Jacksonville Dolphins earn No. 16 seed, set to face LSU in NCAA tournament’s first round

The Dolphins return to the NCAA tournament for the first time in ten years to a tough first matchup against the Tigers.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Dolphins women’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade, and the journey begins with one of the toughest challenges in college basketball.

The Dolphins (24-8) have been awarded a No. 16 seed and will face No. 2 seed LSU Tigers women’s basketball (27–5) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The matchup is part of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament Sacramento Region and will be played in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, giving the Tigers home-court advantage.

JU punched its ticket to March Madness after winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, securing the program’s second NCAA Tournament appearance and its first since 2016.

The Dolphins have been powered all season by standout guard Priscilla Williams, who was named the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year. Williams has been a dominant force offensively and a key leader for a JU team that has put together one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Despite entering the tournament as a heavy underdog against an SEC powerhouse, JU carries momentum into the matchup after its championship run in the ASUN tournament. The Dolphins’ balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership will be crucial as they attempt to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest potential upsets.

LSU, a perennial contender from the Southeastern Conference, brings a talented roster and postseason experience into the game. Playing in front of a home crowd in Baton Rouge, the Tigers will look to use their size and depth to advance.

For JU, the opportunity represents more than just a game; it’s a chance to showcase the program on the national stage and continue a season that has already become one of the most memorable in school history.

Tipoff information and broadcast details are expected to be announced soon as the Dolphins prepare for their return to March Madness.