UCLA Tops Region 2 Bracket in March Madness

UCLA Earns Top Seed in Stacked Region 2 for NCAA Women’s Tournament

The UCLA Bruins have officially landed the coveted No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, drawing the top spot in Region 2. With aspirations to surpass last year’s national semifinal appearance, the Bruins enter the tournament with significant momentum and a formidable presence on the court.

UCLA’s Dominance and First-Round Test

The Bruins have showcased their prowess throughout the season, navigating the highly competitive Big Ten conference with an unblemished 18-0 record. Their average margin of victory in conference play was a staggering 25 points, underscoring their dominance. Their first-round matchup pits them against the 16th-seeded Cal Baptist Lancers. This marks the Lancers’ second NCAA Tournament appearance, with their previous outing in 2024 ending in a first-round loss to none other than UCLA.

Intriguing Mid-Seed Matchups Take Center Stage

The middle of the bracket features several compelling contests. The Oklahoma State Cowgirls, making their 19th NCAA Tournament appearance and third in the last four seasons, will face the nine-seed Princeton Tigers. Princeton boasts an impressive streak of 13 tournament appearances and is the first Ivy League team to qualify for five consecutive tournaments.

Further down, the four-seed Minnesota Golden Gophers return to the tournament for the first time since 2018. Despite a season of ups and downs, Minnesota has found its stride, demonstrating a potent three-point attack and strong defensive capabilities with good size across multiple positions. They are set to clash with the Green Bay Phoenix, a team that has shown remarkable resilience, even holding a watch party amidst 30 inches of snow.

The five-seed Ole Miss Rebels, led by the fiercely competitive SEC Newcomer of the Year, Madison Scott, who averages 20 points per game and is considered one of the tournament’s most physically gifted players, will take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Ole Miss, making their 22nd tournament appearance, is a battle-tested squad. Gonzaga, meanwhile, is making its 16th appearance, having been a consistent presence in the tournament over the last nine years.

Duke’s Resurgence and Charleston’s Historic Debut

A remarkable turnaround story belongs to the three-seed Duke Blue Devils. Under head coach Carol Lawson, Duke has transformed from a 3-6 start to capturing the ACC Championship and securing a three-seed. Known for their tenacious defense and offensive rebounding, the Blue Devils may carry a chip on their shoulder, feeling they deserved a higher seed. They will face Charleston, who is making their program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The Cougars have achieved their most wins since transitioning to Division I in 1991-92, with 27 victories this season.

Baylor Seeks Respect, LSU’s Offensive Firepower

The six-seed Baylor Bears, making their 24th tournament appearance, are looking to prove they deserve more recognition. Having recently hosted Talia Scott, who expressed a feeling of being overlooked, the Bears have an opportunity to back up those sentiments on the national stage. They will meet the 11-seed Richmond Spiders, who are making their 18th appearance and fourth in the last five years.

The two-seed in this loaded region is the LSU Tigers, a team renowned for its offensive explosion. LSU led the nation in points per game with 95, excelling in paint points and second-chance opportunities. Their electric backcourt, featuring Michaela Williams, Flau’jae Johnson, and Aneesah Morrow, is particularly dangerous in transition. The Tigers also recorded 14 games with 100-plus points, the second-most in Division I history. They will face the Jacksonville Dolphins, who are making their second tournament appearance and first since 2016.

Texas Tech’s Championship Pedigree Meets Villanova’s Recent Success

Rounding out the region, the seven-seed Texas Tech Lady Raiders, a program with a national title in 1993, are making their 21st tournament appearance. They will challenge the 10-seed Villanova Wildcats, who are returning to the tournament for their 14th appearance and first since their Sweet Sixteen run in 2023.

Region 2: The ‘Chip on Your Shoulder’ Bracket

As the full bracket for Region 2 unfolds, it’s clear this is a division ripe with motivation. “This might be the chip on your shoulder region,” noted one analyst. UCLA, as the top overall seed, feels they’ve earned their place. LSU, a former national champion, carries that legacy. Duke, the current ACC champions, also possess a strong claim. Even Ole Miss, with their demanding schedule, might feel they deserved a higher seed.

The potential for a rematch between Duke and LSU, who met in early December, looms large. In their previous encounter, Duke held a significant 14-point lead in the first quarter, only for LSU to rally for a double-digit victory. While Duke has evolved significantly since that game, the prospect of their elite rim-running post players clashing again in a high-stakes tournament game is a tantalizing matchup for basketball fans.

Source: Takeaways from NCAA Women's Tournament Region 2 seeding with UCLA on top 🏀 | ESPN College Basketball (YouTube)