The Iowa Hawkeyes have suddenly found themselves back near the top of the NCAA Tournament bracket after an incredible home win against the Indiana Hoosiers to wrap up the regular season. Headed into the Big Ten Tournament, the Hawkeyes look to lock in their seeding, if not improve it even more.
In ESPN’s most recent NCAA Women’s Bracketology, the Iowa Hawkeyes once again find themselves as a No. 2 seed after there were questions of if they could fall down to a No. 3 seed. The win over the Hoosiers padded their resume and has them all but locked in here.
Holding onto this No. 2 seed is massive as it grants Iowa the opportunity to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at home inside Carver Hawkeye Arena. It has been venue that has been electric in supporting them and would undoubtedly sell out for this first two games.
The Hawkeyes are currently drawing No. 15 seed Jackson State who is projected to be the automatic qualifier coming out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Should Iowa handle their business there, their second round matchup is projected to be the winner of No. 7 Ole Miss and No. 10 Kansas.
That said, there is still a chance at a No. 1seed if things break the right way for the Hawkeyes. Iowa doesn’t play until Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT in the Big Ten Tournament as they earned the double-bye. They will draw Wisconsin or Purdue, teams they are undefeated against this year. That win locks in the No. 2 seed. If they can get to the title game and defend their Big Ten title, there is the argument to be made for the Hawkeyes stealing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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