March Madness is upon us and the women’s NCAA tournament is set to showcase the exceptional talents of some of the most remarkable players in college basketball. As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on the USC Trojans, especially their standout superstar JuJu Watkins, who has once again captured national attention. With the Trojans earning the No. 1 seed in Regional 4-Spokane, hopes are high for a deep tournament run.
The tournament's excitement reached a peak on March 16, 2025, when the Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed, confirming the USC Trojans as the 1 seed in their region. Their close competitors, the UConn Huskies, were named the 2 seed in the same region. The stage is set for a thrilling rematch after the two teams faced each other in December 2024, where USC emerged victorious with a narrow 72-70 win. Watkins, the Trojans' star player, recorded 25 points in that game, showcasing her critical role in the team's success.
This year, the USC Trojans are not just riding on Watkins' outstanding performance but also the contributions of her teammate Kiki Iriafen, who scored 16 points and secured 11 rebounds in the earlier encounter against UConn. Iriafen herself received recognition as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press (AP) and the USBWA, marking her first time earning such honors.
Watkins’ prowess on the court has established her as a force to be reckoned with. Named a first-team All-American by both the AP and USBWA on March 19, 2025, she continues to impress, even with a slight decrease in points per game this season—from 27.1 to 24.6—due to the diverse scoring options available to USC. Nonetheless, her field goal percentage has improved, and she adds an impressive defensive presence with nearly two blocks per game.
As the tournament progresses, the potential for a rematch between USC and UConn looms large. This matchup is already garnering excitement among fans, especially considering the remarkable skills exhibited by both Watkins and UConn's Paige Bueckers. Bueckers is also a strong contender in her own right, averaging 19 points per game alongside notable performances throughout the season. With both teams featuring capable superstars, fans anticipate an electrifying clash if they both reach the Elite Eight.
Watkins has also made headlines for doubling down on her aspirations for the rest of the tournament. She is not just aiming for a tournament victory, but she is also in contention for the National Player of the Year honors, further pushing her to excel as the Trojans attempt to redeem their past shortcomings. USC has not claimed the national title since 1984, and with each season, the pressure builds to recreate past glories.
The Trojans are set to open the NCAA tournament on Saturday, March 22, 2025, against UNC Greensboro, a match that might seem favorable but could prove to be deceptively challenging. The intensity of March Madness often brings surprises, and each game can be a do-or-die scenario for these aspiring champions.
Watkins is averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.1 combined steals and blocks per game. Her performance thus far has not only surpassed those of many of her peers but also places her on a path that could see her break Caitlin Clark's all-time NCAA scoring record. As the stakes rise, her talents will surely be put to the test.
Furthermore, if the Trojans can get past the initial rounds, their route to the championship could lead them to face tough competitors like No. 8 California or No. 9 Mississippi State in the second round and potentially No. 5 Kansas State or No. 4 Kentucky in the Sweet 16 round. The looming match against UConn, should both teams advance, is already being viewed as a championship-level battle.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament is brimming with talent, and as the games unfold, fans are guaranteed to witness moments of brilliance, fervent competition, and hopeful aspirations coming to life. For Watkins, this tournament isn’t merely an opportunity to win a championship; it is also a chance to solidify her legacy and prove her mettle on the national stage.
The USC Trojans remain poised as contenders, determined to capitalize on their talent and team dynamic to reclaim lost glory. This season could, indeed, entice a new generation of fans, renewing interest in the women's game while showcasing the brilliance of players like JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen.
This marks the beginning of a significant chapter in women’s college basketball, fueling hopes that the exhilarating performances will lead directly to celebration and victory on the national front.
