Here we go again. It’s the third season of the NCAA’s so-called “super regional” format, and let’s just say, not everyone’s a fan. The format has sent Huskies and Tigers across the country once and possibly back again. Reaching this stage is a massive achievement, no doubt about it. But questions have been raised regarding if it is fair to make teams, fans, and families take on a logistical nightmare just to experience it. Geno Auriemma has been saying no for a while now, and Kim Mulkey just hopped on that train too.
LSU had to travel more than 2,000 miles from Baton Rouge to Spokane for its Sweet 16 matchup against No. 2 NC State. The Tigers got the job done, beating the Wolfpack 80-73, and now they’re set for an Elite Eight showdown against UCLA. And if they win, they’ll have to pack up and fly across the country again to Tampa Bay for the Final Four.
Sounds exhausting, right? Well, it didn’t always work like this. The men’s tournament still follows the traditional four-regional setup, but the women’s side it’s just two sites, forcing teams into these long-haul trips.
Auriemma has always been against this format but this time, in his long monologue, he straight-up attacked authorities. “Whoever came up with this super regional stuff – and I know who they are – ruined the game. They did. They ruined the game. Half the country has no chance to get to a game in person,” he said.
Kim Mulkey echoed this sentiment from Geno Auriemma today.
“We sold our soul too early. This game has gotten better, and man, if you still had four regionals, can you imagine the attendance?” https://t.co/j63QDYMu70
— Reed Darcey (@byreeddarcey) March 29, 2025
Mulkey was right there with him. “I agree with Geno on everything he said about these super regionals only being in two places. We sold our soul too early,” she said. “This game has gotten better. And, man, if you still had four regionals, can you imagine the attendance? I know our fan base. They can’t afford to come to Spokane. But they could if it was a little bit closer.”
She didn’t stop there, calling on the NCAA to fix it now instead of waiting for the current deal to expire. Will the NCAA listen? Who knows. For the time being, the NCAA has already locked in locations for the next four years: Fort Worth and Sacramento in 2026, Philly and Vegas in 2027, and Portland and D.C. in 2028. So it looks like the back-and-forth isn’t ending anytime soon.
And if you remember, for Mulkey, this isn’t just about just her players, she has started this new trend of flying her practice squad with her too. As this season marks the first time the NCAA has allowed women’s teams to travel with practice players for away games, the Tigers coach wasted no time going an extra mile. So, for her, it’s about doing whatever it takes to give her squad an edge.
And if she wants to repeat the same in their trip to the Final Four, she might have to think for like a thousand times because flying cross-country. However, she might not have to worry about the trip at all because the experts think their run could end right here.
Kim Mulkey’s Tigers predicted to lose Elite Eight battle
Mulkey and her squad are fresh off that hard-fought Sweet 16 win over NC State, but they don’t have much time to celebrate. Less than 24 hours after punching their ticket to the Elite Eight, they’re back on the court, staring down a powerhouse UCLA team.
LSU has one massive problem to deal with—Lauren Betts. The 6’7” center has been dominating the tournament, and if the Tigers can’t slow her down, it could be a long night. LSU’s Aneesah Morrow will hear their hands full.
Here’s the not-so-great news for LSU fans. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor is not on their side. UCLA has a 66.5% chance to win, while LSU is sitting at just 33.5%. Ouch. The Bruins have steamrolled their way through the tournament so far, winning their first three games by an average of 23 points.
Hence, the prediction is that LSU will fall behind early, make a push in the second half, but ultimately run out of steam. And just like that, their season would end in the Elite Eight for the second straight year.
Jan 19, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey looks on against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
But this is March Madness. Anything can happen, right? LSU has been on fire, scoring over 100 points in both of their first two tournament games. They demolished San Diego State 103-48 and then took down Florida State 101-71. Against NC State, they put together a clutch 10-0 run in the final two minutes to seal the win.
And not to forget, Morrow. She’s been balling this tournament, averaging 22.7 points, 14 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. With her leading the charge, LSU still has a shot. So, will Mulkey and her Tigers prove the doubters wrong? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
The post Kim Mulkey Agrees Selling Soul to NCAA as She Joins Geno Auriemma’s Hate Against Super Regional Bid appeared first on EssentiallySports.
