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Tennessee Lady Vols March Madness Bracket Predictions for 2025

ByCoach

The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team is eagerly awaiting their seeding in the upcoming women’s NCAA tournament. Despite a recent setback in the SEC tournament, the Lady Vols have a strong resume and are projected to be a competitive force in March Madness.

This blog post delves into their journey, current standings, and potential matchups as they prepare for the big dance.

Lady Vols’ Recent Performance and SEC Tournament Outcome

No. 19 Tennessee, with a season record of 22-9, faced a disappointing end to their SEC tournament run, losing to Vanderbilt in the second round. This loss dashed their hopes of securing a top-16 seed and the opportunity to host early-round games.

The Lady Vols’ recent performance has been a mixed bag, with three losses in their final four games before the NCAA tournament.

Impact of the Vanderbilt Loss

ESPN’s Charlie Creme noted that Tennessee’s loss to Vanderbilt significantly impacted their seeding prospects. The Lady Vols, who have a strong overall record, found themselves unable to climb into the top 16, primarily due to this critical loss.

Their second defeat of the season to the Commodores added to their recent struggles, making it challenging to secure a higher seed.

Projected NCAA Tournament Seeding

As Selection Sunday approaches, various analysts have made their predictions for Tennessee’s seeding in the NCAA tournament. Both ESPN and The Athletic have projected the Lady Vols as a No. 5 seed, albeit in different regions.

ESPN’s Projections

According to ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Tennessee is projected to be a No. 5 seed in the Spokane 2 region. This would place them against the No. 12 seed Grand Canyon, with Baylor hosting as the No. 4 seed and playing No. 13 Montana State.

This scenario sets up a challenging path for the Lady Vols but also an opportunity to prove their mettle against strong competition.

The Athletic’s Projections

On the other hand, The Athletic’s Mark Schindler sees Tennessee as a No. 5 seed in the Spokane 4 region. In this projection, the Lady Vols would face No. 12 seed Fairfield, with North Carolina hosting as the No. 4 seed and playing No. 13 seed Missouri State.

This alternative path also presents significant challenges but offers a different set of opponents and potential matchups.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Lady Vols

The Lady Vols boast an impressive resume with several notable victories and a strong standing in the NCAA NET rankings. However, they also have some weaknesses that could impact their performance in the tournament.

Key Victories and Strong Resume

Tennessee has secured three ranked wins against Iowa, UConn, and Alabama. Additionally, they have seven wins over teams in the top 40 of the NCAA NET rankings, including:

  • UConn
  • Ole Miss
  • Alabama
  • Florida State
  • Iowa
  • Richmond
  • Mississippi State

These victories underscore the Lady Vols’ ability to compete against top-tier teams, making them a formidable contender in the NCAA tournament.

Areas of Concern

Despite their strengths, Tennessee has faced challenges, particularly against top-ranked teams. Eight of their losses are to teams ranked in the top 25 of the NET, with a notable loss to Georgia, ranked 106 in the NET.

Additionally, the Lady Vols are 6-8 in Quad 1 games, highlighting their struggles against the most competitive opponents.

Another area of concern is their performance in close games. While most of their losses were by single digits, the 24-point loss at Kentucky stands out as a significant blemish on their record.

Addressing these issues will be crucial for their success in the tournament.

Historical Context and Recent Trends

The Tennessee Lady Vols have a storied history in the NCAA tournament, with a legacy of success under legendary coach Pat Summitt. However, recent years have seen a mix of highs and lows for the program.

Recent Tournament Performances

Tennessee has been a consistent presence in the NCAA tournament, never missing an appearance. In 2024, they were a No. 6 seed, their lowest since being a No. 11 seed in 2019.

From 2021 to 2023, the Lady Vols were a top-16 seed, with their highest seeding being No. 3 in 2021. They made back-to-back trips to the Sweet 16 in 2022 and 2023, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2015 and 2016.

Legacy of Success

The Lady Vols have won eight NCAA championships and made 18 trips to the Final Four, all under Pat Summitt. The last time they achieved either was in 2008.

This rich history of success sets a high bar for the current team and adds to the pressure and expectations as they head into the 2025 tournament.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for the 2025 NCAA Tournament

As the Lady Vols prepare for the 2025 NCAA tournament, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how they will perform. Their strong resume and historical success provide a solid foundation, but their recent struggles highlight areas that need improvement.

Keys to Success

For the Lady Vols to make a deep run in the tournament, several factors will be crucial:

  • Consistent Performance: Maintaining consistency in their play, especially in close games, will be vital.
  • Leveraging Key Victories: Building on their wins against top teams can provide the confidence and momentum needed.
  • Addressing Weaknesses: Improving their performance in Quad 1 games and minimizing losses to lower-ranked teams.

Potential Matchups

The projected matchups against teams like Grand Canyon and Fairfield present unique challenges and opportunities. How the Lady Vols navigate these early-round games will set the tone for their tournament journey.

For more detailed insights and updates on the Tennessee Lady Vols’ journey in the NCAA tournament, visit Knox News.

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