Durham, N.C. - The excitement is building as the Triangle prepares to host the NCAA women’s basketball tournament this weekend, showcasing the prowess of local teams Duke, NC State, and UNC in respective arenas. This year, the tournament structure favors top-seeded teams holding home court advantage during the first and second rounds of play.
The Duke Blue Devils, ranked as the two seed, will kick off their tournament journey against the 15 seed Lehigh on Friday evening, March 21, at 8:00 p.m. “It’s crucial for our team to leverage the home environment, especially in the early rounds,” said Dukes’ coach. “We want to make an impression and pave the way for a deep run in the tournament.” The winner of this matchup will face the victor of the clash between Vanderbilt and Oregon.
NC State, also a two seed, will follow suit on Saturday, March 22, taking on the 15 seed Vermont at 2:00 p.m. “This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the hard work we’ve put in all season,” remarked NC State’s head coach regarding their tournament preparations.
Later that day, UNC, the three seed, will take on 14 seed Oregon State in a game that’s set for 4:30 p.m. “Having the chance to host this tournament back at Carmichael Arena after so many years is a great honor,” said the UNC coach. “Regardless of the game's result, our fans are in for an exciting matchup.” This will be the first NCAA Tournament game hosted at the iconic arena in a decade.
Each of these teams sets its sights on progress in the tournament. Should both UNC and Duke emerge victorious from their opening round contests, they could meet in a much-anticipated Sweet 16 matchup set for March 28.
The excitement around the tournament is not only encapsulated in the local teams but also in the NCAA's overall landscape. The statistics are intriguing; a 14-seed has never beaten a 3-seed in NCAA women’s basketball tournament history. That makes the Oregon State Beavers, who made the Elite Eight last year, significant underdogs going up against the formidable Tar Heels.
Oregon State finished its season with a record of 19-15, including a notable championship run in the West Coast Conference Tournament, which marked their return to the NCAA tournament after a challenging transition year. Notably, Kelsey Rees, leading her team with impressive stats - 12.8 points per game, and 7.6 rebounds per game - is expected to play a crucial role in the Beavers’ bid to secure an upset.
On the flip side, North Carolina, holding a commendable record of 27-7, has shown its strengths throughout the season. This squad has not only consistently ranked high in the ACC but also stands firm with defensively holding opponents to an average of 58.1 points per game.
“We have a solid crew this year; our depth and experience in crucial game situations can make a significant difference,” stated UNC's star player, highlighting the team’s preparedness.
As the games approach, fans are anticipating how each local team will perform. It’s a time when each hoop dream could turn into a surprising reality.
In terms of broadcasting, fans can follow along via various platforms. The game featuring UNC will be broadcast live on ESPNU, while audio coverage will be available on local radio stations as well as streaming options online. This has greatly increased access for viewers who want to keep track of their teams’ performances and share the high-energy atmosphere.
For the matchup of Oregon State and UNC, expectations run high given Oregon State's past tournament runs and this being the first NCAA game at Carmichael in ten years. As the stats suggest, the challenge ahead is formidable for the Beavers who statistically have their work cut out for them. The women's basketball teams from the Triangle are not only preparing to hoist their banners on the court but also continue the spirited tradition of impressive basketball on the national stage.
As the NCAA tournament is set to unfold, local supporters can look forward to thrilling competition, community pride, and hopefully historic moments.
