The long-awaited NCAA Women’s basketball tournament has finally begun, and the Iowa State Cyclones and Princeton Tigers are set to clash in the First Four game on March 19, 2025. This exciting matchup will take place at the Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana, starting at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
Both teams have had remarkable seasons leading to this moment. Iowa State comes into the game with a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, having finished 12–6 in the Big 12 Conference. Meanwhile, the Princeton Tigers boast a solid season of 21 wins to 7 losses, enjoying a fantastic 12–2 record within the Ivy League.
This game is crucial for both squads, as the winner will advance to face the Michigan Wolverines, the sixth seed, in the first round of the tournament on March 21, 2025. The stakes are high, and both teams have every reason to bring their A-game.
The Cyclones haven’t seen game action since March 7 when they faced Baylor, while Princeton enters this matchup after a disappointing 70-67 loss to Harvard in the Ivy League tournament. The tight schedule has left Iowa State waiting anxiously as they prepare for this high-pressure showdown.
One standout player to watch is Iowa State’s Audi Crooks. The sophomore center was a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection, averaging over 23 points and 7 rebounds per game this season. With her impressive performance, Crooks is expected to be a crucial factor in the Cyclones’ offense. As Head Coach Bill Fennelly stated, "Our offense runs through Audi Crooks," acknowledging the hurdles Princeton will have to overcome to halt her impact on the game.
Needless to say, stopping Crooks will be a significant challenge for Princeton’s defense. They are led by senior forward Parker Hill and supported by junior forward Tabitha Amanze and senior forward Katie Thiers, who will have her hands full defending against Iowa State's potent offense. In practice, Princeton even attempted to emulate Crooks' style to better prepare for the matchup. “It’s challenging for sure,” said Coach Carla Berube, alluding to the difficulty of defending such a talented player.
A key storyline highlighted by both teams is their unique contrast in styles of play. Iowa State is a fast-paced operation that thrives on offensive aggression. They’re known for their quick transitions, ranking sixth in the nation in assists per game, and their fast-paced gameplay often pressures opponents into making mistakes.
In contrast, Princeton takes a more measured approach to the game. The Tigers typically operate in low-scoring contests, carefully managing the shot clock and creating opportunities by forcing the opposing defense into errors. “We like to exhaust the shot clock,” Berube mentioned, explaining her team’s philosophy. This clash of styles promises to make the matchup an intense focal point of March Madness.
Iowa State prides itself on being mentally tough. Since starting the season ranked as the eighth-best team in the nation, their journey has seen ups and downs, including key victories and some hard-fought losses. Nevertheless, they’ve managed to rebound, winning seven of their last nine games before entering the tournament.
Princeton secured its spot in March Madness as the last team selected for the field, marking a historic moment as the Ivy League managed to send three schools to the NCAA tournament for the first time. Their perseverance and determination make them worthy adversaries.
As the anticipation grows for tip-off, NCAA selection committee chair Derita Dawkins emphasized how close the competition is this year, which adds to the excitement of two No. 11 seeds facing each other. With both teams eager to prove themselves further in the tournament, this game is one fans won't want to miss.
In summary, the stage is set for an exhilarating matchup as the Iowa State Cyclones take on the Princeton Tigers. Both squads are more than ready to showcase their skills on this national stage, as both look to advance to the next round of the NCAA tournament. With players like Audi Crooks on Iowa State striving for victory and Princeton hungry to erase previous setbacks, expect a fierce competition that embodies the spirit of March Madness.
