Six SEC Teams Look to Stay Alive

Lauren Halpern March 24, 2023 Basketball, College Basketball, Gators Women's Basketball, NCAA, NCAA Tournament, Women's College Basketball 4,179 Views

There are six SEC teams still alive in the NCAA College Women’s Basketball Tournament: Florida, LSU, Arkansas, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The Gators played Thursday evening and defeated the Clemson Tigers 73-63 to secure a bid to the quarterfinals. LSU, Arkansas and Ole Miss have matchups tonight. South Carolina and Tennessee will take on opponents Saturday.

Gators

Florida is 18-8 in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, including an 11-6 record on the road all-time. The Gators are a perfect 2-0 in the quarterfinal round of the WNIT, which is coming up next. This will be the team’s third appearance, and will mark Florida’s first Great Eight appearance since 2013 when it defeated James Madison in Harrisonburg, Virginia, 85-80. The team will hit the road for its next matchup against Bowling Green in Ohio on Monday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

Tigers

LSU defeated Hawaii and Michigan in the first two rounds of the tournament to advance to its first Sweet Sixteen in nine years. Standout player Angel Reese led the Tigers in the two victories. Reese averaged 29.5 points, 19.5 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, 3 assists and 3 steals in the first two rounds. She tied the LSU WNIT record with 34 points against Hawaii and set the tournament record with 24 rebounds against Michigan. The Tigers will take on Utah Friday at 4 p.m. as the team looks to advance to its first Elite Eight since 2008.

Razorbacks

Arkansas has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, making it the sixth time the Razorbacks have qualified for the third round of the tournament in program history. In the team’s eighth WNIT appearance, Arkansas is 3-2 in third-round games. The Razorbacks are 23-12, which marks the program’s 22nd 20-win season, third under Mike Neighbors. Neighbors is in his fifth postseason appearance with Arkansas. This is also the most wins for the program since 2019-20 when that team went 24-8. The Razorbacks will host Texas Tech on Friday at 7 p.m. in hopes of a grant to the Elite Eight.

https://twitter.com/RazorbackWBB/status/1638679924457308160?s=20

Rebels

Ole Miss is heading into its 11th Sweet Sixteen appearance. The team sits at an even 5-5 in the round and had advanced to a total of five Elite Eights in program history. This time around marks a back-to-back appearance for the first time since the ’04 and ’05 season. The Rebels soared past No. 9 Gonzaga in the first round 71-48. Ole Miss then met No. 1 Stanford, and emerged victorious 54-49. With momentum on the Rebel’s side, it will take on Louisville on Friday at 9 p.m.

Gamecocks

The South Carolina Gamecocks will take on the UCLA Bruins for their shot at advancing into the Elite Eight. Head coach Dawn Staley, named the 2022-23 USBWA Coach of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association has led South Carolina to a 34-0 season. This is Staley’s third time in the last four years receiving the honor. The Gamecocks have been ranked No. 1 in both national polls every week of the season, just the third program to do that. The team’s seven wins over ranked opponents are the fourth-most in the country.

https://twitter.com/GamecockWBB/status/1638571235016679424?s=20

Lady Vols

Tennessee has advanced to the NCAA Regional round for the 36th time, a record for the WNIT. The team has a 28-7 record in the Sweet Sixteen. This is the second consecutive season that the Lady Vols have entered the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2016. UT has made it to the Elite Eight 28 times, owning a 18-10 mark at the regional round. The Lady Vols will take on No. 1 Virginia Tech on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in a Seattle 3 Regional Semifinal game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

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About Lauren Halpern

I'm an undergraduate student in the College of Journalism and Communications working towards a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. With a specialization in sports and media, my involvement in ESPN Gainesville, Reptile Report, and The University Athletic Association has given me good introductory experience in the sports media industry. I'm seeking a sports broadcasting position as a reporter where my high energy personality and passion for athletics is communicated to the public. As an athlete myself, it's important to me to work on a supportive and hard-working team. I look forward to connecting with you!

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