Fans of the women's game, however, wonder what the tournament would be like without ACL injuries. Last year's Final Four MVP, Shea Ralph , and National Player of the Year, Tamika Catchings , both suffered career-ending tears this year. First, women athletes can be trained to better land and cut.
Studies show men's hamstrings react more quickly to stress than women's hamstrings.
Also, women have wider pelvises, creating a wider angle between the thigh and the calf. That causes extra pressure on a woman's knees. So genetics may be one reason female athletes are two to eight times more likely to suffer ACL tears than male athletes. Athletic trainers say women basketball players could help prevent tears by learning to land with their knees bent and toes pointed outward. Watch tomorrow's semifinal games in St. Louis.