By Ed Peak
The University of Louisville women’s basketball made quick work of Notre Dame Sunday, wrapping up their fourth Atlantic Coast Conference championship in as many years. Only for the Cardinals to learn a few minutes later that they were considered no better than a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Mark Packer of the ACC Network was beside himself on his Monday morning telecast.
“Yes, the NCAA Selection Committee thinks this team is a three seed. Please. You folks whoever you are need to open your eyes and watch some games. This is not a three seed. This is a team ranked No. 1 in the country at one point and time. This team wins this year because Ms. Dana (Evans) takes are of business. Whoever thinks this team is a three seed. You have no clue what you are doing. I’m that critical because that team can flat out play. Come on. A three seed.”
“You’re right about that,” said his broadcast partner Wes Durham.
Evans completed her play in ACC regular season play as a four-year champion. That’s dynasty type stuff. Scoring 26 points in front of family and friends who made the drive from Gary, Indiana to South Bend. If Evans is not Player of the Year, there is no justice. What makes Evans great she makes other people on her team better.
Evans and her teammates are thinking about the future. First, the ACC Tournament this week in Charlotte. The Cardinals don’t play until Friday at noon.
Then the focus turns to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Jeff Walz makes a good point. The seedings don’t carry as much weight this season because all games will be in San Antonio, Texas. Normally Louisville would host at least two games the first week. Not this year. Everyone goes to the bubble. That will be challenging in itself. No positive Coronavirus test for at least three weeks.
This Louisville team has looked like a Final Four team except for a few exceptions. In the conference tournament I look for North Carolina State, North Carolina, Florida State and Virginia Tech to be tough outs. Texas A&M, South Carolina, UCONN, Baylor do have strong resumes.
But Louisville a three seed? Come on.