The absolute best time of the year for college basketball is finally here. After many months of watching non-conference games and pivotal conference matchups as well as studying trends and observing NET rankings like a daily homework assignment, it all comes down to the field of 68.
As expected, the Big Ten, Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, and Big 12 conferences stamped their signatures on this year’s bracket with a combined 37 teams in the field; the Ivy League, Atlantic 10 and Big East conferences combined for seven teams.
As the games tip off, prepare for the madness and chaos created from upsets that no one — absolutely no one — saw coming over the next 18 days. As first round matchups begin Friday, here are five games to keep a close eye on.
No. 6 Florida State vs No. 11 George Mason — Spokane 1
The Seminoles enter as the resounding favorite for a couple of reasons. One, the play of 5-foot-8 junior guard Ta’Niya Latson (24.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game). Latson, the nation’s top scorer, can score on all three levels as well as facilitate bskets for teammates. Secondly, the two-way play of 6-foot-2 senior forward Makayla Timpson, who averages a double double (17.6 points, 10.6 rebounds per game). She also averages 3.2 blocks per game. And let’s not forget about the impact of these three Seminoles: 5-foot-4 senior guard O’Mariah Gordon, 6-foot junior guard Sydney Bowles and 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Carla Viegas. But, everything begins and ends with Latson. However, George Mason coach Vaneesa Blair-Lewis has done an incredible job restoring prominence to the Patriots’ program with 27 victories and the school’s first NCAA bid. In March, momentum matters and George Mason has it. Entering the tournament, No. 11 seeds are 51-120 overall. The Patriots will hope that’s good karma.
No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Harvard — Spokane 1
The Spartans are heavily favored in this contest as one of the dozen Big Ten teams in the bracket. Michigan State has a potent offense, averaging 79.5 per game (13th nationally). They are anchored by 6-foot-3 junior forward Grace VanSlooten who averages 15.4 points and 7 rebounds per game while making 53.2 percent of her shots. Julia Ayrault, a 6-foot-2 graduate guard Julia Ayrault averages 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while and 5-foot-10 junior guard Theryn Hallock is has a stat line of 1.7 points, 2.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. To counter Michigan State, Harvard has size and is one of the most elite defensive teams in Division I, allowing only 52.5 points per game (4th nationally) while also holding the fourth best defensive rating (77.8) in the country according to HerHoopStats.com. To go with that stinginess, Harvard features 5-foot-10 senior guard Harmoni Turner, who has eclipsed 30-plus points in the last four games. Don’t be surprised if this game comes down to the final minutes to determine a winner.
No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast — Spokane 4
This is a rematch. Last year, No. 5 seed Oklahoma beat 12th-seeded FGCU, 73-70. Even with different seeding, this year’s game could be just as close. There is a lot to love about the Sooners. Oklahoma is led by 6-foot-4 junior center Raegan Beers who averages 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game) and makes 66 percent of her shots. Beers is also an effective defender and was named first-team All-SEC selection. Beyond Beers, when 5-foot-9 freshman guard Zya Vann, 6-foot-1 senior guard Peyton Verhulst and 5-foot-7 senior guard Lexy Keys are converting on three pointers, the Sooners are dangerous and hard to beat. OU has made 271 three-pointers, 17th in Division I. Florida Gulf Coast is known as a first round bracket buster. The Eagles have made seven consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament since 2017 — not counting the 2020 COVID cancellation — and have won first round games against No. 5 seed Missouri (2018), No. 5 Virginia Tech (2022) and No. 5 Washington State (2023). FGCU knows how to win on the national stage. The Eagles are efficient offensively (31st nationally in offensive rating at 105.0) and they hold their opponents to 54.2 points per contest (ninth best nationally). Circle this game on your bracket.
No. 5 Tennessee vs. No. 12 South Florida — Birmingham 3
When it comes to teams creating chaos with pace of play and stifling full-court press defense, look no further than Tennessee. The Volunteers force 22.9 turnovers with their constant on-ball pressure while averaging 87.2 points per game, tied for second in the nation. Tennessee’s fast pace (2nd in the country in tempo according to HerHoopStats.com) in addition to high volume three-point shooting (10.1 makes per game, fourth nationally). However, Tennessee has struggled at times when its shots aren’t falling or is limited in transition scoring when opponents solve the defensive pressure. South Florida could present problems for the Volunteers. Case in point: the Bulls upset Duke — another elite defensive team — in non-conference play. Keep an eye on 6-foot-1 graduate guard Sammie Puisis, who averages 14.8 points per game while making 39.5 percent of her threes and shooting 91.8 percent from the free throw line. She is the catalyst for USF’s success.
No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Iowa State — Birmingham 3
The Wolverines are undoubtedly loaded with talent and are one of the top 40 most efficient programs offensively (104.0) in the nation. Michigan is led by its key players in 6-foot-1 freshman guard Olivia Olson (16.2 ppg), 6-foot-0 freshman guard Syla Swords (16.1 ppg), 6-foot-3 senior guard Jordan Hobbs (13.4ppg), along with other contributors in 5-foot-10 freshman guard Mila Holloway and 6-foot-1 senior guard Greta Kampschroeder. However, should Iowa State take down Ivy League foe Princenton in its First Four matchup, things could get interesting in regard to individual matchups and how the Wolverines would slow down Cyclones’ star and 6-foot-3 sophomore center Audi Crooks, who is averaging 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds while converting 60.2% of her shots from the field. She delivered a spectacular performance on the national stage last year in the Cyclones’ win against Maryland. A healthy dose of Crooks, along with 6-foot-2 sophomore forward Addy Brown (15.2 ppg), 5-foot-11 senior guard Emily Ryan (9.8 ppg, 6.3 apg) and a combination of others could present challenges for a young Wolverines’ squad in the opening round.
