The UCLA Bruins have secured the top overall seed in the NCAA women's basketball tournament, marking a historic achievement for the team. The tournament kicks off this Friday, featuring a 68-team field with the Bruins leading the pack. This distinction comes as a result of their impressive performance throughout the season, including a significant head-to-head victory over South Carolina by 15 points on November 24.
The selection committee, led by Derita Dawkins, considered the Bruins' decisive win over South Carolina as a pivotal factor in awarding them the top seed.
"was one of our criteria which was competitive in losses, and South Carolina suffered a 29-point loss to UConn." – Derita Dawkins, chair of the tournament's selection committee.
This year's tournament path will be challenging for UCLA, with other top seeds South Carolina, Texas, and USC vying for the national title. The Bruins are determined to maintain their leading position over the next three weeks, culminating in the national semifinals on April 4 and the championship game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on April 6.
JuJu Watkins, the Big Ten Player of the Year, leads the Bruins. Watkins is a standout player, currently ranking as the nation's second-leading scorer with an average of 24.6 points per game. Her leadership and scoring prowess have been instrumental in guiding UCLA to their top seed. Notably, the Bruins handed USC its only two losses this season.
On the other side, USC is led by Paige Bueckers, a key player projected as a potential No. 1 pick in next month's WNBA draft. Bueckers' presence adds to the competitive atmosphere as teams prepare for intense matchups throughout the tournament.