Duke wasn't rewarded with a No. 1 seed when the selection committee released the bracket for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Sunday, but the Blue Devils got a consolation prize of playing their first two games in Chapel Hill.
The Blue Devils, who will play in their 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament, are in the Chattanooga Region and will face Canisus in the first round Sunday. Times will be released Monday.
Louisiana State, which spent most of the season as the top-ranked team, is the No. 1 seed in the Chattanooga bracket. Texas, a team that was ranked as high as second in the nation, looms as a potential Sweet 16 matchup for the Blue Devils.
"Our region appears to be the toughest region," head coach Gail Goestenkors said. "I am just excited. You are going to have to beat those teams anyway during the tournament so it doesn't matter. I think our conference has prepared us to play against every style possible in the tournament."
No. 5 Duke likely lost a No. 1 seed when it fell in the ACC Tournament finals to North Carolina March 7, the third loss to the Tar Heels this season. Still, the Blue Devils are familiar with the Dean Smith Center.
"I hope playing in Chapel Hill will work to our benefit," Goestenkors said. "Our players can sleep in their own beds, go to class and keep a normal routine. We don't have to travel and need to use it to our advantage."
Tennessee, UNC and Michigan State picked up the tournament's other No. 1 seeds while top-ranked Stanford is a No. 2 seed. Seven ACC teams also made the field of 64.
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