March arrives with a familiar soundtrack across the Southeastern Conference, a score that includes squeaky sneakers, packed arenas and the baked-in tension of survive-and-advance basketball. As the NCAA Tournament tips off this week, SEC programs will once again storm into the national spotlight, bringing star power, depth and a legacy that has long shaped the championship chase. From top-seeded contenders to dangerous lower seeds built for bracket chaos, the league’s presence will provide no shortage of drama and elite basketball.
The SEC sends 10 teams into this year’s field, matching its record set last season and reinforcing its status as one of the sport’s deepest and most accomplished conferences. With first- and second-round games running from Friday through Monday, let’s get ready for another year of competition and clashes that will keep you, and your bracket, on edge.
At the top of the bracket, SEC Tournament winner Texas and runner-up South Carolina anchor the conference’s title ambitions as No. 1 seeds in their respective regionals. Both programs blend elite efficiency with roster depth capable of surviving the tournament’s demanding pace.
Yet the league’s strength extends well beyond its frontrunners. LSU’s explosive offense, Vanderbilt’s scoring punch, Mississippi’s defensive toughness, Kentucky’s interior playmaking and Alabama’s backcourt firepower highlight a wave of teams capable of making deep runs. Meanwhile, Tennessee — the only program to appear in every NCAA women’s tournament since 1982 — enters as a lower seed with a battle-tested résumé and upset potential.
History suggests the SEC will again leave a significant imprint on March Madness. The conference has placed at least one team in the Sweet 16 every year since the tournament’s inception, and all 16 of the league’s current members have reached that stage at some point. Last season, six SEC teams advanced to the Sweet 16, tying an NCAA record first set by the league in 1997. As this year’s tournament begins, March is not simply about earning a bid in the SEC. It is about pursuing banners, legacies and the next chapter in a conference that thrives under pressure.
Region 1 — Fort Worth
No. 2 Vanderbilt (27-4) vs. No. 15 High Point (27-5)
The Commodores enter the NCAA Tournament motivated after an early SEC Tournament exit to Mississippi, a loss that saw coach Shea Ralph ejected and star guard Mikayla Blakes struggle early before finishing with 24 points. Vanderbilt faces High Point, a team that arrives in this year’s tourney as the Big South regular-season and tournament champion, boasting one of the nation’s top defenses with a 79.8 defensive rating.
The Panthers feature balanced scoring from Macy Spencer (18.4 ppg), Aaliyah Collins (15.2 ppg) and Nevaeh Zavala (8.9 ppg), while Collins adds defensive pressure with 2.5 steals per contest. Vanderbilt counters with Blakes, Division I’s leading scorer at 27.0 points per game, and freshman playmaker Aubrey Galvan, whose ball movement and distribution helps limit empty possessions.
If the Commodores receive steady production from Blakes and the supporting cast, they are positioned to advance. A potential second-round matchup with either No. 7 seed Illinois or No. 10 seed Colorado would present a significantly tougher test.
Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women’s Sports Daily
We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women’s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women’s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!
Region 2 — Sacramento
No. 5 Mississippi (23-11) vs. No. 12 Gonzaga (24-9)
Mississippi enters the NCAA Tournament as one of the SEC’s more battle-tested teams and will face Gonzaga, the West Coast Conference tournament champion. The matchup carries upset-watch intrigue as Gonzaga brings efficient offense — 74.4 points per game, 45.4% shooting and 39% from 3-point range — plus significant March experience under coach Lisa Fortier.
Mississippi aims to impose its physical, defensive identity and keep leading scorer Cotie McMahon (19.9 ppg) as the most impactful player on the floor. Gonzaga counters with star forward Lauren Whittaker (19.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg), whose rebounding and scoring will be central to the Zags’ chances. Mississippi also expects the return of starting guard Sira Thienou, who missed the SEC Tournament with a bone bruise, back in the rotation.
Mississippi holds a 2-1 series edge against Gonzaga, including a 71-48 first-round NCAA Tournament win against the Zags in 2023. If Mississippi forces tough interior looks and controls the glass, it will advance. If Gonzaga dictates a half-court, perimeter-oriented game, the Zags have the recipe for a potential bracket shake-up.
No. 2 LSU (27-5) vs. No. 15 Jacksonville (24-8)
LSU opens the NCAA Tournament against Jacksonville, the ASUN tournament champion. The Tigers remain one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive teams, leading Division I in scoring at 94.5 points per game and overwhelming opponents with pace, size and depth.
LSU’s attack starts with Flau’Jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley off the bench, while Jada Richard adds another playmaking option and Amiya Joyner strengthens the Tigers on the glass. Jacksonville must keep standout forward Priscilla Williams (15.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) productive, get disruptive defense from Tatum Brown (10.0 ppg, 2.3 spg) and avoid letting LSU turn the game into a transition showcase.
The Dolphins also need to limit second-chance points and make LSU defend in the half court to stay within reach. The teams last met Dec. 30, 2023, when LSU cruised to a 110-68 win. If LSU controls tempo and its veteran playmakers set the tone early, this won’t be much of a contest.
