Baylor women's basketball hosts NCAA Tournament games again

Nikki Collen, the head coach of the Baylor women's basketball team, is excited as her team prepares for the NCAA Tournament. This year, Baylor is hosting early-round games for the first time since Collen took over in 2021. The Bears, with a record of 27-7, felt the pressure after a disappointing tournament three years ago, when they lost in the second round. Collen spoke briefly because of her raspy voice but emphasized the importance of playing at home. She mentioned the advantages of having familiar surroundings, supportive fans, and a routine that helps the team perform better. Baylor's first-round opponent is Grand Canyon, a team that has won 30 games in a row. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, a key player who has been injured, is expected to return but will have restrictions on her playing time. Her teammate, Aaronette Vonleh, highlighted the team's ability to adapt and perform well even without Buggs. Meanwhile, the Ole Miss Rebels, seeded fifth, expressed their gratitude for being in the tournament again despite not hosting games. Grand Canyon's leading scorer, Trinity San Antonio, talked about the importance of focusing on basketball rather than team names. Meanwhile, Ball State is returning to the NCAA Tournament after 16 years, hoping to replicate the success of their last appearance when they upset a higher-seeded team. As March Madness approaches, teams are ready to compete and chase their championship dreams.