The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship was a thrilling tournament that showcased the best of women's college basketball. The event took place from March 17 to April 4, 2017, and featured 64 teams competing for the national title. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the championship, highlighting the winners, key players, and memorable moments from the tournament.
The Road to the Championship
The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship began with 64 teams vying for the top spot. The tournament was divided into four regions: Bridgeport, Oklahoma City, Lexington, and Stockton. The teams played a single-elimination format, with the winners advancing to the next round and the losers being eliminated. The regional finals took place on March 25-27, with the winners advancing to the Final Four.
The Final Four
The Final Four teams were South Carolina, Mississippi State, Stanford, and Connecticut. These teams competed in the national semifinals on March 31 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. In the first semifinal game, South Carolina defeated Stanford 62-53, while Mississippi State upset top-seeded Connecticut 66-64 in overtime.
The Championship Game
The championship game took place on April 2, 2017, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game featured South Carolina and Mississippi State, with the Bulldogs seeking their first national title. In a thrilling matchup, Mississippi State defeated South Carolina 67-55, capturing their first NCAA women's basketball championship.
The Champions: Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Mississippi State Bulldogs, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, made history by winning their first NCAA women's basketball championship. The team was led by senior guard Morgan William, who scored 41 points in the championship game and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. The Bulldogs' championship marked the first national title in program history and capped off an incredible postseason run.
Key Players
The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship featured several standout players who made significant contributions to their teams' success. Some notable players include:
- Morgan William (Mississippi State): The senior guard was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, leading the Bulldogs to their first national title.
- A'ja Wilson (South Carolina): The junior forward was a dominant force for the Gamecocks, averaging 22.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during the tournament.
- Gabby Williams (Connecticut): The junior forward was a key player for the Huskies, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during the tournament.
Memorable Moments
The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship was filled with memorable moments that will be remembered for years to come. Some of the most notable moments include:
- Mississippi State's overtime upset of Connecticut in the national semifinals, which marked the Bulldogs' first win over the Huskies in program history.
- Morgan William's game-winning shot in the national semifinals, which sent the Bulldogs to the championship game.
- The Bulldogs' championship celebration, which marked the first national title in program history.
Legacy of the 2017 Championship
The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship left a lasting impact on the sport. The tournament showcased the growth and development of women's college basketball, with several teams and players making history throughout the event. The championship also highlighted the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance, inspiring young athletes and fans around the country.
Conclusion
The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship was an unforgettable event that showcased the best of women's college basketball. From the thrilling matchups to the memorable moments, the tournament will be remembered for years to come. The Mississippi State Bulldogs' championship victory marked a historic moment for the program, and their success will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Women's NCAA Basketball Championship in 2017?
The South Carolina Gamecocks won the Women's NCAA Basketball Championship in 2017, defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 67-55 in the championship game.
Where was the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship held?
The 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Who was the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship?
A'ja Wilson, a forward from the University of South Carolina, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship.
What was the score of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game?
The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 67-55 in the championship game.
Who coached the South Carolina Gamecocks to their 2017 NCAA Championship?
Dawn Staley coached the South Carolina Gamecocks to their 2017 NCAA Championship.
What was the date of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game?
The 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game was played on April 2, 2017.
How many points did A'ja Wilson score in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
A'ja Wilson scored 23 points in the 2017 NCAA Championship game.
What was the attendance for the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game?
The attendance for the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game was 19,229.
Who were the starters for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
The starters for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2017 NCAA Championship game were A'ja Wilson, Alaina Coates, Kaela Davis, Allisha Gray, and Bianca Cuevas-Moore.
What was the halftime score of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game?
The halftime score of the 2017 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship game was South Carolina 36, Mississippi State 26.
How many rebounds did A'ja Wilson have in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
A'ja Wilson had 10 rebounds in the 2017 NCAA Championship game.
What was the margin of victory for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
The margin of victory for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2017 NCAA Championship game was 12 points.
Who was the leading scorer for Mississippi State in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
Morgan William was the leading scorer for Mississippi State in the 2017 NCAA Championship game, with 21 points.
How many assists did Bianca Cuevas-Moore have in the 2017 NCAA Championship game?
Bianca Cuevas-Moore had 4 assists in the 2017 NCAA Championship game.
What was the record for the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2016-2017 season?
The South Carolina Gamecocks finished the 2016-2017 season with a record of 33-4.
How many NCAA Championships has Dawn Staley won as a coach?
Dawn Staley has won one NCAA Championship as a coach, in 2017.
What is the name of the arena where the South Carolina Gamecocks play their home games?
The South Carolina Gamecocks play their home games at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
How many times has South Carolina appeared in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game?
The 2017 NCAA Championship game was the first time South Carolina had appeared in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game.
Who was the runner-up in the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship?
The Mississippi State Bulldogs were the runner-up in the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.
What is the name of the conference that South Carolina belongs to?
South Carolina belongs to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
How many NCAA Tournament appearances has South Carolina made?
South Carolina has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.
What is the name of the South Carolina Gamecocks' mascot?
The South Carolina Gamecocks' mascot is Cocky.
How many fans attended the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game?
19,229 fans attended the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game.
What was the TV ratings for the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game?
The TV ratings for the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game were a 2.4 overnight rating, with 3.8 million viewers.
How many teams participated in the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship?
64 teams participated in the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.
What is the name of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship trophy?
The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship trophy is called the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship Trophy.
