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The Zags have catapulted to the NCAA elite, thriving on the support of a close-knit community. It's been a treat for all involved.

In the first edition of espnW's weekly women's college basketball notebook, Michelle Smith checks in with Gonzaga and the rest of the hoops world.

Though still adjusting to the pro schedule and lifestyle, Sky rookie Courtney Vandersloot is making an impact on the court.

The hottest star of the NCAA tournament has long wanted to play in the WNBA. In a few days, Gonzaga point guard Courtney Vandersloot will take a big step toward that goal.

Gonzaga couldn't find any answer for Stanford's Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike. The super siblings combined for 41 points and 26 rebounds and propelled the Cardinal to an 83-60 victory and into the Final Four for the fourth consecutive season.

With the men's Final Four set, it's time for the women to shine. Two great Elite Eight matchups tip off in Dayton and Spokane with a trip to Indianapolis on the line. The NBA brings us a few intriguing games as well. Here's what we're watching.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs might be playing in their first Elite Eight, but they're still enjoying familiar territory. Playing in hometown Spokane, Wash., Bulldogs star Courtney Vandersloot has become the darling of the tournament.

Michelle Smith watched the energy of a high-powered Gonzaga win evaporate when Stanford got on the floor and struggled through a grind-out game. For the Bulldogs, a win over Louisville means a matchup with the Cardinal with the Final Four on the line.

Prepare yourself for 72 hours of college basketball. By the end of the weekend, the men's Final Four and women's Elite Eight will be set. Here's the supersized NCAA tournament edition of what we're watching.

More than once this season, Kelly Graves has told his Gonzaga team a fairy tale of a mid-major women's basketball team reaching the Final Four. Now, he and his Bulldogs are trying to write their own happy ending.

The second round of the women's NCAA tournament got under way Monday, as eight teams earned their way into the Sweet 16. The night was packed with plenty of record-breaking performances, as well as a No. 11 seed overtaking a No. 3 seed.

The seniors on Stanford's women's basketball team walked off the floor of Maples Pavilion in fine fashion on Monday night. With a 75-49 victory over St. John's, they became the first class in school history never to have lost at home.

A No. 3 seed should have a decided advantage over a No. 11 seed. That is, unless the No. 11 seed, Gonzaga, is the nation's top scoring team and is playing on its home court. The Bulldogs could be ready for an upset when they take on No. 3 seed UCLA.

Saturday was a disappointing day for women's basketball fans in the state of Iowa. Both Iowa and Iowa State were eliminated in the first round of the tournament.

NFL fans got an early holiday present this weekend, as the Giants-Eagles turned into an instant classic and several other games provided instant entertainment, at least.