Fansided

5 mid-major women’s college basketball teams that can make serious noise

By Justin Carter

Belmont forward Madison Bartley (3) attempts a shot during a second round NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship game between No. 4 Tennessee and No. 12 Belmont at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Monday, March 21, 2022.Kns Ncaa Lady Vols Belmont
Belmont forward Madison Bartley (3) attempts a shot during a second round NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship game between No. 4 Tennessee and No. 12 Belmont at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Monday, March 21, 2022.Kns Ncaa Lady Vols Belmont /
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Nov 21, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) shoots the ball against Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (22) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Stanford won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Yvonne Ejim (15) shoots the ball against Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (22) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Stanford won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Gonzaga (AP RV)

In men’s college basketball, Gonzaga is a household name, but its women’s program isn’t quite at that level…yet. What the team is, however, is a constant threat to make it to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs have made the last five tournaments, and they probably would have made it in 2020 if there had been a tournament, as they were 28-3 but lost in the WCC semifinals to Portland.

Gonzaga had one of the best defenses in the country last year, allowing 56.1 points per game. The offense ranked 77th in scoring despite the fact that the team was only 324th in pace — their offensive rating of 104.4 was 18th in Division I.

Three Gonzaga players — Yvonne Ejim, Kayleigh Truong and Kaylynne Truong — are on the WCC’s preseason team. Ejim was the conference’s Sixth Woman of the Year last season. The Bulldogs received nine first-place votes in the league’s preseason poll.