UCLA Claims Top Overall Seed in NCAA Women’s Tournament After Historic Season and Championship Comeback

The UCLA Bruins are the top overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking the highest seed in the program’s history. With a 30-2 record, UCLA begins its pursuit of the national championship this Friday. The tournament will conclude with the national semifinals on April 4 and the championship game on April 6 in Tampa, Florida. Whether UCLA can maintain its top spot among the 68 teams will be determined over the next few weeks as they compete in the tournament.

UCLA Overcomes USC, South Carolina’s Streak Ends, Secures Top Seed in Tournament

UCLA’s primary challengers for the title include fellow No. 1 seeds South Carolina, Texas, and USC. The Trojans, led by Big Ten Player of the Year JuJu Watkins, handed UCLA its only two losses of the season. However, the Bruins redeemed themselves by overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat USC in the Big Ten Championship. This win, coupled with UCLA’s overall strong season, helped secure their top seed in the tournament.

South Carolina’s streak of four consecutive years as the top overall seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was snapped by UCLA. The Bruins’ head-to-head win over South Carolina, which ended with a 15-point victory in November, played a key role in securing UCLA’s No. 1 ranking. Additionally, South Carolina’s 29-point loss to UConn was another factor that influenced the selection committee’s decision to place UCLA at the top spot.

UConn, Newcomers, and Ivy League Teams Set to Compete in NCAA Tournament

The UConn Huskies, known for their shooting efficiency and a consistent presence in the Final Fours, remain a strong contender for the title. As the No. 2 seed in USC’s region, UConn is led by star Paige Bueckers, who is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Other No. 2 seeds in the tournament include Duke, North Carolina State, and TCU, with TCU making its first tournament appearance since 2010 after an impressive turnaround under head coach Mark Campbell.

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will feature several first-time entrants, including Grand Canyon, Arkansas State, Fairleigh Dickinson, UC San Diego, George Mason, and William & Mary. Additionally, the Ivy League will be well-represented, with Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton all earning spots in the tournament for the first time. The tournament will kick off with the First Four, determining the matchups for the top seeds, followed by the rounds of 64 and 32, and the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight at the end of March.