Women's NCAA Tournament Bridgeport First Round Game Breakdowns
Connecticut (1) vs. Idaho (16)
How could it be worse for Idaho? They are playing the No. 3 team in the country, which has not lost two straight games since 1993. They lost their last game against Notre Dame. The streak will not end in Storrs.
Vanderbilt (8) vs. St. Joseph's (9)
Vanderbilt had a good win over Texas A&M and has the most talent. St. Joe's had a great run in the A-10 Tournament, winning three straight games, including an upset win over Dayton. Look for Vanderbilt in a close one.
Michigan State (5) vs. Marist (12)
Michigan State has played a tougher schedule but Marist has performed better in the NCAA's recently. Their coach, Brian Giorgis, has been a great tournament coach, especially on defense. Elizabeth Beynnon is shooting .497 from the field. Marist in an upset.
Maryland (4) vs. Quinnipiac (13)
Maryland has lost three out of their last five games and Quinnipiac finished the season at 30-2 and 20-0 in conference. Maryland is just too strong up front and Alyssa Thomas and Tianna Hawkins can score.
Delaware (6) vs. West Virginia (11)
Delaware starts and finishes with First Team All-American Elena Delle Donne, but they do have seven seniors. West Virginia is very physical but lost their last three, including a 58-45 loss to Texas. Delaware wins this one at home.
North Carolina (3) vs. Albany (14)
UNC is the much better team. Tierra Ruffin-Pratt is a great offensive player and Sylvia Hatchell is a coach with over 900 wins. UNC wins this one.
Dayton (7) vs. St. John's (10)
Jim Jabir has done a great job with this 27-2 team, 14-0 in conference. St. John's can score under first year head coach Joe Tartemella with guard Nadira McKenith. Dayton wins on St. John's home court in a close one.
Kentucky is a bit of a surprise at a 2 seed. Matthew Mitchell is a great coach with three top 10 finishes in the last three years. They have a 78-65 win over Tennessee and 12 wins against top 50 rpi teams. Jade Geif is a fine player for Navy but not good enough to overcome a top Kentucky team.
Oklahoma City Regional Overview
Oklahoma City Region Game Breakdowns
Norfolk Region Game Breakdowns
Spokane Region Game Breakdowns
Women's NCAA Tournament Central
