Women’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight: A Closer Look at the Top Teams
The 2025 women’s NCAA tournament has been nothing short of thrilling, with each game bringing more excitement and competition. As we move into the Elite Eight, the tournament has largely followed the expected path, with the top seeds advancing. The chalk remains the writing utensil of choice, as they say, with UConn, TCU, UCLA, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, USC, and LSU all making it through to the regional finals. Let’s dive into the performances and matchups that have brought us to this point.
UConn Huskies: Dominance Personified
The UConn Huskies have been a force to be reckoned with, and their journey to the Elite Eight has been marked by stellar performances, particularly from Paige Bueckers. With an original seed of No. 2 in Spokane 4, UConn has steamrolled their opponents, winning their three NCAA tournament games by an average of 42 points. Bueckers has been nothing short of sensational, setting a career-high 34 points against South Dakota State and then surpassing that with 40 points against Oklahoma. Her performance has been historic, as no UConn player had ever scored 40 points in an NCAA tournament game before. Bueckers also surpassed Maya Moore for the highest per game scoring average (19.8) in UConn history. Up next, they face USC on Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
UCLA Bruins: Betts Leads the Charge
For the UCLA Bruins, everything starts with Lauren Betts. As the No. 1 seed in Spokane 1, UCLA has been impressive, with Betts leading the way. Her 31 points on 15-of-16 shooting against Ole Miss were crucial in their Sweet 16 victory. Betts’ performance places her in elite company, joining Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner as players with back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound games in the NCAA tournament. UCLA will face LSU on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Consistency and Clutch Performances
South Carolina, a No. 1 seed in Birmingham 2, has relied on its consistent program and standout performances from players like MiLaysia Fulwiley. Fulwiley’s 23 points against Maryland were pivotal in their Sweet 16 win. The Gamecocks will face Duke in a rematch of the SEC/ACC Challenge on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.
Texas Longhorns: Defensive Prowess
The Texas Longhorns, seeded No. 1 in Birmingham 3, have leaned heavily on their defense to reach the Elite Eight. Their victory over Tennessee showcased their ability to stifle high-scoring teams. Coach Vic Schaefer’s strategic lineup changes have paid off, and the Longhorns will look to continue their defensive dominance against TCU on Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
TCU Horned Frogs: Van Lith’s Leadership
TCU’s magical season continues, thanks in large part to Hailey Van Lith. Her 26 points against Notre Dame were instrumental in their Sweet 16 win. TCU, a No. 2 seed in Birmingham 3, will face Texas in their first Elite Eight appearance on Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
LSU Tigers: Unlikely Heroes
LSU, a No. 3 seed in Spokane 1, has seen standout performances from players like Sa’Myah Smith. Her double-double against NC State was crucial in their Sweet 16 victory. LSU will face UCLA on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
USC Trojans: Rising to the Occasion
Despite losing star JuJu Watkins to injury, USC has relied on its talented freshmen to reach the Elite Eight. The Trojans, a No. 1 seed in Spokane, will face UConn on Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils: Defensive Mastery
Duke’s journey to the Elite Eight has been defined by their defensive prowess. As a No. 2 seed in Birmingham 2, the Blue Devils have held their opponents to an average of 38.7 points per game. Duke will face South Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.
- UConn vs. USC: Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
- UCLA vs. LSU: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC
- South Carolina vs. Duke: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
- Texas vs. TCU: Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 women’s NCAA tournament. With top seeds advancing and standout performances from players across the board, the Elite Eight promises to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.
Originally Written by: Charlie Creme
