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Women's NCAA Sweet 16 bracket predictions

The regional semifinals are set. What can we expect when the games resume in the women's NCAA tournament?

Will the chalk hold?

Will Cinderella runs continue?

Will any of the No. 1 or No. 2 seeds fall?

What are the biggest X factors in each Sweet 16 game?

ESPN's Charlie Creme, Elizabeth Merrill, LaChina Robinson and Mechelle Voepel make their game-by-game picks and predictions:

No. 3 NC State vs. No. 2 Iowa
ESPN/ESPN App: 11:30 a.m. ET Saturday (Greensboro Regional)
X factor: Megan Gustafson is going to do her thing for Iowa. But guards Makenzie Meyer and Kathleen Doyle combined for 33 points in the second round, which was a big part in beating Missouri. NC State will need to guard the 3-point arc well while still trying to limit Gustafson. -- Mechelle Voepel

Picks:
Creme: NC State
Merrill: NC State
Robinson: Iowa
Voepel: NC State


No. 4 South Carolina vs. No. 1 Baylor
ESPN/ESPN App: 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday (Greensboro Regional)
X factor: It's hard enough to have to face standout Baylor post players Kalani Brown and Lauren Cox. But Baylor's guard play was as big a problem for Cal in the second round. In South Carolina, Baylor will be facing a team with the guard depth to challenge the Lady Bears. -- Mechelle Voepel

Picks:
Creme: Baylor
Merrill: Baylor
Robinson: Baylor
Voepel: Baylor


No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Notre Dame
ESPN2/ESPN App: 4 p.m. ET Saturday (Chicago Regional)
X factor: The Aggies got double-digit scoring from all five starters just twice all season, but it happened in their second-round win over Marquette. Chennedy Carter still led the way with 30 points, but getting contributions from everyone might be the only way Texas A&M can stay competitive with the most balanced offense in the country. -- Charlie Creme

Picks:
Creme: Notre Dame
Merrill: Notre Dame
Robinson: Notre Dame
Voepel: Notre Dame


No. 11 Missouri State vs. No. 2 Stanford
ESPN2/ESPN App: 6 p.m. ET Saturday (Chicago Regional)
X factor: The Lady Bears have had the luxury of playing two teams (DePaul and Iowa State) with a similar style in the opening two rounds. Stanford will play inside-out. How Missouri State handles the Cardinal's size and length will determine how competitive the game is. -- Charlie Creme

Picks:
Creme: Stanford
Merrill: Stanford
Robinson: Stanford
Voepel: Stanford