Must-Watch Women’s Hoops: Top Games & Bubble Watch

With conference tournaments now in full swing, several women’s basketball teams are fighting for their postseason lives.

From bubble squads looking to secure an at-large bid to powerhouse programs battling for prime seeding, today’s slate is packed with high-stakes matchups. Here’s what to watch:

Best games of the day

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt (11am – SECN)

The last time these two teams matched up, it was as close of a game as it gets. Freshman phenom Mikayla Blakes scored the buzzer-beater layup to secure Vanderbilt’s one-point victory over Tennessee.

While Tennessee is sure to be favored in this one on a neutral court, the Lady Vols have struggled as of late, with back-to-back losses to finish the regular season. Both of these teams will be in the NCAA Tournament regardless, but Tennessee is fighting for a spot to host. The Lady Vols beat Texas A&M handily yesterday in a 77-37 victory. 

Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss (6pm – SECN)

It’s the battle of Mississippi in one of the best matchups of the day. Mississippi State is a likely lock for the NCAA Tournament now and Ole Miss is coming off one of the best wins of the year over LSU and seeking a spot to host. 

It’ll be interesting to see how the Rebels follow that one up, as each time they’ve earned a big win this season, they tend to drop the next sizable opportunity. That said, the last time these teams met up was in mid-January and Ole Miss came away with an eight-point victory on the road.

Nebraska vs. Illinois (6:30pm – BTN)

The Big Ten is pure chaos this season with four new additions that’ll all likely go dancing – but this one is a fun matchup between two teams that have been among the middle of the pack all year and will both make appearances in the NCAA Tournament. 

Nebraska earned a favorable matchup last night against Rutgers and won with ease. This Illinois team can be dangerous, though, despite several key injuries this year. Illinois won the regular-season battle by nine points, but the Illini dropped their last three regular-season contests.

Iowa vs. Michigan State (9pm – BTN)

These two teams haven’t faced off since December and they’re both dramatically different. Iowa has had a really strong month and Michigan State was within single digits of both USC and UCLA in late February on the road. 

Both can be fairly unpredictable and it’s sure to be a fun nightcap. 

Virginia vs. Cal (5pm – ACCN)

Cal has been one of the biggest surprises of the year, but they struggled to best Virginia on the road just a few weeks ago. They claimed a six-point victory, but the Cavaliers are coming off four-straight wins, including a signature victory over North Carolina. 

Now, I think it’s too late for Virginia to contend for an NCAA Tournament spot, but they have a shot at taking down Cal early in the ACC Tournament. 

Clemson vs. Louisville (7:30pm – ACCN)

February was Louisville’s time to shine, but Clemson has given good teams some trouble this year. I don’t think we’re on upset watch, but the Tigers nearly took down NC State on the road earlier this year and earned wins over Georgia Tech and Cal. 

Bubble watch

Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech (1:30pm – ACCN)

This could potentially be the most meaningful matchup of the day. Virginia Tech is just outside the NCAA Tournament field right now and a win over Georgia Tech could push them into play. 

They beat Georgia Tech in overtime on the road back in early January and the Hokies, led by first-year coach Megan Duffy, will certainly be motivated in this one.

Colorado vs. Arizona (2:30pm – ESPN+)

The Big 12 isn’t quite as strong as years past, but both of these teams have the potential to earn an at-large bid if other results fall in their favor. While Arizona may have a slightly better chance, whoever wins this one will have the edge if it comes down to that decision. 

Washington vs. Michigan (2:30pm – BTN)

Washington, after earning a win over Minnesota yesterday, has likely earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament. A victory over Michigan, though, would secure it without a doubt. The Big Ten is the deepest conference this year and is likely to earn at least 11 bids, but Washington is still on the edge. 

Indiana vs. Oregon (12pm – BTN)

Indiana and Oregon will be among the last few Big Ten teams considered for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament – and they’ll face off this afternoon. Oregon bested IU at home in the regular-season, but it’ll practically be a home court in Indy for the Hoosiers this time. 

Mid-major game of the day

Western Carolina vs. UNCG (11am – ESPN+)

UNCG is the top team in the SoCon and the favorite to earn an auto-bid. That being said, the last time these two teams faced off, it was mighty close. The Spartans earned the 4-point victory on February 22, so this will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on.