ESPN 98.1 FM / 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM / 850 AM WRUF
The quarterfinals of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament takes place Thursday with four spots in the semifinals on the line.
Built for March
The action tips off at 6 p.m. when Florida hosts Texas Tech in Gainesville. The Gators ride the momentum of a thrilling second-round win, capped by senior guard Kenza Salgues’ buzzer-beating 3-pointer against UNLV. Coach Kelly Rae Finley leans on the team’s senior leadership and All-SEC freshman guard Liv McGill to keep Florida’s postseason run alive in front of an away crowd.
https://twitter.com/GatorsWBK/status/1903947296905085409
Bracket Watch
Two matchups follow at 7 p.m. ET. James Madison welcomes Belmont in what shapes up to be a high-scoring showdown between two fast-paced teams. The Dukes look to extend their season at home, but Belmont’s postseason experience makes it a tough opponent.
Meanwhile, Villanova hosts Portland in the other 7 p.m. game. The Wildcats, fueled by a veteran core and standout freshman guard Jasmine Bascoe — who leads the team with 16.3 points per game — rely on defensive intensity and outside shooting. Portland, coming off an upset win, looks to continue its Cinderella run and knock off another favorite.
The quarterfinals wrap up with a matchup between Gonzaga and Minnesota at 8 p.m. ET. The Golden Gophers host after advancing with balanced scoring and clutch defense down the stretch. Gonzaga, known for its postseason pedigree, looks to deliver a statement road win and punch its ticket to the semifinals.
Winners advance to the semifinals on Monday, with a shot at reaching the WBIT championship on April 2.
