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Indiana Women’s Basketball: March Madness Hopes Rise After Key West Coast Split

ByCoach

The Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball team is navigating the critical stages of their regular season. Each game plays a pivotal role in determining their postseason fate. Currently, Indiana is teetering on the edge of the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN’s bracketology. This means they are just barely avoiding a potential play-in game.

However, the Hoosiers recently managed to break a three-game losing streak with a significant win against Washington. This win injected much-needed confidence into the team.

Indiana’s March Madness Resume: A Closer Look

As we approach the end of the regular season, it’s crucial to analyze how Indiana’s performance stacks up in terms of their March Madness resume. The NCAA women’s basketball selection committee now uses quadrants and NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) rankings to help determine at-large bids to the tournament. Understanding these metrics is essential to grasping Indiana’s current standing.

Quadrant Breakdown

The quadrant system categorizes games based on the NET rankings of the opponent and the location of the game:

  • Quad 1: Home games against NET 1-25, neutral site games 1-35, and road games 1-45.
  • Quad 2: Home games against NET 26-55, neutral site games 36-65, and road games 46-80.
  • Quad 3: Home games against NET 56-90, neutral site games 66-105, and road games 81-130.
  • Quad 4: Home games against NET 91+, neutral site games 106+, and road games 131+.

Indiana’s current quadrant stats as of January 28 are as follows:

  • NET ranking: 39
  • Quad 1 record: 2-4
  • Quad 2 record: 4-2
  • Quad 3 record: 0-1
  • Quad 4 record: 7-0

Recent Games and Upcoming Challenges

Indiana’s recent performance has been a mix of highs and lows, impacting their tournament resume significantly. Let’s delve into some key games:

January 24: 54-47 road loss to Oregon (No. 38 NET)

This was a demoralizing loss for the Hoosiers. They had a solid lead into the fourth quarter, but a 13-3 run over the last six minutes of the game gave the Ducks a seven-point win. This missed opportunity for a Quad 1 road win has the Hoosiers now sitting at 2-4 in Quad 1 games.

January 27: 73-70 road win over Washington (No. 55 NET)

This victory was crucial for Indiana, breaking their three-game losing streak. Despite a near-collapse in the fourth quarter, Yarden Garzon’s career-high 35-point performance helped secure the win. This game was a significant Quad 2 victory that could bolster their tournament resume.

Upcoming Games to Watch

Indiana has several key matchups on the horizon that could make or break their tournament chances:

  • February 2 vs. Nebraska (No. 31 NET): This game is just out of Quad 1 territory but still represents a valuable Quad 2 opportunity. Nebraska has quality wins over Minnesota and Iowa, making this a must-win for Indiana.
  • February 6 vs. Rutgers (No. 111 NET): This is a must-win game for the Hoosiers. Rutgers is in Quad 4 territory, and a loss here could be detrimental to Indiana’s resume.
  • February 9 at Minnesota (No. 29 NET): A Quad 1 road game that could significantly boost Indiana’s standing if they secure a win.
  • February 12 at Michigan (No. 28 NET): Another Quad 1 road game that presents a significant challenge and opportunity for Indiana.

Bracketology: Where Do the Hoosiers Stand?

As of the latest updates, Indiana’s seeding varies across different bracketology projections:

  • Her Hoop Stats (updated Jan. 21): No. 8 seed in Birmingham Regional 1 vs. Louisville, with the first weekend host site at South Carolina.
  • CBS (updated Jan. 24): No. 8 seed (formal bracket not projected).
  • ESPN (updated Jan. 28): No. 9 seed in Birmingham 3 region vs. Creighton, with the first weekend host site at Notre Dame.
  • NCAA.com (updated Jan. 28): No. 10 seed in Birmingham Regional 2 vs. Baylor, with the first weekend host site at LSU.

Key Players to Watch

Indiana’s success will hinge on the performance of key players, including:

  • Yarden Garzon: Recently broke out of a shooting slump with a career-high 35-point game against Washington. Her performance will be crucial in the upcoming games.
  • Alexis Markowski: Nebraska’s standout player, averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Stopping her will be key to securing a win against Nebraska.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Indiana’s women’s basketball team is at a critical juncture in their season.

Each game from here on out will be vital in determining their postseason fate.

With a mix of Quad 1 and Quad 2 opportunities ahead, the Hoosiers have the chance to solidify their resume and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as the team navigates these final games.

For a more detailed breakdown of Indiana’s recent performance and their March Madness projections, visit the IndyStar article.

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