Where the Lady Vols stood in the most recent March Madness tournament forecasts following their upset of UConn

In the world of women’s college basketball, few upsets have the potential to make as significant a statement as a win over the UConn Huskies, the most dominant program in the history of the NCAA Tournament. When the Tennessee Lady Vols achieved a thrilling victory over UConn earlier this season, it sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball community, making national headlines. For the Lady Vols, this win was a monumental achievement, reaffirming their status as a national contender and elevating their profile in the race for an NCAA Tournament bid.

As Tennessee celebrates this upset, the natural question is: Where do the Lady Vols stand in the latest March Madness tournament forecasts? After all, March Madness is not just about individual game results, but about positioning, consistency, and momentum leading up to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Vols’ victory over UConn could be the tipping point that propels them into a higher seeding, or it could serve as a key momentum booster for a team already on the radar of top-tier basketball analysts. This article will analyze the Lady Vols’ standing following their upset, discuss their projected seeding for March Madness, and examine the factors that could influence their tournament trajectory.

Tennessee Lady Vols’ Big Win Over UConn: What It Means for Their Tournament Hopes

Before diving into the specifics of Tennessee’s current standing in the NCAA Tournament forecasts, it’s essential to reflect on the significance of their victory over UConn. The Lady Vols’ win over the Huskies was not just a win—it was a statement. UConn, under the leadership of head coach Geno Auriemma, has long been the gold standard in women’s college basketball, having secured 11 NCAA championships and producing a steady stream of WNBA talent.

For Tennessee to defeat UConn—especially at a time when the Huskies were still widely considered one of the favorites to win it all—was a major achievement. The Lady Vols executed a game plan that stifled UConn’s offensive flow, capitalized on key moments, and showed resilience in a high-pressure environment. Tennessee’s defense was a standout feature, particularly their ability to contain UConn’s perimeter shooters while forcing turnovers and getting key stops when it mattered most.

But beyond the win itself, Tennessee demonstrated a level of poise, chemistry, and composure that is critical to success in the NCAA Tournament. The victory solidified their place as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball, and with a couple of months remaining until Selection Sunday, it is clear that the Lady Vols will be a team to watch.

Current NCAA Tournament Seeding Forecast for Tennessee

In the immediate aftermath of their upset over UConn, the Lady Vols saw a noticeable shift in their projected seeding for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament. Prior to the win, Tennessee had been hovering around a No. 4 to No. 5 seed in most projections. The UConn victory catapulted them into the conversation for a No. 3 seed, and in some cases, they even cracked the No. 2 seed line in early bracketology reports.

While bracket projections are subject to change based on conference results, strength of schedule, and future performances, the Lady Vols have certainly put themselves in an excellent position to earn a top seed in the tournament. Let’s break down the various factors that will impact their seeding as we move closer to March Madness:

Strength of Schedule and Quality Wins

One of the key factors in determining tournament seeding is a team’s strength of schedule, as well as the number and quality of quadrant 1 wins (wins against top-tier teams). Tennessee’s victory over UConn, which is projected to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, immediately boosts their résumé in a significant way. This win alone could serve as their marquee victory come Selection Sunday, helping to offset any potential losses in the remainder of the regular season.

In addition to the UConn win, the Lady Vols have proven themselves in SEC play, one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball. As of this writing, Tennessee has registered a solid collection of wins against other ranked teams in the SEC, including victories over LSU, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. These wins not only help their case for a top seed but also strengthen their resume in terms of total quality wins.

Looking at their schedule, Tennessee still has the chance to add more significant wins as they close out the regular season and head into the SEC Tournament. Additional wins over Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Alabama, all of whom are also competing for NCAA Tournament bids, would further improve their seeding prospects.

Key Players: Why the Lady Vols Are Ready for a Deep Tournament Run

While Tennessee’s victory over UConn was a team effort, the contributions of several key players cannot be overstated. Jasmine Powell, Jordan Horston, and Sara Puckett are among the standout performers for the Lady Vols, and their ability to step up in the postseason will be essential if Tennessee is to make a deep run in March Madness.

