Beyond the Power Conferences: Mid-Major Teams poised for NCAA Tournament Runs
The road to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament isn’t solely paved by perennial powerhouses. Increasingly, savvy mid-major programs are building compelling cases for at-large bids. Let’s dive into which teams you shoudl be watching closely as Selection sunday approaches.
I’ve found that the strength of these conferences is growing year after year,making the at-large selection process more interesting and competitive. Here’s a breakdown of the conferences and teams that could send multiple representatives to the Big Dance:
ivy League: A Consistent Contender
The Ivy League has become a reliable source of multiple NCAA Tournament teams in recent years. Princeton and Columbia currently appear well-positioned to continue that trend.
* Princeton: To secure an at-large bid, they’ll likely need to finish atop the league standings and win the Ivy Madness tournament.
* Columbia: Similar to Princeton, a strong regular season and a championship run in Ivy Madness are crucial for their tournament hopes.
Missouri Valley: A Potential Two-Bid League
The battle between Murray State and Belmont is shaping up to be a thrilling one. This rivalry could result in the Missouri Valley sending two teams to the NCAA Tournament for the first time as 2021.
Belmont has a challenging non-conference schedule, including matchups against Tennessee, Kentucky, Princeton, and Duke. A win against any of these power conference opponents would significantly bolster their resume. If murray State then wins the conference tournament,the MVC could see a historic two-bid selection.
Atlantic 10: Richmond Leading the Charge, But Don’t Count Out George Mason
Richmond is currently the favourite to win the Atlantic 10 title. However, George Mason is a legitimate threat to both the top spot and an NCAA Tournament berth.
* Richmond: Their performance throughout the conference season will be key to securing an automatic or at-large bid.
* George Mason: A strong finish and a deep run in the A-10 tournament could earn them an at-large consideration.
What Makes a Mid-Major an At-Large Contender?
You might be wondering what it takes for a mid-major team to earn an at-large bid. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about how you win them.Here are some key factors:
* Strength of schedule: Playing – and winning - against quality opponents is paramount.
* Conference Record: Dominating your conference demonstrates consistency and strength.
* Key Wins: A signature victory or two against power conference teams can significantly boost your resume.
* NCAA NET Ranking: The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) is a crucial metric used by the selection committee.
Ultimately, the NCAA Tournament selection committee considers a holistic view of each team’s performance. These mid-major programs are demonstrating the potential to make a serious run, and I’m excited to see how their seasons unfold. Keep an eye on these teams – they could be poised to make some noise come March.