The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and regular-season games switched to a four-quarter format in 2015 to align more closely with international basketball rules, making the game more consistent globally. This change was designed to improve the flow of the game and allow for more strategic time management.
Here are a few reasons behind the decision:
1. Alignment with International Play: Many countries, including those governed by FIBA (International Basketball Federation), already used the four-quarter format. By adopting this structure, NCAA Women’s Basketball ensured that players transitioning from college to international play or professional leagues would be more familiar with the rules.
2. Improved Flow and Strategy: The four-quarter format provides more opportunities for team strategy, particularly when it comes to timeouts and substitutions. The change allows for better management of player fatigue, especially since the women’s game has grown more athletic.
3. More Balanced Game Structure: With two halves, there was a potential imbalance in scoring or momentum shifts. The quarter system can create more equal segments of play, making it easier to assess performance in smaller chunks and increasing the potential for exciting finishes.
4. Fan Engagement: The quarter structure has been praised for making games more exciting by creating more natural pauses and opportunities for broadcasters to analyze the game. It also brings a sense of immediacy to each segment of the game, which can enhance viewer engagement.
While the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament still plays with two halves, the switch to quarters in the women’s game has been seen as a positive change that better aligns with international standards.