Order ‘Rare Gems’ and save 30%
Howard Megdal, founder and editor of The IX Basketball and The IX Sports, wrote this deeply reported book. “Rare Gems” follows four connected generations of women’s basketball pioneers, from Elvera “Peps” Neuman to Cheryl Reeve and from Lindsay Whalen to Sylvia Fowles and Paige Bueckers.
If you enjoy Megdal’s coverage of women’s basketball every Wednesday at The IX Sports, you will love “Rare Gems: How Four Generations of Women Paved the Way for the WNBA.” Click the link below to order and enter MEGDAL30 at checkout to save 30%!
Region 4 — Sacramento
No. 1 South Carolina (31-3) vs. No. 16 Southern (19-13) / Samford (16-18)
The Gamecocks open the NCAA Tournament play against First Four winner Southern, the SWAC Tournament champion, or Samford, the SoCon Tournament champ. South Carolina ranks among the nation’s most efficient teams, sitting fourth in scoring (86.3 ppg) and third in field-goal percentage (50.7%), powered by depth and balanced production.
Joyce Edwards (19.6 ppg) leads the scoring load, while Madina Okot (10.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg) anchors the interior and fuels second-chance opportunities. Veteran guard Raven Johnson (5.4 apg) sets tempo and contributes across the stat sheet, while Tessa Johnson and Maddy McDaniel add perimeter scoring, defensive activity and secondary playmaking. Ta’Niya Latson provides another dynamic scoring option capable of creating offense in transition or the half court.
Southern relies on pressure defense — forcing 21.6 turnovers per game — and balanced scoring from DeMya Porter, Jocelyn Tate and Mykayla Cunningham. Samford presents a contrasting, perimeter-oriented attack led by Kaylee Yarbrough and Sierra Godbolt, averaging 8.4 made 3-pointers per game. Both potential opponents face a major size and rebounding challenge against South Carolina’s frontcourt depth.
No. 4 Oklahoma (24-7) vs. No. 13 Idaho (29-5)
The Sooners enter the NCAA Tournament with one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses and face the Vandals, the Big Sky tournament champion. Oklahoma ranks third nationally in scoring (86.7 ppg) and among the top five in rebounding (48.6 rpg), using pace and depth to pressure opponents.
Aaliyah Chavez (18.4 ppg, 4.2 apg) leads OU’s perimeter attack, while Payton Verhulst adds scoring punch and secondary playmaking. Sahara Williams strengthens the frontcourt with rebounding, interior scoring and defensive versatility, complementing Raegan Beers (10.4 rpg) on the glass. Zya Vann (2.3 spg) helps fuel transition opportunities through defensive disruption.
Idaho counters with a record-setting season built on rebounding and balanced production, ranking fourth nationally at 46.9 boards per game. Débora dos Santos anchors the interior with 8.4 rebounds per game, while Ana Pinheiro and Lorena Barbosa provide size, physicality and scoring depth in the paint. Kyra Gardner (2.5 spg) adds perimeter defense and playmaking alongside lead scorer Hope Hassmann (14.2 ppg, 4.1 apg).
The rebounding battle between Oklahoma’s frontcourt and Idaho’s interior rotation could shape the game’s tempo and possession margin. If the Sooners keep the pace high and create second-chance opportunities, Oklahoma wins this contest. Meanwhile, Idaho’s upset path depends on matching physicality and forcing a half-court grind.
No. 7 Georgia (22-9) vs. No. 10 Virginia (19-11) or Arizona State (24-10)
The Bulldogs lean on scoring from Dani Carnegie (18.1 ppg), playmaking from Trinity Turner (4.7 apg) and interior size from Mia Woolfolk (13.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) to maintain balance. If Georgia draws Virginia, the Cavaliers’ nation-leading rim protection (6.7 blocks per game) becomes a defining factor in slowing Georgia’s downhill offense.
Kymora Johnson (19.0 ppg, 5.9 apg) headlines Virginia’s attack, while Paris Clark adds perimeter scoring and rebounding, and Romi Levy contributes frontcourt toughness and interior production. Tabitha Amanze (6.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg) and Caitlin Weimar provide length, rebounding and additional shot-blocking that can clog driving lanes. The Bulldogs’ path in that matchup hinges on creating clean paint touches and depth to counter the Cavaliers’ size.
If Arizona State advances, the focus shifts to guard-driven offense and defensive pressure led by Gabby Elliott (16.0 ppg), Last-Tear Poa (3.5 apg) and Marley Washenitz (2.0 spg). McKinna Brackens adds rebounding and interior scoring for the Sun Devils, while Heloisa Carrera brings perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking. Georgia must protect the ball, generate transition opportunities and sustain balanced scoring to advance.
“Becoming Caitlin Clark” is out now!
Howard Megdal’s newest book is here! “Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar” captures both the historic nature of Clark’s rise and the critical context over the previous century that helped make it possible, including interviews with Clark, Lisa Bluder (who also wrote the foreword), C. Vivian Stringer, Jan Jensen, Molly Kazmer and many others.
