On March 16, 2025, Princeton secured its place in NCAA Women’s March Madness, marking a historic occasion for the Ivy League. For the first time, three teams from the Ivy League qualified for the tournament. This achievement not only reflects the growing competitiveness within the league but also highlights the respect that the teams have earned over the years. However, the Tigers, standing at 21-7 after a tough loss to Harvard in their last game, will face a challenging start.
Princeton will enter the tournament as an 11-seed and will play against the Iowa State Cyclones at the Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. The match is set for March 19 at 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) and will be broadcast live on ESPNU. The Cyclones are also an 11-seed and come into this matchup with a record of 22-11 after a recent loss to Baylor in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals.
This matchup is particularly interesting as both teams have found success in different ways. Iowa State’s key player, sophomore center Audi Crooks, leads the team and the Big 12 in scoring with an impressive 23.2 points per game on 60.2 percent shooting. Crooks has made headlines for her performance throughout the season and is a player to watch. During her freshman year, Crooks scored 40 points in a game against Maryland during last year’s NCAA Tournament.
Meanwhile, Princeton will rely on its defensive strategy to limit Crooks’ touches and create opportunities for their offense. “If we can limit Audi Crooks’ touches and force the rest of the team to have to try to beat us, we’ll be successful,” predicted former Princeton women’s basketball star Ellie Mitchell.
The Tigers are familiar with the stakes of tournament play, having now made the NCAA Tournament in six consecutive years, which speaks volumes about their program's resilience and development under head coach Carla Berube.
With a strong supporting cast, including Madison St. Rose, who averages 17.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and Skye Belker, who adds valuable offense, the Tigers are poised to make a competitive stand against Iowa State. Players like Ashley Chea and Fadima Tall will also be crucial for Princeton’s chances in this game. The outcome hinges on how well the team executes its game plan in containing Crooks and capitalizing on Iowa State’s struggles with turnovers. The Cyclones rank among the top 10 nationally for turnovers, having committed 476 this season—a statistic that shows their vulnerability and presents an opportunity for Princeton to exploit.
Iowa State’s Cyclones, despite their challenges, have found a new rhythm, finishing the season strong with a 7-2 record in their last nine games, including a notable 22-point victory against No. 5 Kansas State. Doug Schwartz, a senior sports editor, pointed out the Cyclones’ improving form, stating, “I believe they’re playing their best basketball of the season.” Schwartz also noted that the Cyclones will capitalize on their experience of facing high-level competition throughout the season.
As the Ivy League representative, Princeton’s journey will be closely watched, with fans and analysts alike keen to see if they can pull off an upset. The combination of Princeton’s strong defense against the Cyclones’ potent offensive capability could make for a thrilling game.
Both teams will undoubtedly have their sights set on the prize: a chance to advance to the first round of the tournament against a formidable opponent in Michigan. The focus will be on how well Princeton can execute its defensive strategies and handle the offensive onslaught from Iowa State.
As the game approaches, predictions have been varied. While former stars like Mitchell are optimistic about Princeton’s chances, there are perspectives that lean towards Iowa State. Hayk Yengibaryan, a senior sports writer, commented, “I think it’s going to be two by Wednesday night,” anticipating that Iowa State’s well-rounded play and depth might eventually overpower the Tigers.
The stakes are high for both teams, but as the NCAA tournament unfolds, moments like these are what make March Madness so compelling. The excitement of witnessing upsets, brilliant performances, and the sheer unpredictability of the tournament draws in fans and players alike, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in sports.
This encounter at Purcell Pavilion promises not to disappoint, and fans are eager to find out whether the Tigers can defeat the Cyclones and continue their journey in this year's NCAA Women's Tournament.
