Underseeded Teams Arrive at UConn for NCAA Showdown
STORRS, Conn. — South Dakota State isn’t alone in feeling resentful about its NCAA tournament seeding as it heads to UConn’s Gampel Pavilion this weekend.
The Jackrabbits (29-3) received a 10-seed despite being ranked in the Top 25 and bringing a 19-game winning streak into the tournament. But consider how this seeding impacts their opponent, Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State, with a record of 25-6 and a 14-4 finish in the Big 12 that includes several victories against ranked teams, only secured a 7-seed. Moreover, they face a rival that many believe is significantly tougher than a typical 10-seed.
Winners in this matchup will face the 11-time champion UConn Huskies, who were controversially awarded a 2-seed despite holding the third position in both rankings and topping the NET rankings.
As the first round approaches, OSU guard Stailee Heard voiced the shared sentiment of both teams: “We’re coming in here underrated. I think that’s been our driving force all season, and it makes us better.” UConn’s legendary coach, Geno Auriemma, acknowledged the common dissatisfaction over seeding, noting the difficulty faced by all teams in the tournament.
OSU coach Jacie Hoyt has experienced the Jackrabbits’ prowess firsthand, having lost all five of her outings against them while coaching at Kansas City. She described SDSU’s skills as an exceptionally tough challenge, stating, “They know how to win and are well-coached and fundamentally sound.”
Both teams share similarities in their approaches. OSU’s defensive strategy mirrors that of the Jackrabbits, adeptly holding opponents to an average of 60 points per game. Both squads excel in moving the ball and can shoot effectively from long range, creating a challenging matchup for their first-round encounter.
Jackrabbits’ Resilience and Hope
South Dakota State aims to capitalize on lessons learned from a previous NCAA tournament experience marred by injuries. Key players Haleigh Timmer and Kallie Theisen, who missed all of last season, return with a fresh sense of gratitude for the opportunity to compete. Timmer remarked, “It definitely puts everything in perspective. I’m super grateful to be back.”
Both coaches anticipate a competitive match, and should the Jackrabbits and UConn advance, it would set the stage for a showdown between long-tenured coaches Auriemma and Johnston, both of whom have fostered successful programs in women’s basketball.
