With Multimadness set to tip-off, let's take a look at the region of the women's NCAA tournament.
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UCLA, the first-place team in this year's tournament, is making its first trip to Final 4. Kori Close's team spent most of the season in first place after knocking out South Carolina in November. However, LSU and NC are two horrifying threats that can spoil the Bruins' goals. In 2024, North Carolina won the region, and LSU was a victory from the Final Four.
Players to watch
Lauren Betts, UCLA: Standing at 6 feet 7, Betts could be the best traditional college centre since Brittney Griner played at Baylor. Betts, the unanimous 2024-25 Big Ten defensive player of the year, is the Bruins anchor. She led the team with points (19.4) and rebounds (9.7) and set UCLA's single-season block record with 85 blocks and counts.
Bracket Buster
No. 7 Michigan: After a strong start to the season, things were on a bit rocky midway for the Spartans. But Michigan finished with a 21-9 record, sweating out the best teams in the country, including UCLA, USC and Maryland. Also, pay attention to the Grand Canyon, who won in 30 straight sets.
