NCAAW Tournament Top 16 prediction: 3 Big Ten teams on the 4 seed line

KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 21: Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs guard Morgan William (2) drives past Tennessee Lady Volunteers guard Anastasia Hayes (1) during a game between the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 21, 2018, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Mississippi State defeated the Lady Vols 71-52. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. ALBANY REGION: Connecticut 20-0 (9-0 AAC)

Even with a loss to South Carolina Thursday night, UConn would stay at the No. 1 overall seed. Of course the committee will reveal the true list during halftime of that game, so it doesn’t matter. This is as much of a lock as there is.

2. KANSAS CITY REGION: Mississippi State 22-0 (8-0 SEC)

The only other undefeated team is also the last team to defeat the Huskies. Mississippi State is comfortably in the 2 spot and visits Mizzou Thursday.

3. LEXINGTON REGION: Louisville 22-1 (8-1 ACC)

One point against Florida State is all that stands between the Cardinals and an undefeated record themselves. They are the clear pick for the No. 3 overall team because of their blowout win over Notre Dame and six more against the RPI top 50.

4. SPOKANE REGION: Notre Dame 20-2 (11-2 ACC)

I had Notre Dame as the fourth 1 seed last time and the committee disagreed. Since then, the Irish have beaten Tennessee and won at Florida State. That should be enough to get them the respect they deserve.