In the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, the field is down to the Sweet Sixteen — and it's not all the usual suspects. Steve Inskeep talks to USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan about the competition.
STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Christine, good morning once again.</s>M: Good morning, Steve.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: So how's Oklahoma doing with all that money on the line?</s>M: Well, they're in the Sweet 16. Oklahoma plays Pittsburgh on Sunday, and if they win that game it'll be the winner of Rutgers or Purdue to get to the Final Four. So Courtney Paris, right now, they're on pace to probably get to the Final Four, I would think. And then they might run into UConn, the best team in the country. And that could be a problem for Courtney Paris.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Was she aware when she made this promise that hardly anybody wins the national championship except for UConn, maybe one or two other teams?</s>M: And frankly she's getting a lot of publicity and a lot of compliments, Steve, as I think she should. It's a bit of a stunt, but I kind of like the fact she did it. It's different and it shows that these women are understanding of the meaning of a scholarship, what it's worth, and they're appreciative of it.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Is she playing up to her own promise here?</s>M: ...the reality is...</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Well, she just has to add 28 more points onto her game.</s>M: Right. And she's got a sister playing, too, Ashley, her twin. So, you know, between them maybe the Paris family can get going. But it's - this is not going to be an easy one, but it certainly made for a lot of discussion. And for a sport, women's basketball, it doesn't get a lot of attention at this time - totally overwhelmed by the men's game - it's a breath of fresh air and kind of fun to talk about.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: I understand you're a little upset about a particular basketball fan who's only paying attention to the men or said to be.</s>M: There are two tournaments going on right now. And even if one completely overshadows the other, wouldn't it be nice if the president showed some interest in that one that's a bit smaller. And for those littler girls who are playing basketball in the driveway, maybe say to them I care about your tournament, too. So hopefully next year the president will do the women's tournament bracket.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Christine, if you're doing your own bracket, there is Connecticut, the perennial favorite. Anybody else you'd expect to see definitely in the Final Four or almost definitely?</s>M: Having said that, I think UConn's going to win it and I think they're going to win it with ease this year. But more teams are bubbling to the surface and newer names, and that makes it more fun and a little bit more difficult to pick - except not this year because of UConn.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Christine Brennan of USA Today. Thanks very much.</s>M: Thank you, Steve.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: This is NPR News.