The LSU Tigers are set to face off against the San Diego State Aztecs in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This high-stakes matchup, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:15 p.m. ET, showcases the confidence of the No. 3 seed Tigers, who are heavily favored over the No. 14 seed Aztecs by 26.5 points. The total points for the game has been set at 144.5.
LSU comes into this game with a strong record of 28 wins and 5 losses, showcasing a powerful offense averaging 84.5 points per game, ranking them sixth in the nation. In contrast, the Aztecs, with a 25-9 record, have managed to earn their place in the tournament after a commendable eight-game winning streak, highlighting their momentum and resilience as they prepare to take on a formidable rival.
This will be a pivotal game for both teams, especially for the Aztecs, who are making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 2012. Back then, they faced the same LSU squad in the first round, losing 64-56. Now, under the guidance of head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson, they aim to break that history and advance further in the tournament.
When the two teams step onto the court, LSU will rely on their standout players, including Flau'jae Johnson, who leads LSU in scoring with an impressive average of 18.9 points per game and adding 5.8 rebounds along with 2.4 assists. Aneesah Morrow serves as a key player for the Tigers as well, leading in rebounds with 13.6 per game, while also being a defensive asset with 2.6 steals. Mikaylah Williams, known for her sharp shooting, contributes significantly in assists with 3.4 assists per game, hitting an average of 1.8 three-pointers each contest.
On the other side of the court, the Aztecs will look to Veronica Sheffey to match LSU’s scoring power. Sheffey averages 11.4 points and 3.0 assists per game, leading San Diego State's efforts in both categories. Also critical to the team's success is Cali Clark, who not only provides scoring with 7.3 points per game but also secures an average of 8.5 rebounds, establishing herself as a central figure in their game plan. Naomi Panganiban will be tasked with making key shots from beyond the arc, averaging 1.3 three-pointers per game, while defensively, Clark continues to excel, leading the team in blocks with 1.3 per game and Sheffey accumulating 1.4 steals per game.
As enthusiasm builds around the game, the atmosphere is set to electrify with fans from both teams filling the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. For LSU, this tournament symbolizes the continuation of their successful season. However, for San Diego State, it represents a hopeful return to the spotlight of women’s college basketball following years away from the tournament stage. With the prediction favoring LSU for 80 points to San Diego State's anticipated 59, the Tigers aim to translate their superior stats into a commanding performance.
Regardless of the outcome, the game promises to showcase the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness, as each team fights fiercely for a place in the next round. Should San Diego State secure a victory, they will face the winner of the matchup between Florida State and George Mason in the next round.
Fans are encouraged to tune in, as this matchup not only highlights two contrasting teams and their paths to the tournament but also sets the stage for an exhilarating night of college basketball. The game will broadcast live on ESPN and available for streaming on Fubo, giving audiences multiple options to catch every moment of the action.
