celebration, available now on Baylor+
📺: twitter.com/Baylo… @BaylorWBB | #SicEm pic.twitter.com/JnUDBw8FJl
— Baylor+ (@BaylorPlus) March 25, 2024
Portland 3 | 8 p.m. | ESPN
In a matchup featuring UConn and Duke, all eyes will be on UConn star Paige Bueckers. Can Duke’s defense contain her explosive play?
Pick: UConn
— Pickman
(Photos of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Madison Booker: Matthew Holst / Getty Images, Eakin Howard / Getty Images, Jay Biggerstaff / Getty Images)
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