Basketball fans are gearing up for the second annual Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), set to tip off on March 20, 2025. Announced on March 16, the WBIT features 32 teams, including notable programs like Arizona, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Gonzaga, and UTSA, all eager to make their mark on this newly established postseason competition.
The WBIT serves as the second-tier women's basketball postseason tournament, following the prestigious NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. This year's bracket brings excitement to schools hoping to extend their season beyond the regular schedule.
This season, Arizona (19-13) will face Northern Arizona University (26-7) on March 20 at McKale Center, with the game broadcasted on ESPN+. This matchup highlights Arizona's success as they secured the number two seed. Their memorable late-season performances have set expectations high for the Wildcats as they prepare for this important game.
On the same day, Minnesota's women's basketball team is also set to shine. Selected as the number two seed, they will travel to Toledo, Ohio, to compete against the Toledo Rockets (exact game time still TBA). This is Minnesota's 18th postseason appearance, seeking redemption after their remarkable WNIT run last season, where they reached the championship for the first time.
Virginia Tech, boasting an 18-12 record, enters as the number one seed after finishing 9-9 in ACC play. The Hokies will square off against North Carolina A&T on March 20 with ticket pre-sales for fans starting soon. They hope to ride the momentum from their recent performances to secure victory and advance.
Head coach Megan Duffy expressed her enthusiasm for her team's postseason opportunities: "We believe we have what it takes to keep advancing and show our best capabilities as the tournament progresses." Their clash with North Carolina A&T provides the perfect stage for showcasing their growth.
Other teams like Gonzaga (22-10) have their eyes set on the championships as they prepare to take on UTSA (26-4) at home. Despite falling short of the NCAA Tournament, Gonzaga has continued to demonstrate resilience throughout the season. Coach Lisa Fortier emphasized their home advantage, stating, "We are really excited to play again at home and we hope our fans will show up for us." This sentiment reflects the broader anticipation from players and fans alike.
UTSA, fresh off capturing the American Athletic Conference championship with a stellar 17-1 conference record, is ready to compete fiercely. Being awarded an automatic bid, they’re prepared for their historic match against Gonzaga. With key players like Jordyn Jenkins, named The American’s Player of the Year, and Nina De Leon Negron, the Newcomer of the Year, the Roadrunners aim to make their postseason debut legendary.
The structure of the WBIT has been carefully crafted to allow for greater participation and exposure for women’s college basketball programs. This year's tournament will follow the single-elimination format, starting with first-round games on March 20, second rounds on March 23, quarterfinals on March 27, with semifinal and championship games hosted at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March 31 and April 2. Each round's games will occur at the site of the higher-seeded teams, allowing the home court advantage to play a significant role.
With hopes for success, teams like Gonzaga and Arizona express clear aspirations moving forward. Arkansas State’s coach said, "Achieving postseason play is our annual goal. It reflects our hard work throughout the season as we are ready to seize this tournament opportunity."
Finally, as the excitement builds for the WBIT, each team looks to make history and solidify their legacies. With opportunities for growth and development, the tournament becomes more than just games; it becomes a platform where young athletes can showcase their talent, lay the foundation for future successes, and inspire the next generation of players.
This tournament could also establish pathways for schools, like Missouri State, which is set to face Oral Roberts, and other participants eager to tap their potential by performing under pressure.
Whether it's Arizona, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, or Gonzaga, the coming weeks promise thrilling matchups, celebrated successes, and the chance to bring home championships. With plenty of excitement on the horizon, fans, players, and coaches are counting down to one of the most awaited events of the year.