March Madness is officially upon us, with the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament set to tip off soon after the highly anticipated Selection Sunday. This year, the spotlight falls predominantly on the UCLA Bruins, who earned the No. 1 overall seed for the first time in program history. Following their strong performance, which included winning the Big Ten Championship, the Bruins edged out formidable competitors such as South Carolina, Texas, and USC for this prestigious designation.
The selection reveal took place on March 16, 2025, marking the beginning of the tournament festivities. UCLA transformed expectations this season by achieving impressive records; they posted 30 wins overall with only two losses, making their case all the more compelling. The only blemishes on their schedule came from the two defeats they suffered against USC earlier in the season, before finally overcoming them decisively to claim the Big Ten tournament title.
Under the tutelage of head coach Cori Close, the Bruins have become one of the nation's elite teams, showcasing their skills and depth throughout the regular season and conference play. With standout performances from junior center Lauren Betts—who averages 19.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game—and experienced upperclassmen, they appear primed for success as they head toward the final stretch.
“It’s surreal to be the No. 1 overall seed. We’ve worked hard this season, and it’s finally paying off,” said Betts during the selection announcement.
Following UCLA, the other No. 1 seeds include South Carolina, Texas, and USC. The Gamecocks, who are the reigning national champions, demonstrated their prowess by finishing the season 31-3. Despite achieving this impressive record, South Carolina's coach Dawn Staley expressed confusion at not being awarded the top overall seed after their strong resume, stating, “I’m surprised because we manufactured our schedule and put ourselves in position to be the No. 1 overall seed. If you put our resume against any other team, I think you’ll pick us.”
Both Texas and USC have also made waves this season, with the Trojans securing their No. 1 seed following strong performances, including wins against UConn earlier this year. USC’s JuJu Watkins has emerged as one of the sport’s biggest stars, leading the NCAA with impressive statistics as she averaged 24.6 points per game.
The tournament is set to begin with the First Four games on March 19-20, leading directly to the first round on March 21-22. Aside from UCLA taking on either UC San Diego or Southern, South Carolina will face Tennessee Tech, marking the start of the action for the defending champions.
With the number of strong contenders, the tournament promises to be highly competitive. Since the tournament expanded in 1994, No. 1 seeds have historically fared well; they have claimed 23 titles. Teams like UConn, which has accumulated 11 national championships, will also be gunning for glory after entering the tournament as a No. 2 seed.
The annual selection brings out both excitement and some debates, especially among fans eager to dissect the matchups. This year, as basketball fans look over brackets, key games are already catching attention, particularly those featuring powerhouses like LSU, Notre Dame, and the perennial contenders from the ACC and Big 12.
LSU, who claimed the championship just two seasons ago, walks onto the floor as the No. 3 seed with high hopes of replicative success. Under the watchful eyes of fans and analysts alike, their performance this tournament could very well be monitored closely, especially following their injuries to key players like Aneesah Morrow.
While UCLA aims to break through to the Final Four for the first time, their crosstown rival USC also seeks to reclaim their championship status, last held during the 1983-84 season. With crosstown rivalries enhancing the tournament atmosphere, all teams are gearing up for fierce battles.
A look at the bracket reveals size and talent across the board from various concluding teams this season, particularly shining on the performance of the Big Ten, who leads the conference breakdown with 12 teams making it to the tournament. Other competitive conferences include the SEC, with 11, and the ACC at 8.
Fans are encouraged to follow the tournament on various platforms as it promises to be filled with drama, intense matchups, and, as always, the occasional surprise upsets. With brackets filled and anticipation building, college basketball fans are ready for another thrilling edition of March Madness.
The discussions about the potential outcomes and storylines will only grow as the tournament progresses, culminating at the Final Four on April 4 and concluding with the championship game on April 6, 2025. Will UCLA finally lift the trophy, or will it be another powerhouse program sealing their legacy? Let the games begin!