Women’s March Madness Sweet 16: Schedule, Key Players, and Top Games
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has reached the Sweet 16, showcasing the best and brightest talent in women’s college basketball. With thrilling matchups on the horizon, this stage of the tournament is where the stakes get even higher, and the road to the Final Four becomes even more intense. Fans are eagerly awaiting some of the most exciting games, with teams like UConn, Texas, and South Carolina leading the charge. Here’s a breakdown of the key games, players to watch, and the latest storylines from the Sweet 16.
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Sweet 16 Matchups and Schedule
The Sweet 16 games are set for March 28-29, 2025. Below is a detailed schedule for the upcoming games, which promise to deliver high-level basketball and edge-of-your-seat action.
Friday, March 28, 2025
- 2:30 p.m. ET: (3) North Carolina vs. (2) Duke
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
Broadcast: ESPN - 5:00 p.m. ET: (4) Maryland vs. (1) South Carolina
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
Broadcast: ESPN - 7:30 p.m. ET: (3) LSU vs. (2) NC State
Location: Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
Broadcast: ESPN - 10:00 p.m. ET: (5) Ole Miss vs. (1) UCLA
Location: Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
Broadcast: ESPN
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- 1:00 p.m. ET: (3) Notre Dame vs. (2) TCU
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
Broadcast: ABC - 3:30 p.m. ET: (5) Tennessee vs. (1) Texas
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
Broadcast: ABC - 5:30 p.m. ET: (3) Oklahoma vs. (2) UConn
Location: Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
Broadcast: ESPN - 8:00 p.m. ET: (5) Kansas State vs. (1) USC
Location: Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
Broadcast: ESPN
Note: The Elite Eight will take place on March 30-31, 2025, as teams battle for spots in the Final Four.
Key Players to Watch in the Sweet 16
This year’s Sweet 16 features a plethora of standout athletes who are expected to leave a lasting impact on the tournament. Here are some of the top players to keep an eye on:
Paige Bueckers (UConn)
Paige Bueckers, a senior guard for the UConn Huskies, has been the heart of the team throughout the tournament. Recognized as a top player for the Sweet 16, Bueckers is a finalist for both the Naismith Player of the Year and the Wade Trophy. Known for her sharp shooting, elite passing, and clutch performances, Bueckers has the potential to lead UConn deep into the tournament. In her most recent game, she scored a career-high 34 points, showcasing her offensive prowess. With UConn facing a tough matchup against Oklahoma, Bueckers’ leadership will be crucial to her team’s success. (CT Insider)
Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Lauren Betts, a sophomore forward for the UCLA Bruins, has been a standout performer for the team this season. In the Sweet 16, Betts put up an impressive 31 points in UCLA’s victory, including a stunning 15-of-16 shooting performance. As one of the most efficient players in the tournament, Betts’ size and versatility make her a significant threat in both the paint and on the perimeter. UCLA’s run to the Elite Eight will heavily depend on Betts’ ability to dominate against tough competition like Ole Miss in the Sweet 16. (NCAA.com)
Rori Harmon (Texas)
Rori Harmon, a senior point guard for the Texas Longhorns, is one of the best players in the tournament. With a career total of 1,300 points and over 700 assists, Harmon is one of the most accomplished guards in NCAA history. She has been instrumental in Texas’ impressive tournament run, known for her leadership, court vision, and clutch playmaking. After battling back from a significant knee injury, Harmon’s contributions have helped Texas secure a spot in the Sweet 16, where they will face Tennessee. Her performance in that game could determine the Longhorns’ fate. (Houston Chronicle)
Kiki Iriafen (USC)
Kiki Iriafen, a junior forward for the USC Trojans, has emerged as a key player in the absence of star player JuJu Watkins, who was sidelined with an injury. Iriafen’s steady play on both ends of the court has been a game-changer for USC as they look to make a deep run in the tournament. Her scoring and rebounding abilities, along with her leadership, will be crucial when USC takes on Kansas State in the Sweet 16. Iriafen’s ability to step up in big moments could help propel the Trojans to the next round. (Swish Appeal)
Sarah Strong (UConn)
Sarah Strong, a freshman forward for UConn, has been one of the most exciting breakout players of the season. With an average of 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, Strong has been a force in the paint and on the glass. Her all-around game, combined with her poise and maturity as a freshman, has earned her recognition as one of the top players to watch in the Sweet 16. As UConn faces Oklahoma, Strong’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be key to their success. (CT Insider)
Key Matchups and Storylines
UConn vs. Oklahoma
UConn, one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, faces a challenging Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma. The Huskies, led by Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong, have been dominant throughout the tournament, but Oklahoma’s rise as a powerhouse under coach Jennie Baranczyk cannot be overlooked. The Sooners, with standout performances from Raegan Beers, have been playing with confidence and have the talent to pull off an upset. The matchup between UConn’s dominant defense and Oklahoma’s potent offense will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the tournament. (NY Post)
Texas vs. Tennessee
Texas and Tennessee have been two of the best teams in the nation all season, and their Sweet 16 clash promises to be a hard-fought, high-intensity game. With Rori Harmon leading Texas, they come into this matchup with the experience and depth needed to advance deep in the tournament. However, Tennessee, led by Jordan Horston, will look to disrupt Texas’ offensive flow and rely on their own balanced attack. This is a matchup between two elite teams with contrasting styles of play, making it a must-watch for college basketball fans. (Houston Chronicle)
LSU vs. NC State
Both LSU and NC State have proven themselves to be among the top teams in the country, but this Sweet 16 clash will likely be decided by individual brilliance. Angel Reese of LSU has been outstanding, and her ability to dominate the glass and score in the post will be critical to LSU’s success. NC State, led by Diamond Johnson, will
