Dallas Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
Baylor should be able to work out any kinks after being off for several days in this first round matchup with the Vandals. Niya Johnson will lead the way to ensure the offense gets into a rhythm right off the bat. Alexis Jones, Nina Davis and Beatrice Mompremier should be able to have their way with Idaho as all three are going to attack the basket aggressively and wear the Vandals down. For Idaho, they are familiar with this stage of being a heavy underdog. Last year back in 2013 they were shipped to Storrs to play Connecticut and to Louisville in 2014 so they will have another uphill battle to compete with the Bears.
#8 St. John's vs. #9 Auburn
This should be a very evenly matched contest. St. John’s won its first Big East title since 1988 after beating Creighton in the championship game 50-37. The Red Storm are led by Danaejah Grant and Aliyyaah Handford, who are very efficient shooting the basketball. Auburn is going to need to attack the basket and control the tempo since they are not explosive offensively. They also will need to start fast so they don’t have to rally from behind against the Red Storm.
#5 Florida State vs. #12 Middle Tennessee
The Seminoles are an experienced team that will be looking to get to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. With the trio of Shakayla Thomas, Adut Bulgak and Leticia Romero, matchup problems will await the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee State, as the Conference USA Champions, is a team with a lot of momentum and experience that will not be intimidated by Florida State. If the Seminoles don’t start fast, the game will be a tight one in the fourth quarter.
#4 Texas A&M vs. #13 Missouri State
It is going to be important for Texas A&M to get back to Reed Arena and get back their rhythm offensively. Courtney Walker and Courtney Williams will need to play at a high level for the Aggies if they are to get out of the first weekend. Missouri State has a balanced offensive attack led by Tyonna Snow, who is averaging just under 17 points per game on the season and is shooting 45.4 percent from the floor. This should be a fairly competitive contest, especially if Texas A&M struggles offensively.
#6 DePaul vs. #11 James Madison
The Blue Demons will attack you from the perimeter all game long and they average just under nine made three-point shots per game. Chanise Jenkins and Megan Podkowa lead the way offensively, averaging just under 29 points per game combined. For James Madison they are going to have to grind the tempo down to a halt and limit possessions. If the Dukes can do that, they will be in prime position to pull off the upset and move on to play, most likely, Louisville.
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Central Arkansas
Home court should benefit the Cardinals in this opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Myisha Hines-Allen is one of the top forwards in the game averaging 17.5 points per game and just over eight rebounds per game. Central Arkansas is siting at 28-3 and has not lost since February 10th so they will have a nothing to lose mentality when they take the court against Louisville. In the end, look for the Cardinals to wear down the Sugar Bears and move on to the second round.
#7 Oklahoma State vs. #10 St. Bonaventure
This is the fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Cowgirls as they have evolved into a very consistent program under the direction of head coach Jim Littrell. Senior Brittney Martin leads Oklahoma State with 20.3 points per game and shoots just over 50 percent from the floor. If she gets hot, the Cowgirls will be dangerous. St. Bonaventure will need Katie Healy and Miranda Drummond to be effective at a high level in order for the Bonnies to knock off the Cowgirls in Corvallis.
#2 Oregon State vs. #15 Troy
Look for the Beavers to set the tone early in front of their home fans and really try to lock down the Trojans defensively to set up the offensive attack. The experience of Sydney Wiese, Jamie Weisner and Ruth Hamblin will be something that Troy will have a significant challenge to overcome. The Trojans can score without much of a problem as they average nearly 82 points per game and they are going to have to somehow create easy opportunities if they are going to stay in the game against Oregon State.
Bridgeport Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
Lexington Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
Sioux Falls Region Round of 64 Game Breakdowns
