The Sweet 16 field for the 2023 Women’s NCAA Tournament is set: Miami moving on, FGCU Is Not
The Sweet 16 field for the 2023 Women’s NCAA Tournament is set. Miami is moving on, FGCU is not. And the tournament is missing two #1 seeds.
The Sweet 16 Field is Set after Day 4 and Another 1 Seed was Upset
Indiana was stunned by Miami 70-68 in a thriller that came down to the final seconds. It’s the 2nd time in Tournament history we have had multiple 1 seeds lose before the Sweet 16. Also, it’s first time since 1998.
Miami became the second team in this tournament to take down a 1 seed.
That means for the first time since 1998 multiple 1 seeds have been knocked out before the Sweet 16.
The Hurricanes didn’t just win but they led the game wire-to-wire against the Hoosiers, it’s the first time Indiana had never led at any point in a game this season.
(9) Miami 70, (1) Indiana 68: Craig Shemon Now In A Padded Room
Destiny Harden hit the game-winning basket with 4 seconds on the clock. Hitting game-winning shots is just another day for Harden.
Last year in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals against Louisville she hit a game-winning jumper to send Miami to the semifinals.
Miami built a 41-27 halftime lead, in part, by their ability to put down contested shots. Miami had 21 points in those situations at halftime.
‘The U’ converted just 26% of contested shots in the second half, they landed the one that counted as Harden’s game-winning jumper was contested in the paint.
Miami also managed to push the ball in transition to their advantage, outscoring Indiana 12-4 in the process.
What does this win mean for Miami
1st Sweet 16 appearance since 1992 and 2nd overall
A chance to make the Elite 8 for the first time in program history
2nd AP Top 2 win in program history
Miami has made it to this point by the skin of their teeth, their combined margin of victory in their first two games is just +3.
They beat Oklahoma State by 2 points in the first game and narrowly escaped Indiana by 1 point Monday night.
Their 3-point margin of victory combined through the first two games of the tournament is tied for the 2nd-smallest in Tournament history. Miami will take on the #4 seed Villanova on Friday at 2:30pm.
We will have a full update on Craig Shemon’s state of mind later today on the Shemon and Sheppard Show.
One thing is certain, the Miami Hurricane’s men and women’s hoop teams over the last two days have absolutely dominated the Indiana Hoosiers.
(4) Villanova 76, (12) Florida Gulf Coast 57
Maddy Siegrist had her 16th 30+ point game this season to lead the way for Villanova to clinch their 2nd Sweet 16 in program history.
Siegrist landed 10 of 18 contested shots on Monday for the second consecutive tournament game with 10 made contested attempts and 30 points.
Florida Gulf Coast failed to get pressure in the 2nd half allowing Villanova to pull away as the Eagles contested just 41% of Villanova shots in the second half.
Sha Carter had 11 points and 6 rebounds to lead FGCU. The Lady Eagles finish their season with a 33-4 record.