Greensboro Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
#1 South Carolina vs. #16 Savannah State (Columbia, South Carolina)
South Carolina is going to have too much size, athleticism and talent for Savannah State in this first round matchup. Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Tiffany Mitchell leads the way for the Gamecocks as she is scoring 14.4 points per game. Freshman A’ja Wilson has been another key difference maker for this very experienced South Carolina team. Savannah State has recovered nicely from a 4-8 start to make the tournament and will need a great performance from Tiyonda Davis to keep the game close against the Gamecocks.
#8 Syracuse vs. #9 Nebraska (Columbia, South Carolina)
The Orange have done a nice job overall since moving to the ACC as they have hit the ground running. Alexis Peterson is going to be key for Syracuse at both ends of the floor in order for them to advance on to play South Carolina. Nebraska has not been the same since losing Rachel Theriot to a season ending left ankle injury and they were just 4-6 down the stretch. It will be up to Tear’a Lauderhill and Emily Cady, who both are having nice seasons offensively, to step up their production in order for them to advance to play the Gamecocks.
#5 Ohio State vs. #12 James Madison (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
If you love offensive basketball, this matchup is right up your alley. Both Ohio State and James Madison can push the tempo with best of them. The Buckeyes have one of the top freshman guards in the country in Kelsey Mitchell, who is scoring 25 points per contest. The Dukes once again are back in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Colonial Athletic Association automatic bid. Guard Precious Hall sets the tone for James Madison, averaging 20.5 points per game and the Dukes as a team are scoring 75.8 points per game. This could be the upset special of the Greensboro Regional if Ohio State struggles defensively against James Madison.
#4 North Carolina vs. #13 Liberty (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
The Tar Heels can score the basketball at a nice pace as they average over 75 points per game. Forcing turnovers is the other strength of North Carolina and they are relentless on the defensive end of the court. If Allisha Gray and Stephanie Mavunga can take care of business offensively, then the Tar Heels should be able to hold off Liberty. The Flames are always a pesky team for anyone to deal with in the postseason. Ashley Rininger, who was the Big South Conference Tournament’s most valuable player, will be the key as she is averaging 12.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season.
#6 Texas A&M vs. #11 Arkansas-Little Rock (Tempe, Arizona)
This matchup should be fairly defensive oriented as both teams are tough to deal with at the defensive end of the court. Texas A&M is led by the combination of Courtney Williams and Courtney Walker, who are averaging just under 30 points per game between the two of them. They are going to need to create easy open shots in transition, especially as the Aggies struggle shooting from the perimeter. The Trojans of Arkansas-Little Rock are stingy defensively and only allow 51 points per game. If they can keep the score down in the 50’s or 60’s, they have an excellent shot to upset Texas A&M.
#3 Arizona State vs. #14 Ohio (Tempe, Arizona)
Arizona State has been tremendous all season long at wearing down their opponents. They have outscored them in the second half by 200 points. Head Coach Charli Turner-Thorne’s teams are always tough to deal with at home as they knocked off Stanford earlier this season at Wells Fargo Arena. The trio of Promise Amukamura, Sophie Brunner and Katie Hempen set the tempo for the Sun Devils and everything else falls into place when those three players are on their game. Ohio is the MAC champion and will need a huge performance from junior guard Kiyanna Black, who is averaging 16 points per game this season and very fun to watch. This could be one of those games if Arizona State struggles early shooting wise that could stay close for a while in the first half.
#7 Florida Gulf Coast vs. #10 Oklahoma State (Tallahassee, Florida)
Florida Gulf Coast is the Atlantic Sun conference tournament champion and is on fire as a team. The Eagles have not lost a game since November 29th against Ohio State. Whitney Knight is the top all-around player for Florida Gulf Coast as she is leading the team in about every category ranging from scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals. Knight was also the player of the year in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Oklahoma State will no question try to limit Knight and force Kaneisha Atwater to beat them. The Cowgirls are going to pose a big threat to the Eagles defensively as they only allow 56 points per game on the season. Junior guard Brittney Martin, who is averaging 13.7 points per game, is going to have to lead a very balanced attack that can keep Florida Gulf Coast honest defensively in order to advance.
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Alabama State (Tallahassee, Florida)
The Seminoles have been nice surprise as far as being able to become a legitimate threat to get to the Final Four this season. Adut Bulgak has been outstanding in the post and is averaging 12.5 points per game along with 9.7 rebounds per game. Offensively, as a whole, Florida State is pretty balanced which causes headaches for opposing defenses. Alabama State stepped up when it counted most in the SWAC Tournament and made their way to the NCAA Tournament despite having just a 16-15 record. Junior center and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Jasmine Peoples is going to have to dominate the glass in order for them to have a chance against Florida State.