Region 3 — Fort Worth
No. 1 Texas (31-3) vs. No. 16 Missouri State (22-12) or Stephen F. Austin (23-9)
The Longhorns bring elite balance into the NCAA Tournament, ranking among the nation’s top teams in field-goal percentage and defensive efficiency, allowing the Longhorns to control tempo and physicality.
Madison Booker (18.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg) leads a versatile scoring attack, while point guard Rori Harmon (6.2 apg, 2.7 spg) drives transition and defensive pressure. Kyla Oldacre anchors the paint with rim protection and rebounding that fuel second-chance opportunities. Jordan Lee adds perimeter punch at 13.2 points per game and shoots 36% from 3-point range, stretching defenses. Breya Cunningham provides efficient interior production with 8.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 57.7% shooting. Justice Carlton contributes two-way versatility with 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, plus impact defensive totals in steals and blocks. Aaliyah Crump offers instant offense off the bench, averaging 9.2 points per game.
Missouri State’s upset hopes center on Kaemyn Bekemeier (17.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) setting the tone through scoring and rebounding. Stephen F. Austin counters with balanced guard play from Key Roseby (13.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and Kaylinn Kemp (5.0 apg) alongside defensive pressure. Still, with Texas’ ability to dictate pace and protect the glass, the Longhorns are strongly positioned to advance to the second round.
No. 5 Kentucky (23-10) vs. No. 12 James Madison (26-8)
The Wildcats build their identity around an inside-outside tandem featuring Clara Strack (17.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg, team blocks leader) and point guard Tonie Morgan, who ranks second nationally with 8.2 assists per game. Kentucky also benefits from secondary scoring, perimeter shooting and rim protection that help control tempo and defensive efficiency.
James Madison, the Sun Belt Tournament champion and a program riding a 12-game winning streak, brings a classic upset profile led by wing scorer Peyton McDaniel (18.9 ppg), Ashanti Barnes (9.1 rpg) and a playmaker Zakiya Stephenson (4.3 apg). The Dukes’ late-season surge and physical rebounding presence could test Kentucky’s length and interior consistency.
Wildcats coach Kenny Brooks faces his former program in a high-stakes matchup. Kentucky’s path to advancing centers on Morgan organizing efficient offense and Strack dominating the glass and paint defense. If the game slows into a half-court, wing-scoring battle, JMU has the capacity to potentially shake up brackets in the first round. Keep a close eye on this contest.
No. 6 Alabama (23-10) vs. No. 11 Rhode Island (27-4)
Alabama leans on backcourt scoring and tempo, led by Jessica Timmons, who averages 16.4 points while shooting 43.5% from the field and 40.3% from 3-point range. Diana Collins provides pace control and playmaking, and Ta’Mia Scott adds perimeter scoring at 9.6 points per game with 38% shooting from deep. In the frontcourt, Essence Cody delivers an efficient interior offense with 11.4 points on 56.1% shooting, while Naomi Jones supplies rim protection and physicality around the basket. Ace Austin strengthens the guard rotation with defensive pressure and secondary scoring that help sustain Alabama’s transition attack.
Rhode Island counters with balanced half-court execution led by Brooklyn Gray, who averages 12.5 points and serves as a steady perimeter scoring option. Sophia Vital contributes 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game to organize the offense and create defensive disruption. Palmire Mbu impacts the game as a versatile forward with scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking presence, while Albina Syla adds interior rebounding strength. Ines Debroise stretches the floor with perimeter shooting, and Vanessa Harris provides bench scoring.
If Alabama creates early offense and controls the paint, the Crimson Tide hold the edge, but Rhode Island’s balance and tempo discipline could make the match-up interesting.
Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women’s Sports Daily
We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women’s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women’s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!
No. 10 Tennessee (16-13) vs. No. 7 NC State (20-10)
The Volunteers’ résumé reflects one of the nation’s toughest schedules, making them a dangerous lower seed despite a 16-13 record. Tennessee also enters with familiarity after falling to NC State 80-77 on Nov. 4 in a tightly contested matchup. But things could be different this time around, depending on which version of Tennessee takes the court on Friday.
Talaysia Cooper (15.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 2.7 spg) fuels the Vols transition attack, while Mia Pauldo provides solid ballhandling and secondary scoring. Nya Robertson adds perimeter shooting and instant offense, and Jaida Civil contributes rebounding, defensive activity and depth. Janiah Barker strengthens the frontcourt presence on the glass, and Zee Spearman (1.3 bpg) anchors rim protection. However, Khamil Pierre (16.8 ppg, 12.0 rpg) can create more possessions for NC State with the interior star’s ability to rebound the basketball. Zoe Brooks (4.4 apg, 1.7 spg) sets tempo and creates offense, while Tilda Trygger adds size and shot-blocking support.
Tennessee’s upset path hinges on forcing turnovers and making the game chaotic for NC State. If the Wolfpack win the rebounding battle and keep the contest in the half court, NC State wins this contest and a clash that could potentially come down to the wire once again.
