The NCAA women’s tournament has commenced with the commencement of the First Four games. March Madness kicked off on Wednesday night with two exciting games, notably Iowa State’s triumph over Princeton as the 11th seed. The remaining First Four games are set to take place on Thursday.
The incorporation of the First Four into March Madness is a recent development. In November 2021, the NCAA revealed the expansion of the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament to accommodate 68 teams. The First Four comprises four play-in games featuring lower-seeded teams striving to secure a spot in the first round of March Madness. Historically, the winners of the First Four games have faced tough odds, currently standing at 1-11 in the initial round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Here are the upcoming First Four matchups:
– Iowa State (No. 11) vs. Princeton (No. 11)
Iowa State emerged victorious over Princeton with a 68-63 win at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana, on Wednesday. The Cyclones are scheduled to face off against Michigan (No. 6) on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET.
– UC San Diego (No. 16) vs. Southern (No. 16)
UC San Diego and Southern clashed at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles in the late Wednesday game, commencing at 9 p.m. ET. The triumphant team will progress to challenge UCLA, the tournament’s top seed, on Friday at 10 p.m. ET.
– Columbia (No. 11) vs. Washington (No. 11)
Columbia is slated to compete against Washington at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The victor will encounter West Virginia (No. 6) on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.
– High Point (No. 16) vs. William & Mary (No. 16)
High Point will battle William & Mary at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET. The winner is set to challenge Texas (No. 1) on Saturday at 9:45 p.m. ET.
This content was originally published on USA TODAY under the title: “What is First Four in March Madness? A look at women’s play-in games.”
