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. Fill out a bracket in ESPN’s Women’s Tournament Challenge.
Bracket Watch
The Big Ten tournament resumes Wednesday with four second-round games. Michigan State has the biggest matchup. The Spartans need a win over Penn State to avoid falling onto the bubble. Two wins this week for the Spartans should wrap up a bid. Northwestern also has an opportunity to improve its current No. 7 seed. That won’t happen with a win over Illinois on Wednesday, but a Wildcats win over Michigan in the quarterfinals would do it.
