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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — UConn coach Geno Auriemma is ripping the double-regional format being used in the women’s NCAA Tournament, saying it doesn’t make sense for the teams still playing or for efforts to grow the game.
Auriemma brought up attendance, bad shooting percentages and teams having to come to the arena early and late on the same day while taking aim at the format that’s in place for a fourth year, and set to continue for at least five more.
“Well, I think the first question you’d have to ask is why did they go from four (sites) to two. What was the rationale?” the 12-time national champion coach said Saturday. “If they can explain it legitimately and then prove that it works, then great. So what was the reason?”
The NCAA said in a statement to The Associated Press that attendance and ticket sales are up since the move to two regional sites, and an analysis by the women’s basketball committee determined a return to four sites likely would mean fewer bids and smaller markets.
“The women’s basketball committee will continue to work with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors and other college sports leaders in doing what’s best to grow the game,” the NCAA said.
The defending national champion Huskies (37-0), the overall No. 1 seed, play Notre Dame (25-10) in ...
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