The stage is set for an exhilarating opening day of the women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament as March Madness tips off on Friday, March 21, 2025. In a day packed with excitement, 32 teams will compete across 16 games, and the anticipation is palpable among players and fans alike.
South Carolina, led by the accomplished coach Dawn Staley, enters the tournament as the top seed and a formidable contender for their third championship title in four seasons. Staley’s Gamecocks will face off against Tennessee Tech at 4 p.m. ET, looking to commence their title defense with a strong performance.
Among the key highlights of the day, the first game will see Michigan take on Iowa State at 11:30 a.m. ET. This matchup features Iowa State, coming off a victory against Princeton in the First Four, where they won 68-63, and now they aim to upset the No. 6 seeded Wolverines in a challenging contest.
Notre Dame also has a compelling matchup on their slate, going head-to-head with Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m. ET. Loaded with talent, Notre Dame hopes to rectify any late-season missteps and execute a decisive victory.
The television coverage promises to be comprehensive, with games broadcasted across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS. For those eager to catch all 16 games, streaming options include ESPN+ and Fubo, which even offers a free trial for newcomers.
Among the excitement, numerous talented players from Illinois are spotlighted in the tournament. At least 35 players from Illinois are making their mark, with Sydney Affolter from Iowa and Angela Dugalic from UCLA representing the state. Dugalic, a senior standing at 6'4” from Des Plaines, brings a significant presence to the court as UCLA seeks its first national championship. Affolter, a senior from Chicago Marist, is another player to watch as her Iowa team aims for a solid run.
For quick reference, here’s a breakdown of the Day 1 schedule (all times ET):
- No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Iowa State: 11:30 a.m., ESPN2
- No. 4 Kentucky vs. No. 13 Liberty: Noon, ESPN
- No. 8 Utah vs. No. 9 Indiana: 1:30 p.m., ESPN2
- No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin: 2 p.m., ESPN
- No. 5 Kansas State vs. No. 12 Fairfield: 2:30 p.m., ESPNEWS
- No. 2 TCU vs. No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson: 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
- No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 16 Tennessee Tech: 4 p.m., ESPN
- No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 13 Montana State: 5:30 p.m., ESPN2
- No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 12 Ball State: 6 p.m., ESPNU
- No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 10 Nebraska: 6 p.m., ESPN
- No. 8 Richmond vs. No. 9 Georgia Tech: 7:30 p.m., ESPNEWS
- No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Lehigh: 8 p.m., ESPNU
- No. 5 Tennessee vs. No. 12 South Florida: 8 p.m., ESPN
- No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 16 Southern: 10 p.m., ESPN
The day rounds out with two of the most anticipated games—UCLA meets Southern at 10 p.m. and is expected to bring excitement, particularly with All-American Lauren Betts on their team, while Tennessee and South Florida battle at the same time, creating a tough matchup.
As fans across the nation gear up for the March Madness phenomena, today is about displaying talent, underdogs making a mark, and the thrill of the game. The day promises over 12 hours of fantastic basketball, culminating in thrilling matchups and the packing of arenas.
In conclusion, the women’s tournament is set to reveal potential stories of triumph, tenacity, and the pursuit of a national title. With teams and players passionately vying for glory, March Madness will not disappoint, ensuring that fans are glued to their screens throughout the day.
