Portland, Oregon – The women’s NCAA Tournament at Moda Center faced a unique challenge with a discrepancy in the 3-point line distance on each end of the court that went unnoticed during four games over two days. It wasn’t until Texas and North Carolina State were set to face off in the Elite Eight matchup on Sunday that the issue was brought to light.
Coaches from both teams opted to proceed with the game despite the mismatched 3-point lines rather than delaying the matchup. North Carolina State emerged victorious with a 76-66 win over Texas, securing a spot in the Final Four. The NCAA acknowledged the error in a statement.
The discrepancy in the 3-point lines at Moda Center was only discovered shortly before the Texas-N.C. State game, prompting discussions among NCAA staff, women’s basketball committee members, and the head coaches. It was decided to play the game as scheduled to avoid any delays.
Following the Elite Eight game, all court lines were to be re-measured to ensure accuracy for the upcoming matchup between Southern California and UConn. While the NCAA’s vendor apologized for the error, investigations were underway to determine how the discrepancy occurred and to prevent similar issues in the future.
Despite the court issue, the women’s NCAA Tournament has seen exceptional play. However, it has also been marred by distractions such as a referee being pulled out at halftime, instances of harassment, and controversial incidents involving players and coaches.
The discrepancy in the 3-point lines added another layer of drama to the tournament, with coaches expressing disappointment in the oversight but acknowledging the need to move forward. Players seemed unaffected by the difference in court markings, with standout performances like Aziaha James’ career-high 3-point shots for North Carolina State.
As the NCAA works to rectify the court markings, teams have shown varying success rates shooting from the different ends of the floor. The unique situation has sparked discussion among coaches and players about the impact of the closer 3-point line on shooting accuracy and strategy.
While the court issue at Moda Center presented a challenge, teams have adapted and continued to deliver competitive performances in the tournament. The focus remains on the game itself, with players and coaches adjusting to the circumstances to showcase their skills and determination on the court.