Lady Topper Hoops: Where Will the Lady Toppers Go?

The Conference USA Tournament Champion Western Kentucky Lady Toppers (24–10) have had an amazing year. Before strange, outlying losses in…

The Conference USA Tournament Champion Western Kentucky Lady Toppers (24–10) have had an amazing year. Before strange, outlying losses in the final week of the regular season, the Lady Toppers were looking like at least an 11 seed with a chance at a 10, but two bad losses after having zero until that point really damaged their chances for a great seed.

ESPN has the Lady Toppers as a 13, but I believe WKU should squeak out a 12 seed with its overall schedule strength and quality wins. WKU faced the 119th toughest schedule, going 4–5 against the Top 100 and only eight losses overall, a strong mid-major resume.

The Lady Toppers started out the season blowing the minds of their fans, winning against a #16 ranked Missouri team that kept it up all season and finished as one of the best teams in the SEC, arguably the deepest conference in women’s basketball. WKU then held its own but fell short against Power conference foes Iowa, Notre Dame and Indiana before reeling off seven straight against inferior opponents.

The Lady Toppers struggled against a great Ball State team, but afterwards only lost four games, including the two shockers in the final week. Women’s basketball is much less scrutinized than men, so you do see plenty more surprises and unpredictable seed lines.

WKU could realistically slot in anywhere from an 11 to 14, depending on the opinions of the committee. It’s impossible to predict exactly where and when WKU could play, but when you watch the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Selection Show tonight at 6 p.m., be floored with an 11, pleased with a 12, disgruntled with a 13, and livid with a 14 or lower.