The California Golden Bears have drawn a very tough assignment to try and get out of the second weekend of play. They have the dreaded eight spot, meaning for Cal to get to the Sweet 16, they must beat the toughest first round opponent they have, then manage a titanic upset over a number one seed on their home court. Cal must not only beat Iowa in what amounts to a tough road environment in the Midwest, but then must beat Notre Dame in Notre Dame in all likelihood. Tough times.
Here's the full first round bracket schedule in the Raleigh Region, where Cal will be playing.
No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 16 Liberty, Sunday 11:30 AM ET, ESPN2 (Notre Dame)
No. 8 California vs. No. 9 Iowa, Sunday 9:10 AM ET, ESPN2 (Notre Dame)
No. 5 St. Bonaventure vs. No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast, Sunday 11:30 AM ET, ESPN2 (Tallahassee)
No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 13 Marist, Sunday 9:05 AM ET, ESPN2 (Tallahassee)
No. 6 Arkansas vs. No. 11 Dayton, Saturday 1:05 PM PT, ESPN2 (College Station)
No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 14 Albany, Saturday 3:30 PM PT, ESPN2 (College Station)
No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 10 Michigan State, Saturday 10:30 AM PT, ESPN2 (College Park)
No. 2 Maryland vs. No. 15 Navy, Saturday 8:15 AM PT, ESPN2 (College Park)
To discuss with Cal women's basketball fans, head to the California Golden Blogs.