The 2014 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament begins this weekend, and for the first time in the history of men's or women's college basketball, this tournament could conclude with a showdown between two teams with perfect records. Â The ACC-winning Fighting Irish from Notre Dame and the UConn Huskies, a school that has won the tournament as an undefeated four times before, could square off on April 8 in Nashville, but not if the four teams they are set to face before then have anything to say about it.
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Last year, while both still members of the storied Big East Conference, Notre Dame defeated UConn in 3 of their 3 meetings. Unfortunately for the Irish, UConn's victory came during the tournament semi-final (UConn would go on to win the 2013 National Championship).
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Still, the tournament, as always, promises to be an exciting one, with a few notable players to look out for:
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If you like swag, look no further than Tennessee's Meighan Simmons. Â The Lady Vols senior guard's energy will have to stay up to help lead her team through the highly competitive Louisville region.
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Chiney Ogwumike. Â Not only is her name really fun to say, it's also the first we may be hearing at the 2014 WNBA draft. Â While the Cardinal may not be a final four caliber this year, Chiney is one player we've got our eyes on.
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Breanna Stewart. Â This 6'4" guard is a pioneer in versatility. Â With an unguardable three-point shot, Stewart is also a beast under the boards, making her one of the toughest to go toe to toe with in the tournament.
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My pick: Â The Irish. Â Notre Dame has faced heartbreak after heartbreak in recent tournament history, and it's time Muffet McGraw hoisted another trophy. Â Their biggest challenge will undoubtedly be their final game, which would pit them against either the UConn Huskies, or any time strong enough to take down that Goliath.
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Tournament play starts this Saturday on ESPN2.