Jasmine Powell

Powell, a senior guard, has been Tennessee’s most consistent offensive force this season. Known for her leadership, basketball IQ, and clutch shooting, Powell is capable of taking over games when necessary. Her ability to run the offense, while also scoring and distributing the ball, makes her a dual threat for opposing defenses. Powell’s experience and composure in high-pressure moments—like the win over UConn—make her one of the most valuable players on the team heading into March Madness.

Jordan Horston

Horston is another key piece for Tennessee, both as a scorer and a rebounder. The junior forward has been critical in Tennessee’s interior defense, while also being a force on the offensive end. Her athleticism and versatility make her difficult to defend, and her ability to create for herself or others in transition is invaluable. In the NCAA Tournament, Horston’s leadership will be essential, as teams with players capable of playing both ends of the floor are more likely to make a deep run.

Sara Puckett

Puckett, a sophomore guard, has emerged as one of the Lady Vols’ top outside shooters, providing Tennessee with the spacing they need to open up driving lanes and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. As teams try to contain Powell and Horston, Puckett’s ability to shoot from deep could prove to be a game-changer for Tennessee in March. She has already demonstrated her clutch shooting ability, and should she continue to play well, Tennessee’s offense becomes all the more potent.

These three players form the core of the Lady Vols’ attack, but they are supported by a talented and deep roster. Players like Tamari Key and Jordyn Cambridge add depth to both the offensive and defensive end, ensuring that Tennessee’s attack remains balanced. With the right contributions from their supporting cast, the Lady Vols are more than capable of making a deep run in March.

What Does Tennessee Need to Do to Lock in a Top Seed?

Though Tennessee is in an excellent position following their upset of UConn, there is still work to be done. To secure a No. 2 seed (or even a No. 1 seed), they will need to:

1. Maintain Consistency in SEC Play

Tennessee cannot afford any more slip-ups in the regular season. They need to maintain their strong performances against teams like LSU, South Carolina, and Mississippi State to ensure they finish with a solid conference record. A few more quality wins against SEC teams could potentially vault them into a No. 2 seed, while finishing strong will help their positioning in the tournament bracket.

2. Perform Well in the SEC Tournament

The SEC Tournament always serves as a key opportunity for teams to strengthen their tournament positioning. For Tennessee, this means making a deep run into the final rounds of the tournament. If the Lady Vols can reach the championship game or win the SEC Tournament, they will further solidify their case for a top seed and prove they are one of the nation’s elite teams heading into March Madness.

3. Avoid Injury and Fatigue

The tournament is long, and with the depth Tennessee has, it is important for players like Powell, Horston, and Puckett to stay healthy and avoid any significant injuries. Maintaining freshness and energy will be key in the grind leading up to Selection Sunday and through the Tournament itself.

Where Will the Lady Vols Land?

Given the strength of Tennessee’s resume, the quality of their roster, and the impressive victory over UConn, the Lady Vols will likely land somewhere between a No. 2 and No. 3 seed in the NCAA Women’s Tournament. If they continue to perform well in the SEC and make a strong showing in the postseason, there’s a chance they could even secure a No. 1 seed. However, given the intense competition in women’s college basketball, especially in the SEC, it will require consistency and no more major losses for Tennessee to jump into the top tier of tournament seeding.

Tennessee Lady Vols’ Road Ahead

The upset over UConn was a pivotal moment for the Tennessee Lady Vols, not just in terms of confidence and morale, but also in shaping their positioning for the NCAA Tournament. With their current standing in the NCAA Tournament forecasts looking promising, the Lady Vols have put themselves in the mix as one of

the premier teams in the country.

The key for Tennessee will be continuing to play with the same level of intensity and focus that has made them successful all season. The Lady Vols have proven that they can hang with the best, and if they remain steady through the remainder of the regular season and in the SEC Tournament, a deep run in March Madness is well within their reach. The upset over UConn was just the beginning—now, Tennessee has to prove it on the biggest stage.