March Madness is underway, and excitement fills the air as the NCAA women’s basketball tournament kicked off its first round on March 21, 2025. With regional teams from the Midwest to the East Coast, fans are gearing up for a thrilling month of basketball.
The action began with the “First Four” games, where Iowa State faced off against Princeton in a dramatic match on March 19. Iowa State advanced to the Round of 64 with a hard-fought 68-63 victory, setting the stage for their next challenge against Michigan on Friday, March 21, at 11:30 a.m.
The stakes are high for the Cyclones, who are coming off strong performances and a favored position against Michigan, as indicated by odds favoring them by 5.5 points earlier in the week. The game will take place at the historic venue in South Bend, Indiana, starting at 11:30 in the morning.
Meanwhile, other teams are also competing fiercely in the tournament. The South Carolina Gamecocks, last year’s champions, are among the top seeds in the tournament alongside formidable opponents like Texas and UCLA. South Carolina is seeking to secure their third title in four years, adding layers of excitement to the competition.
On the men’s side of the tournament, regional matchups are equally captivating. Each day brings new matchups, starting with Creighton battling Louisville on March 20. The game is expected to draw significant attention, with Louisville carrying the edge at 2.5 points. Drake takes on Missouri later in the day, with Missouri also listed as favorites by 6.5 points. Omaha will face St. John's, and the odds are leaning heavily in favor of St. John’s as they are expected to win by 18.5 points.
In fact, the tournament features nine regional teams competing across various matchups in both the men's and women's divisions. Notably, the Iowa State women's team already secured victory in their opening matchup, while Southern University also progressed after defeating UC San Diego 68-56.
Watching the schedule unfold has fans buzzing with excitement. The women’s tournament sees numerous pivotal games being played, with teams like Kentucky and TCU up against Liberty and Fairleigh Dickinson on March 21. Other key matchups include Kansas State versus Fairfield, Baylor versus Grand Canyon, and Notre Dame facing Stephen F. Austin.
The games aren’t only competitive; they will draw an audience tuning in from around the world. The programs will be broadcast across various networks, allowing fans to catch each piece of action live. ESPN has lined up a full schedule, ensuring fans remain engaged through the tournament.
Among the men's brackets, the excitement continues with significant games taking place over the weekend. On March 22, Iowa will match up against Murray State, aiming to secure a victory and advance further in the tournament. Similarly, Oklahoma State will face South Dakota State, while Illinois will compete with Creighton. All eyes will be on these matchups as fans predict potential upsets.
Looking ahead, the tournament will escalate in intensity. With such heavy competition among ranked teams, strategies and coaching adjustments will be crucial as each team aims to survive elimination rounds. Upcoming games promise to deliver on the thrills expected from March Madness.
This weekend’s slate holds immense importance for teams attempting to clinch a spot in the next round. On Saturday, March 22, fans will see the first round conclude, with a flurry of playoffs on the line. Each match will serve as an inevitable chance to advance towards the championship.
With all these thrilling games and the prospects for upsets, fans are eagerly anticipating what will happen as the tournament unfolds. The March Madness journey has officially begun, and right now, it’s anyone's game.
