The Women's NCAA Tournament continues on Saturday with the Sweet 16 matchup between the No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats and the No. 1 seed USC Trojans. This highly anticipated game is set to unfold at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, on March 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET, and fans can catch all the action on ESPN.
Kansas State is riding high after a thrilling 80-79 overtime victory against the Kentucky Wildcats in the previous round. The Wildcats showcased their resilience and teamwork, with standout performances from several players. Star center Ayoka Lee returned to the lineup, contributing 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in the nail-biting win. Temira Poindexter was instrumental as well, leading the team with an impressive 24 points, six rebounds, and six blocks.
On the other side of the court, the USC Trojans are looking to maintain their momentum despite facing a significant challenge. The Trojans triumphed over Mississippi State with a commanding 96-59 victory, but they will be without their star player, JuJu Watkins, who suffered an ACL tear in that game. In her absence, Kiki Iriafen stepped up remarkably, scoring 36 points on an efficient 16-for-22 shooting while also grabbing nine rebounds.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed pride in her team's resilience after the loss of Watkins, stating, "I just, I am so grateful, you guys had my back, you had each other’s back, you had Ju’s back, the fans had your back, we were a team. And I will never forget this game for as long as I live." She emphasized the importance of stepping up in adversity, saying, "You gotta bring the energy and the fight and say we don’t change our goals right, but we give a little extra energy, you know, for what she would bring... anytime we’re a man down we step up for one another because that’s who we are."
With the stakes high, both teams are preparing for a fierce battle. Kansas State's recent form suggests they will be a formidable opponent, especially with their depth in scoring. Four players scored in double digits in their last game, showcasing their ability to share the ball and find open shots. Meanwhile, the Trojans will rely heavily on Iriafen and Rayah Marshall, who has also been a key player on both ends of the court.
The winner of this exciting matchup will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face the victor of the Oklahoma vs. UConn game. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the outcome of this pivotal clash.
As the game approaches, the atmosphere is electric. Both teams have had a few days off to prepare, and the players are ready to leave it all on the court. The last time these two teams met was back in 2002, resulting in a Kansas State victory. Will history repeat itself, or will the Trojans forge ahead despite their injury setback?
For those looking to catch the game, it will be available to stream through various platforms, including a free trial of FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV. The excitement surrounding the Women’s NCAA Tournament continues to grow, with fans eager to see which team will emerge victorious in this high-stakes showdown.
As the clock ticks down to game time, both teams are focused and ready to battle it out for a spot in the Elite Eight. The Wildcats and Trojans are set to deliver an unforgettable performance, and all eyes will be on Spokane Arena as they vie for glory.
In conclusion, the Kansas State Wildcats and USC Trojans are prepared to face off in a Sweet 16 duel that promises to be filled with intensity and drama. With Kansas State's recent success and USC's determination to overcome adversity, this matchup is sure to be a thrilling chapter in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
