The Georgia women’s basketball team gathered Monday evening at its practice facility to watch the women’s NCAA selection show and learn the fate of its slim postseason hopes.

As other schools appeared, the future for the Lady Bulldogs seemed more and more palpable. But just as it seemed the Lady Bulldogs’ hopes for the tournament had been dashed, Georgia’s name showed up in the final bracket announced, as an 11 seed, playing sixth seeded Arizona State Saturday at noon.

“The other three brackets went by in a blur and I didn’t hear our name, and it was kind of tense listening to the last few teams called,” junior Ashley Houts said. “But we’re grateful for the opportunity and we’re going to try to make the best of our second chance and go out on a good note.”

This is the 15th straight year Georgia has made the NCAA tournament, and the 26th time in 28 years. Georgia’s lone senior on the team, Danielle Taylor, wasn’t there to watch the selection ceremony because of a class conflict. She received the good news about three minutes before class ended.

“I’m quite sure my teammates were on the edge of their seats wondering when we’re coming up,” Taylor said. “[Teammates] Christy [Marshall], Meredith [Mitchell] and my godfather from home all texted me, all about the same time to tell me.”

Georgia (18-13, 7-7 SEC) received a favorable location as it will play Arizona State at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth. It’s an opportunity Georgia is looking forward to.

“We’re definitely grateful especially playing in front of a home crowd,” Houts said. “It’s going to be a big advantage, and I know we’ll bring a lot of people and support, so we’re excited about that.”