The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament kicked off with electric anticipation as the Iowa State Cyclones and Princeton Tigers faced off in the First Four round on March 19, 2025, at the Joyce Center in South Bend, Indiana. This marked a significant moment in the tournament, as both teams aimed to solidify a spot in the main bracket, vying for the coveted No. 11 seed in Region 3.
As the clock struck 7 p.m. ET, the atmosphere in the arena was charged. Fans were eager to witness two teams with impressive achievements throughout the season battle it out on the court. Iowa State, finishing with a 22-11 overall record, ended their regular season as the seventh seed in the fiercely competitive Big 12 conference. In contrast, Princeton wrapped up their campaign with a solid 21-7 record, placing second in the Ivy League behind Columbia.
This matchup held particular significance, as it represented the first meeting between Iowa State and Princeton in women's basketball history. Iowa State entered as a 4.5-point favorite, a testament to the expectations surrounding their performance. Analysts and sports commentators were buzzing about the game, with many leaning towards the Cyclones as strong contenders to advance.
The excitement surrounding Iowa State was heightened by the outstanding talents of their star players, particularly center Audi Crooks, who has made headlines this season. Craig Meyer of USA Today noted Crooks, who has ranked eighth among all Division I players in scoring, averaging an impressive 23.2 points per game. Coupled with Addy Brown’s contributions, Iowa State seemed poised for success.
Predictions for the game varied across different outlets. The South Bend Tribune endorsed Iowa State for the win, believing the Cyclones would overpower the Tigers, while the Des Moines Register speculated an even more decisive score of 84-65 in favor of Iowa State. The Daily Princetonian, however, highlighted a mix of opinions, with confidence from some Princeton alumni juxtaposed against the broader expectation of an Iowa State victory.
Following the Princeton and Iowa State clash, another intense matchup awaited viewers, as the UC San Diego Tritons would face the Southern University Jaguars later that night in Los Angeles. With the winner set to play against UCLA—the overall No. 1 seed—on March 21, the stakes were incredibly high across the tournament.
At 9 p.m. ET, while fans clung to their seats at Pauley Pavilion, strategies and game plans echoed throughout both venues. Both UC San Diego and Southern were intent on carving a path toward the second round, with UC San Diego emerging as a potential favorite after a strong season.
As the games unfolded, the chatter among viewers and analysts alike turned to the projections and expectations for the outcomes. Betting lines and analytical forecasts pointed towards Iowa State’s likely advancement, signaling a strong start for their tournament journey.
The streaming options further increased the accessibility of the games, with viewers able to catch all the action on platforms like Sling TV and Fubo, ensuring they wouldn’t miss a moment of the 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament excitement. As teams vied for momentum, fans were reminded that March Madness is not just about victories—it's a spectacle of skill, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
In the realm of college sports, these matchups highlight the unpredictability that comes with tournament play, where every game becomes a story, and every player has the opportunity to become a hero in their own right. The outcomes will have a lasting impact on their respective programs, shaping the narratives for the years to come.
As the players stepped onto the floor, they brought with them the hopes of their fans and the pride of their institutions. March Madness is indeed here, and the thrill of competition is alive and well. The battles may be fierce, but at the core, it’s a celebration of talent and sportsmanship that draws fans back every year.
As Iowa State and Princeton competed diligently, the outcome remained uncertain until the final buzzer, exemplifying what makes the NCAA Women's Tournament such a prestigious and riveting event in the world of sports. Fans everywhere anticipated the results, knowing the victors would advance to face the formidable No. 6-seeded Michigan team in the tournament's next round, slated for March 21 at 11:30 a.m. ET.
