Rule change gives top seed in NCAA women’s tourney most rest for Final Four after Staley’s criticism

The overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Women’s Tournament will get preferential treatment moving forward, a response to South Carolina coach Dawn Staley's concerns and criticism. The Division I Women’s Basketball Committee voted unanimously Friday to place the tournament's top seed in a regional pod with game days on Friday and Sunday, ensuring the most rest possible for the No. 1 seed between the regional final and for the Women's Final Four. Staley approached broadcast partner ESPN and NCAA officials about the issue at the Southeastern Conference's spring meetings in Destin, Florida, in May.