Ilia Malinin didn’t land the quad Axel that made him famous. In fact, he didn’t attempt it at all during the men’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event. Yet somehow, Team USA still leads—and that might tell you everything about how dominant this American squad really is.
Key Takeaways
- Texas’s recent win has significantly impacted the NCAA women’s basketball landscape, making it more difficult for teams like LSU and Vanderbilt to secure a coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament.
- Based on current projections, only South Carolina has realistically locked up a No. 1 seed, while other top contenders have work to do to solidify their positions.
- UConn’s chances of landing a top seed have been bolstered by their strong performance in conference play and key wins against ranked opponents, improving their NCAA Tournament NET ranking.
- With several weeks remaining before Selection Sunday, the battle for the remaining No. 1 seeds will be fierce, with head-to-head matchups and conference tournament results playing a crucial role in determining the final bracket.
Can Anyone Catch South Carolina?
South Carolina is currently dominating women’s college basketball, and their chances of securing a No. 1 seed appear all but guaranteed. They currently boast an impressive 26-0 record and are ranked No. 1 in the nation. Their consistent performance and dominant wins have solidified their position as the team to beat. In contrast, teams like LSU, despite their talent, face an uphill battle to climb to the top seed line. LSU’s recent loss to Texas has created a significant dent in their resume, and they need to perform exceptionally well in their remaining games and the SEC Tournament to have any chance of surpassing South Carolina. “South Carolina has been playing at an elite level all season,” said ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli on a recent broadcast. “Their consistency and ability to win tough games make them the clear frontrunner for the top overall seed.” While anything can happen, the Gamecocks are the clear frontrunner and are currently listed at -2000 on DraftKings to make the Final Four.
What About the Other Contenders?
While South Carolina seems like a lock for a No. 1 seed, the remaining three spots are still very much up for grabs. Teams like UConn, Stanford, and UCLA are all in contention, but their paths to securing a top seed are not as clear-cut. UConn, for instance, has showcased resilience after overcoming early-season injuries, but they still need to maintain their momentum and avoid any unexpected losses. As of March 7th, 2026, UConn sits at No. 5 in the NET rankings, which is a key metric used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee. Stanford, known for its strong program history and coaching, needs to prove their dominance in the Pac-12 Conference to warrant a No. 1 seed. UCLA, another Pac-12 powerhouse, will need to continue their winning ways and possibly secure the conference tournament title to impress the selection committee. Each of these teams has the potential to earn a top seed, but their performance in the coming weeks will be crucial. Analyst Rebecca Lobo stated, “These teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but they need to demonstrate consistency down the stretch to convince the committee they deserve a No. 1 seed,” on a recent episode of ESPN’s “Around the Rim.”
The Impact of Conference Tournaments
Conference tournaments will play a pivotal role in shaping the final NCAA Tournament bracket. Teams on the bubble will have the opportunity to secure automatic bids, while those vying for No. 1 seeds can strengthen their resumes with dominant performances. Upsets are always a possibility, and a surprising loss in a conference tournament could significantly impact a team’s seeding. Vanderbilt, for example, needs a strong showing in the SEC Tournament to offset their earlier loss to Texas and improve their chances of landing a high seed. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is known for its unpredictability, and conference tournaments often provide a glimpse of the madness to come. Strong conference tournament showings could see teams like Iowa, currently ranked 10th, leapfrog others into a top seed.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- South Carolina Gamecocks: Currently 26-0 and ranked #1, boasting a NET ranking of 1.
- LSU Tigers: With a 23-4 record, they are currently projected as a No. 2 seed in most bracketologies.
- UConn Huskies: Sitting at 24-5, they are looking to solidify their position for a top seed with strong conference play.
- Texas Longhorns: Currently 22-7, their recent win over LSU has boosted their chances of a high tournament seed.
What This Means
- For LSU fans: The loss to Texas significantly impacts their chances for a No. 1 seed, requiring them to dominate the SEC Tournament to regain ground.
- For UConn fans: Their strong conference play is boosting their tournament resume, but they need to avoid upsets to secure a top seed.
- For bracketologists: South Carolina is the only team with a guaranteed No. 1 seed, making the projection of the other top seeds highly competitive and dependent on conference tournament results.
