UCLA, South Carolina or UConn at No. 1? Ranking the 32 teams remaining in the women’s NCAA bracket

UCLA, South Carolina or UConn at No. 1? Ranking the 32 teams remaining in the women’s NCAA bracket

Hey basketball fans, it’s that time of year again! The 2025 women’s NCAA tournament is in full swing, and while the first two days might not have been packed with upsets, they certainly delivered some jaw-dropping performances. Let’s dive into the action and see how the tournament is shaping up as we head into the second round.

First off, let’s talk about the upsets—or lack thereof. This year, only two No. 10 seeds managed to pull off victories, and for the second year in a row, the tournament has been relatively calm in terms of surprises. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s been boring. The lack of early drama means we’re in for some heavyweight matchups as the tournament progresses. The big guns are still in the game, and some have even made history.

In a historic first, six teams—UConn, LSU, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas—scored over 100 points in their opening games. That’s never happened before in women’s NCAA tournament history! And for just the second time ever, four teams—Notre Dame, South Carolina, UConn, and Duke—won their games by more than 50 points. Talk about dominance!

USC and Duke were particularly stingy on defense, holding their opponents to just 25 points each, tying for the second fewest in an NCAA tournament game. Meanwhile, Oklahoma set a new tournament record with a whopping 72 rebounds. These are the kinds of performances that make you sit up and take notice, even in the first round.

Now, as we gear up for the second round, which kicks off at noon ET on Sunday (catch it on ESPN), let’s take a look at how the remaining 32 teams stack up. There’s been some movement in the rankings, starting right at the top.

• South Carolina Gamecocks: Originally seeded No. 1 in the Birmingham 2 region, the Gamecocks made a statement with a 108-48 victory over No. 16 Tennessee Tech. Their 108 points and 60-point win were both program records in the NCAA tournament. With standout performances from bench players like Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson, South Carolina is looking like the team to beat.
• UCLA Bruins: The Bruins were the No. 1 overall team on Selection Sunday but have dropped to No. 2 after a slightly shaky start against Southern. They eventually found their rhythm, though, and their precision play makes them a formidable opponent.
• UConn Huskies: UConn’s offense was on full display in their 103-34 win over Arkansas State. Azzi Fudd’s return to form is a huge boost for the Huskies, who are looking to make a deep run in the tournament.
• USC Trojans: While USC’s defense was impressive, holding UNC Greensboro to just 25 points, the health of JuJu Watkins is a concern. She played through some injuries, and her status will be crucial moving forward.
• Texas Longhorns: Texas had a dominant win over William & Mary, but allowing 61 points was a bit high compared to other top teams. Still, their potential for a national championship run remains strong.

These are just a few of the top teams to watch as the tournament progresses. With so many talented squads still in the mix, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top. Will South Carolina continue their dominant run? Can UCLA regain their top spot? Or will UConn’s efficient offense carry them to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be an exciting ride!

So, basketball fans, buckle up and get ready for more thrilling action as the women’s NCAA tournament continues. Whether you’re rooting for the favorites or hoping for an underdog story, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we follow the road to the championship!