Women's March Madness 2025: Thrilling First-Round Highlights and What's Next
The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is off to a roaring start with some intense first-round matches and unforgettable performances. For fans of college hoops, it's already shaping up to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination.
Dominant Performances in the First Round
One of the standout games came from the power-packed Notre Dame, sitting comfortably as a 3-seed. They made a clear statement of intent by absolutely thrashing Stephen F. Austin, a 14-seed, with a massive victory of 106-54. It wasn’t just one star player leading this charge; five players hit double digits, reflecting a strong team effort.
Meanwhile, Tennessee, another team with serious title aspirations, showed that they're not to be underestimated. With their resounding 101-66 win over South Florida, a 12-seed, they not only secured a spot in the second round but also managed to break an NCAA tournament record by sinking 15 three-pointers. This game marks their eighth 100-point game of the season, putting them in rarefied air.
Another clash of titans was the Oregon vs. Vanderbilt game, which brought spectators to the edge of their seats with intense plays that pushed the game into overtime.
Upcoming Exciting Matchups
As we look ahead, top-seeds like USC and Texas are gearing up for their own battles. USC, currently sitting as a 1-seed, is set to face off against UNC Greensboro. On the other side, Texas, also a 1-seed, has preparation underway for their game against William & Mary. These matchups are highly anticipated and promise to offer more action-packed basketball moments.
Then, there's UConn, known for their dominance in past seasons, who are ranked No. 1 in the NET rankings this year. They're set to meet Arkansas State, a 15-seed, and fans are eager to see if they'll continue their strong performance streak.
The next wave of excitement is just around the corner, with second-round games slated for March 23-24. Whether you’re rooting for a No. 1 seed or cheering on the underdogs, there’s no shortage of narrative as the tournament progresses.