Postponed games, long COVID-19 pauses for some programs and few nonconference contests have made this season different than any we have ever seen. Yet the 2021 women’s NCAA tournament is coming into focus, and is expected to be contested by 64 teams. After last season’s tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, getting to this point feels like a mission accomplished even if the journey was unlike any other.
The NCAA tournament also will look different. The entire tourney will be played at a single destination — the San Antonio region — with multiple venues, limited fans and an adjusted schedule. The Women’s Final Four will be held at the Alamodome on April 2 and 4. The road to the Lone Star State begins with Selection Monday on March 15. Along the way, and as automatic bids are won, we will continue to update Bracketology and the projected tournament field.
Bracket Watch
Ole Miss is climbing the board to reach the Next Four Out after beating three top-25 NET opponents in the last month, including two in the past four days. Meanwhile, in-state rival Mississippi State is sliding and is now among the Last Four In after losing to LSU in the Bulldogs’ first game of the SEC tournament. Once thought to be a solid NCAA tournament team, Mississippi State is now at the mercy of other bubble teams. In the ACC tournament Thursday, Notre Dame lost more than a fourth-quarter lead in its 68-63 loss to Clemson. The Irish fell out of the field and their streak of 24 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances is at significant risk.
