- March Madness 2024 -

Top 13 Early Non-Conference Women's Basketball Matchups

As the women's college basketball season approaches, here are 13 must-watch early-season non-conference matchups to keep an eye on.

Aflac Oui Play — Nov. 4th, Opening day
⚬ USC vs. Ole Miss ⚬
⚬ UCLA vs. Louisville ⚬

Ally Tipoff in Charlotte — Nov. 10th
⚬ South Carolina vs. NC State ⚬

Kentucky vs. Louisville — Nov. 16th - This fierce in-state rivalry is consistently intense, with both programs having rich histories. Kentucky is developing a competitive team, while Louisville remains a staple among the top programs. The stakes in these games are often high, and the passionate local pride enhances the overall atmosphere.

USC vs. Notre Dame — Nov. 23rd - USC and Notre Dame both boast rich traditions alongside emerging talents in the sport. This matchup highlights impressive recruiting classes and exciting players. With Notre Dame's historic program and USC's revival, anticipate a competitive game that captures the essence of March Madness.

UCLA vs. South Carolina — Nov. 24th - UCLA and South Carolina are two dominant programs that have experienced recent success. This matchup will showcase the strategic approaches of both coaches—South Carolina's Dawn Staley and Close—as well as some of the top athletes in college basketball. The clash between the West Coast and the SEC consistently captures attention and will carry important implications for the rankings.

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Alabama tops Andy Katz's preseason Power 37 rankings.

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season draws near, Andy Katz unveils his preseason Power 37 rankings. Due to the Pac-12's dissolution, there are now 37 at-large bids available for the NCAA tournament, reducing the number of automatic qualifiers to 31. Keep an eye out this season, as Katz will regularly update his Power 37 rankings starting with the season’s launch on Nov. 4.

As we approach the final season featuring an extra COVID year, numerous veteran stars have returned, eager for one last opportunity with their teams. This could be one of the most competitive seasons fans have witnessed in quite some time. Now, let’s dive into Katz's preseason rankings:

1. Alabama: Nate Oats has brought back veteran Mark Sears to help lead the Tide toward the Final Four. Joining Sears and March Madness standout Grant Nelson are impactful transfers Houston Mallette, Chris Youngblood, Aden Holloway, and Cliff Omoruyi, all expected to play significant roles in Alabama's experienced lineup as they aim for another deep tournament run.


2. Kansas: Like Alabama, Bill Self has brought back veteran Hunter Dickinson to lead the Jayhawks, whose last season was hindered by injuries. Kansas also retained KJ Adams and Dajuan Harris while adding talented transfers AJ Storr, Zeke Mayo, and Rylan Griffen. If the Jayhawks can stay healthy, they should be well-positioned for a title run.


3. Gonzaga: Mark Few's team aims for its 26th straight tournament appearance, which seems likely given the talent the Bulldogs have returning. Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike will be key players as the Zags continue their quest for the program's first national title.


4. UConn: Although the Huskies lost several players to the draft, Dan Hurley has reloaded in pursuit of UConn's third consecutive title. He brought back key contributors Alex Karaban, Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, and Solomon Ball, along with five-star freshman recruit Liam McNeeley.


5. Duke: Jon Scheyer has secured the top recruiting class in the country, featuring four five-star recruits, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. With Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor returning, the Blue Devils are well-positioned for another championship run.


6. Houston: Kelvin Sampson is bringing back LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp to guide the Cougars through a challenging Big 12. Houston is expected to field another defensively strong team as they aim for a deep tournament run.


7. Iowa State: TJ Otzelberger transformed a program that finished 2-22 in 2020-2021 into a 29-8 team that won the Big 12 championship last year. With the return of their backcourt duo, Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert, the Cyclones are well-positioned to contend for another Big 12 and national title.

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Also known as the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, is scheduled to take place from March 19 to April 8, 2024.

Here are the key dates and locations for the tournament:

- Selection Sunday: March 17, 2024.

- First Four: March 19-20, 2024, at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

- First and Second Rounds:
Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 21-23, 2024.
CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 21-23, 2024.
PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 21-23, 2024.
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington, on March 21-23, 2024.
Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on March 22-24, 2024.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 22-24, 2024.

- Sweet 16 and Elite Eight:
Albany, New York (Times Union Center), March 29 - April 1, 2024. Portland, Oregon (Moda Center), March 29 - April 1, 2024.

- Final Four and Championship Game:
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Final Four: April 6, 2024. Championship Game: April 8, 2024.

*subject to change

In 2023, UConn's No. 4 seed secured their fifth national championship with a decisive 76-59 victory over San Diego State. Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins, playing as forward and guard, respectively, played crucial roles in the Huskies' success, leading the team to an average winning margin of 20 points per game.

The 2023 March Madness men's tournament was marked by numerous unexpected outcomes. For the very first time in tournament history, all four No. 1 seeds were eliminated before the Elite Eight, with No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU) stunningly knocking out Purdue in the first round. This marked only the second instance of a 16 seed defeating a No. 1 seed since the tournament expanded to 64 teams. The Final Four consisted of No. 4 UConn, No. 5 SDSU, No. 5 Miami (FL), and No. 9 Florida Atlantic (FAU), notably lacking any top three seeds.

March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans

As the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament begins, many people turn to prop betting as a way to add even more excitement to the games. Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers that are not directly related to the outcome of the game itself. Instead, they focus on specific events or outcomes that may occur during the game, such as which player will score the first basket or how many three-pointers a team will make.

If you're new to prop betting and are interested in trying it out during March Madness, here's a beginner's guide to help you get started:

Understand the Different Types of Prop Bets
Prop bets can vary widely, and it's important to understand the different types of bets that are available. Some prop bets may be based on specific players, while others may focus on the team as a whole. Some prop bets may also be based on specific events that occur during the game, such as the number of fouls or the number of three-pointers made.

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Research the Teams and Players
Before placing any prop bets, it's important to do your research on the teams and players involved in the game. Look at their stats and performance throughout the season, as well as any injuries or other factors that may affect their performance.

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Consider the Odds
Like with any form of betting, prop bets have odds associated with them. The odds will vary depending on the specific bet and the sportsbook you're using. Understanding the odds can help you make more informed decisions when placing bets.

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Start Small
If you're new to prop betting, it's best to start small and gradually work your way up. Place small bets on a few props to start and see how it goes. As you become more comfortable with prop betting and gain more experience, you can increase your bets accordingly.

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Have Fun!
Prop betting is meant to add even more excitement to the game, so make sure to enjoy yourself! Don't take it too seriously and remember that it's ultimately a form of entertainment.

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Some popular prop bets during March Madness include:

Which team will score the first basket?

Which player will score the most points?

How many three-pointers will a team make?

Will the game go into overtime?

Will a player foul out during the game?

Overall, prop betting can be a fun way to add even more excitement to March Madness. Just remember to do your research, start small, and most importantly, have fun!