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Women’s basketball bracketology: Gonzaga falls with loss and injury

By Russell Steinberg

SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 28: Head coach Lisa Fortier of the Gonzaga Bulldogs directs her players in the game against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 28, 2015 in Spokane, Washington. Tennessee defeated Gonzaga 73-69 in overtime. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 28: Head coach Lisa Fortier of the Gonzaga Bulldogs directs her players in the game against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 28, 2015 in Spokane, Washington. Tennessee defeated Gonzaga 73-69 in overtime. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Injuries drop Gonzaga to the 6 line

Just when you thought we might have some clarity at the top of the bracket, something weird happens.

BYU knocking off Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference championship game was surprising, but not shocking. Under normal circumstances, it would have solidified the Zags as a 5 seed, rather than a 4, and we’d move on with our lives. Only, Gonzaga lost Laura Stockton and Jill Townsend to injuries in its semifinal win over Saint Mary’s. There has been no official word on their availabilities for the NCAA Tournament, but it didn’t look great. That needs to be taken into account (for now. If we learn they will both be available next week, Gonzaga will move up).

Remember: When seeding teams, the committee looks at the personnel that a team has for the tournament. Today, we can pencil in Gonzaga as a dangerous 6, subject to change.

Something else to watch: The MAC Tournament quarterfinals tip off today. It’s highly unlikely that the league will get four teams in the NCAA Tournament, even if that’s what they have right now. Teams are going to lose. That may start today.

Bracket Breakdown:

Last Four In:

Buffalo
Miami OH
Tennessee
Kansas State

First Four Out:

Auburn
West Virginia
Saint Mary’s
TCU

Procedural Bumps:

Rutgers from an 8 to a 7
DePaul from a 7 to an 8

Wednesday games to watch:

(all times Eastern)

Kent State vs. Buffalo, 2:30 p.m.
Northern Illinois vs. Ohio, 5 p.m.
Toledo vs. Miami (OH), 7:30 p.m.
Wyoming vs. Boise State, 10 p.m.

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