The 2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament has officially begun, bringing together 64 teams vying for a coveted championship title. Following a largely predictable first round, where favorites showcased their dominance, the excitement builds as the tournament shifts to the second round this Monday.
The journey kicked off on March 22, 2025, and it saw the number one seeded USC Trojans decisively defeating the No. 16 UNC Greensboro Spartans with a score of 71-25, effectively starting their campaign in the tournament. Notably, this victory ensured that every top seed advanced to the next round, affirming their statuses as championship contenders.
Initially, the highlight of the tournament was the No. 2 UConn Huskies' remarkable performance, where they outclassed the No. 15 Arkansas State Red Wolves by an astounding score of 103-34. Dominating the match, the Huskies scored an impressive 66 points in the first half alone, reminding fans of UConn’s storied history in women’s basketball. Key players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong made significant contributions, combining for over 40 points, showcasing their capability to lead the team to potential glory.
Meanwhile, the reigning champions, South Carolina Gamecocks, did not disappoint either. They triumphed over Tennessee Tech, racking up 108 points in a powerful display of offensive prowess, where all players contributed significantly to the score.
The Bruins also asserted their strength in the tournament with a solid first-round win against the Southern Jaguars, outscoring them 84-46. UCLA's performance is bolstered by center Lauren Betts, who led her team with 14 points. Their strong defensive effort was instrumental in sealing the game.
The first round also witnessed a series of rowdy matchups, such as Texas, another top seed, securing a decisive 105-61 victory against the William & Mary Tribe. Notably, five players from Texas managed to score in double digits, showcasing their depth and talent across the roster. The Longhorns similarly looked to continue their momentum into the second round.
On March 24, fans can expect the second round to heat up with several highly anticipated matchups. The No. 1 USC Trojans are set to face the No. 9 Mississippi State Bulldogs. This matchup will be pivotal, especially as the Trojans aim to capitalize on their recent form. The odds favor the Trojans significantly, emerging as 16.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with a moneyline of -2200.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs pushed through to the next round after defeating the No. 8 California Bears in a tight game, winning 59-46. Their match against USC is expected to be fierce, given Mississippi State's solid defensive record and scoring abilities led by key player Madina Okot.
The tournament is alive with thrilling moments, strategic gameplay, and emerging talents. Players to keep an eye on include JuJu Watkins from USC, who scored 22 points in the previous round, indicating her impact could reshape the outcomes for her team. Despite dealing with injuries during the game against UNC Greensboro, Watkins reassured fans of her health, stating, "Oh yeah, I'm all good. I wasn't worried at all. You know, I’m really confident in my team regardless of if I'm in or not."
As teams prepare for their next encounters, the sense of urgency and excitement grows each day. Expert analyses and betting odds predict that UConn and South Carolina will continue to dominate, as both teams are seen as favorites to reach the final stages of the tournament.
With the first round matches wrapping up, the focus shifts to the must-watch games on Monday. The anticipated contests include No. 2 NC State versus No. 7 Michigan State and No. 4 Maryland squaring off against No. 5 Alabama, each expected to be competitive. Furthermore, the No. 3 Oklahoma team looks to advance following their recent victory against FGCU, establishing themselves as contenders.
As the excitement excites fans across the nation, every dribble, every play will count as teams embark on a journey that could culminate in NCAA glory!
