Iowa Women's Basketball Bracketology: Late-February Update

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The Iowa Women's Basketball team has rebounded from a three-game losing streak with four consecutive wins, including a major victory over 6th-ranked Michigan. Head coach Jan Jensen has guided the Hawkeyes to a 22-5 overall record and a 13-3 mark in Big Ten play, which has them essentially locked up to host in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in the last six non-covid tournaments. With just two regular season games remaining, the article breaks down where the Hawkeyes stand in the various tournament projections.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes have built a strong resume this season, with a 22-5 overall record and 13-3 mark in Big Ten play. They are projected as a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would allow them to host games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This is a pivotal time of year as teams jockey for position ahead of the conference tournaments and NCAA Tournament.

The details

The article analyzes the Hawkeyes' resume, which includes a 9-0 record against Quad 3 and 4 opponents, 13 Quad 1 and 2 wins, and a high Wins Above Bubble (WAB) metric. They are ranked 6th in WAB and 2nd in average NET ranking of opponents defeated. The article also breaks down the latest bracketology projections, with the Hawkeyes slotted as a 2 seed in the ESPN, CBS, and NCAA.com brackets, facing 15 seed opponents in the first round.

• The Hawkeyes have won four consecutive games after a three-game losing streak.
• The Hawkeyes have two regular season games remaining before the Big Ten Tournament.

What’s next

To stay as a projected 2 seed going into the conference tournament, both Illinois and Wisconsin should be thought of as must-win games for the Hawkeyes.