The midseason predictions for women’s college basketball conference races highlight an exciting stretch as league play begins. Here are the key takeaways and analysis for each major conference:
ACC
Front-runner: Notre Dame boasts a balanced roster led by Hannah Hidalgo and a deep backcourt, making them the team to beat.
Key contenders: Duke’s defensive prowess and growing offensive output make them a top challenger.
Biggest intrigue: Georgia Tech’s surprising start at 13-0, powered by a potent offense and 3-point shooting, makes them an unexpected wildcard.
Prediction: Notre Dame likely holds on to the top spot unless injuries or inconsistency arise.
Big 12
Front-runner: Kansas State, with Ayoka Lee anchoring the offense, looks dominant with both strong scoring and defense.
Key contenders: TCU’s resume includes a huge win over Notre Dame, while Baylor and West Virginia remain credible threats.
X factor: Iowa State’s ability to rebound from a disappointing start could shake up the standings.
Prediction: Kansas State should maintain its lead, but TCU’s consistency in big games might tilt the scales.
Big Ten
Front-runner: UCLA’s depth, versatility, and Lauren Betts’ interior dominance put them in pole position.
Key challengers: USC, powered by JuJu Watkins, and Ohio State’s relentless full-court press are poised to keep the Bruins honest.
Biggest question: How teams adapt to stopping Betts could decide UCLA’s fate.
Prediction: UCLA seems poised to claim the Big Ten crown, though USC’s dynamic play adds unpredictability.
SEC
Front-runner: South Carolina’s well-rounded rosteRr and experience make them the favorite, despite an early loss to UCLA.
Key challengers: LSU and Texas benefit from favorable schedules, while Tennessee’s high-pressure defense offers an element of surprise.
Key variable: Matchups between Texas, South Carolina, and LSU will determine the pecking order.
Prediction: South Carolina’s depth and balanced scoring should secure another regular-season title, but LSU might capitalize on schedule advantages.
Bracket Implications
Multi-bid Conferences: The Big East (UConn, Creighton) and Atlantic 10 (Richmond, Saint Joseph’s) will have ripple effects on at-large selections.
Dark Horses: Leagues like the Ivy (Harvard), Summit (South Dakota State), and Mountain West (UNLV) may secure multiple bids, impacting mid-major representation.
Overall Analysis
Conference play will elevate competition levels, testing teams with weaker nonconference schedules and validating or undermining early-season dominance. South Carolina and UCLA are the favorites in their respective leagues, but depth in every conference could lead to upsets that significantly alter postseason seeding.
Key dates: Games between conference heavyweights, particularly in the SEC and Big Ten, could shape the narrative for March Madness.
