Women’s NCAA Sweet 16 bracket predictions
The regional semifinals are set. What can we expect when the games resume Friday in the women’s NCAA tournament?
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Will the chalk hold?
Will Cinderella runs continue?
Will any of the No. 1 or No. 2 seeds fall?
What are the biggest X factors in each Sweet 16 game?
ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Elizabeth Merrill, LaChina Robinson and Mechelle Voepel make their game-by-game picks and predictions:
No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 2 UConn
ESPN/ESPN App: 7 p.m. ET Friday (Albany Regional)
X factor: Rebounding is generally never a concern for UConn. But Buffalo just outrebounded the Huskies. They will need to be diligent on the boards against a UCLA squad that can hurt teams there, led by Lajahna Drummer. The Huskies know what they’ll get from Napheesa Collier, but they’ll need more than her. — Mechelle Voepel
Picks:
Creme: UConn
Merrill: UConn
Robinson: UConn
Voepel: UConn
No. 4 Oregon State vs. No. 1 Louisville
ESPN/ESPN App: 9 p.m. ET Friday (Albany Regional)
X factor: The Beavers survived early-round threats from Boise State and Gonzaga, committing a combined 30 turnovers to their opponents’ 13. Louisville’s defense has been good all season and sharp in the NCAA tournament. If Oregon State doesn’t take care of the ball, the Beavers will struggle. — Mechelle Voepel
Picks:
Creme: Louisville
Merrill: Louisville
Robinson: Louisville
Voepel: Louisville
No. 5 Arizona State vs. No. 1 Mississippi State
ESPN2/ESPN App: 9 p.m. ET Friday (Portland Regional)
X factor: Teaira McCowan is going to get her points. The Sun Devils just don’t have the size to combat the 6-foot-7 senior. But Arizona State is an exceptional defensive team, and if Charli Turner Thorne can devise a scheme to significantly limit Anriel Howard and Jordan Danberry, the Bulldogs’ other double-digit scorers, an upset is possible. — Charlie Creme
Picks:
Creme: Mississippi State
Merrill: Mississippi State
Voepel: Mississippi State
No. 6 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 Oregon
ESPN2/ESPN App: 11 p.m. ET Friday (Portland Regional)
X factor: South Dakota State is a good offensive team, versatile and efficient — just not on the level of Oregon. The Jackrabbits should be able to score against the Ducks, but defending Oregon’s multiple weapons will be more difficult. Limiting the Ducks’ good looks from the 3-point line, particularly those of Satou Sabally and Erin Boley, will keep the Jackrabbits in the game, like they were in December when they lost to Oregon 87-79 in Brookings, South Dakota. — Charlie Creme
Picks:
Creme: Oregon
Merrill: Oregon
Voepel: Oregon
Note: LaChina Robinson opted not to predict winners for the Portland Regional, which she is covering for ESPN.
No. 3 NC State vs. No. 2 Iowa
ESPN/ESPN App: 11:30 a.m. ET Saturday (Greensboro Regional)
X factor: Megan Gustafson is going to do her thing for Iowa. But guards Makenzie Meyer and Kathleen Doyle combined for 33 points in the second round, which was a big part in beating Missouri. NC State will need to guard the 3-point arc well while still trying to limit Gustafson. — Mechelle Voepel
Picks:
Creme: NC State
Merrill: NC State
Robinson: Iowa
Voepel: NC State
No. 4 South Carolina vs. No. 1 Baylor
ESPN/ESPN App: 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday (Greensboro Regional)
X factor: It’s hard enough to have to face standout Baylor post players Kalani Brown and Lauren Cox. But Baylor’s guard play was as big a problem for Cal in the second round. In South Carolina, Baylor will be facing a team with the guard depth to challenge the Lady Bears. — Mechelle Voepel
Picks:
Creme: Baylor
Merrill: Baylor
Robinson: Baylor
Voepel: Baylor
No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Notre Dame
ESPN2/ESPN App: 4 p.m. ET Saturday (Chicago Regional)
X factor: The Aggies got double-digit scoring from all five starters just twice all season, but it happened in their second-round win over Marquette. Chennedy Carter still led the way with 30 points, but getting contributions from everyone might be the only way Texas A&M can stay competitive with the most balanced offense in the country. — Charlie Creme
Picks:
Creme: Notre Dame
Merrill: Notre Dame
Robinson: Notre Dame
Voepel: Notre Dame
No. 11 Missouri State vs. No. 2 Stanford
ESPN2/ESPN App: 6 p.m. ET Saturday (Chicago Regional)
X factor: The Lady Bears have had the luxury of playing two teams (DePaul and Iowa State) with a similar style in the opening two rounds. Stanford will play inside-out. How Missouri State handles the Cardinal’s size and length will determine how competitive the game is. — Charlie Creme
Picks:
Creme: Stanford
Merrill: Stanford
Robinson: Stanford
Voepel: Stanford