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.
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Bracket Watch
Iowa’s run to the Big Ten tournament championship game has moved the Hawkeyes up to a No. 5 seed and No. 20 overall. But it’s as high as they’ll go, even with a win over Maryland in Saturday’s title game. The Terps also will remain a No. 2 seed, win or lose. On the bubble, Oklahoma lost a chance to possibly move into the field when the Sooners lost a 13-point, third-quarter lead to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 tournament.
