Notre Dame helps USC — you read that right: The Irish come through for the Trojans
Notre Dame helping USC? Why would the Fighting Irish do that? They were playing Virginia Tech on Thursday night. The key point to make here is that Virginia Tech is battling USC women’s basketball for a potential No. 1 seed in the 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament. The Irish knocked off Virginia Tech, giving USC a boost.
“As impressive as Notre Dame’s win at UConn earlier this season was, it was a nonconference game. What ultimately matters is how you do against your conference foes, and the Irish had a tough one in No. 5 Virginia Tech on Thursday at Purcell Pavilion. It turned out not to matter as the Irish upset the Hokies in convincing fashion, 71-58.
“Not only did the Irish (22-6, 12-5) keep the Hokies (23-5, 14-3) from clinching the outright ACC title and snap their 10-game winning streak, but they kept their hopes for a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament alive. A loss would have caused those hopes to hang by a thread at best, but that’s not the case.
“This game featured eight lead changes, all in the first quarter. The Irish never trailed again after KK Bransford made a layup late in that first quarter.”
USC’s path to a No. 1 seed just opened up a little more. While we thank Notre Dame, let’s look at what’s ahead for the Trojans in their fight for a top seed in March Madness:
USC'S PATH TO A NO. 1 SEED
It is non-negotiable: USC must win its next three games to be in play for a No. 1 seed. If the Trojans lose to Arizona State, or in their Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinal, or in their Pac-12 semifinal, they will fall short. If they win those three, they will be under consideration for a top seed. If they win the Pac-12 Tournament and grab four wins before the selection show, they will very likely be a No. 1 seed.
COMPETITORS FOR A NO. 1 SEED
Iowa is a foremost competitor for USC in the battle for a No. 1 seed. If the Hawkeyes lose to Ohio State on March 3, USC’s chances of getting a top seed go up. Follow Hawkeyes Wire for more coverage.
TEXAS
Texas is another foremost competitor for a No. 1 seed. The Longhorns might need to win out to put maximum pressure on USC in the battle for a top seed. Follow Longhorns Wire for more coverage.
PAC-12 TOURNAMENT
The great thing about the Pac-12 Tournament from a USC perspective is that every win will boost USC’s resume. USC will play a good team in the quarterfinals, and great teams in the semifinals and — should it get there — the final on Sunday, March 10. Winning the Pac-12 Tournament, if USC can pull it off, would substantially boost the resume and give the Trojans the inside track to a top seed. The event starts next Wednesday, March 6, in Las Vegas.
POSSIBLE RUBBER MATCH WITH UCLA
Oregon State’s loss to Stanford has USC and UCLA tied for second in the Pac-12 heading into the regular-season finale on Saturday. If both the Trojans and Bruins win on Saturday, they will be bracketed to meet in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. If they do meet in the semis, the winner of that game could be a No. 1 seed. Follow UCLA Wire for more Bruins coverage.
