As the month of March commences, basketball fans anxiously await their version of Christmas: March Madness. 68 teams compete for the title of National Champion this year.

Beyond the court, all eyes will be on the NCAA, for how they make up for the large facility inequity between the men’s and women’s teams last year. Last year, the women’s teams were given one full set of weights and a single stationary bike to be shared throughout all the teams in the COVID bubble hotel during the tournament, whereas the men’s team had an extensive gym and higher quality food. The NCAA is expected to have the same standard for both men and women this year. 

March Madness Favorites

South Carolina, the number one ranked team in the nation right now, are currently the favorites to win it all. They are led by 6-foot power forward Aliyah Boston, who averages 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.  Other teams that are top contenders include Stanford, the defending champs, who are currently ranked 2 overall. Stanford is led by Haley Jones, a 6’1” junior averaging 13 points per game and was named Pac-12 Player of the year last season. Connecticut is also a favorite, a powerhouse team that has won 11 national championships, including their four-peat from 2013-2016.  Iowa is another team that is making their way to being a top contender, coming off of winning the Big Ten Tournament, courtesy of Caitlin Clark, the 6-foot Big Ten Player of the Year leading their pursuit, averaging 27.5 points per game.

2022 Women’s March Madness Schedule:

Play-in games (for 16th seed): March 16-17

First Round (Round of 64): March 18-21

Second Round (Round of 32): March 18-21

Sweet 16: March 25-26

Elite 8: March 27-28

Final 4: April 1

National Championship: April 3

Where to watch 2022 Women’s March Madness:

All games will be shown on ESPN and the ESPN family of networks