Women’s college basketball switched to a four-quarter format in 2015 for several reasons:
1. Alignment with International Rules: Many international basketball leagues, including the Olympics and FIBA competitions, use a four-quarter system. By adopting this format, the NCAA brought women’s college basketball in line with global standards, making it easier for players to transition between different levels of play.
2. Improved Game Flow: The four-quarter system helps create a better flow of the game. With fewer breaks for halftime and inter-quarter intervals, the overall pacing of the game is often quicker, providing a more dynamic viewing experience.
3. Strategic Adjustments: The shift to four quarters also allows teams to make more frequent strategic adjustments. Coaches can analyze and adapt their teams’ play at the end of each quarter, rather than only at halftime, making the game more tactically interesting.
4. Consistency with Other Levels of Basketball: Most other levels of women’s basketball, including the WNBA and high school basketball, use the four-quarter format. Adopting the same structure at the collegiate level ensures consistency across the sport.
5. Better Player Management: With four quarters, coaches have more opportunities to manage players’ minutes and make substitutions. This can help reduce player fatigue and manage their energy more effectively over the course of a game.
Overall, the change was intended to modernize the game, enhance its global compatibility, and improve the fan experience.
