The world of women’s college basketball is heating up as we head into the eagerly anticipated Feast Week. Over the next nine days, fans will be treated to a smorgasbord of thrilling matchups featuring some of the nation’s top-ranked teams. From the sandy shores of the Bahamas to the bright lights of Las Vegas, get ready for an epic week of hoops action that will leave you stuffed with excitement. Here’s your guide to the 26 must-see games that promise to serve up a generous helping of high-stakes drama.
Saturday’s Sizzling Showdowns
The feast begins on Saturday with a mouth-watering matchup between No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 3 USC. These two powerhouses could very well be on a collision course for the NCAA title game, making this an early-season clash that shouldn’t be missed. Meanwhile, the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks put their 43-game winning streak on the line against No. 5 UCLA on Sunday. Dawn Staley’s squad has been battle-tested throughout November, but the Bruins pose a formidable challenge.
Holiday Hoops Across the Map
While the City of Angels steals the spotlight this weekend, there’s no shortage of tantalizing tournaments happening across the globe. The Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas features a stacked field, with No. 18 Baylor and Indiana poised for a potential semifinal showdown. North Carolina, fresh off a loss to UConn, looks to bounce back against a tough Ball State squad led by dynamic scorer Ally Becki.
We’re excited about the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the country. It’s a chance for us to grow, learn, and make a statement on a big stage.
– Lexi Donarski, Iowa State Guard
Meanwhile, Iowa State star Lexi Donarski leads her No. 16-ranked Cyclones into battle at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Florida. A potential matchup with the top-ranked Gamecocks looms large if both teams take care of business. Other intriguing tournaments include the Cancun Challenge, Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands, and the North Shore Showcase in Hawaii.
Key Matchups to Circle
As the week progresses, the intensity ratchets up with each passing day. Keep an eye on these key matchups that could have major implications come March:
- No. 6 Notre Dame vs No. 19 TCU (Cayman Islands Classic)
- No. 2 Iowa vs BYU (Cancun Challenge)
- Florida State vs Gonzaga (Paradise Jam)
- Middle Tennessee vs Iowa State (Gulf Coast Showcase)
The Florida Gulf Coast Showcase championship could feature a finals preview between No. 8 Texas and West Virginia. The Longhorns dominated the Mountaineers when the two last met as Big 12 foes, but WVU’s Jayla Hemmingway is poised for a breakout performance. Finally, don’t sleep on mid-major powerhouses South Dakota State and Drake, both of whom have the potential to score major upsets.
No matter which teams emerge victorious during this basketball bonanza, one thing is certain: Feast Week will provide fans with a hearty helping of hardwood heroics. So clear your schedule, grab a plate piled high with holiday favorites, and settle in for a week’s worth of Women’s college hoops at its finest. The road to the Final Four starts here, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action.
