Sweet 16 Showdowns: South Carolina and UCLA Aim for Elite Eight Glory
As the clock ticks down to the Final Four, the excitement of the 2025 NCAA tournament is palpable. The Sweet 16 is in full swing, and by the end of Friday night, four teams will be one step closer to the coveted destination of Tampa. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as all four No. 1 seeds have made it this far. Among them, defending champion South Carolina and the No. 1 overall seed UCLA are set to take the court on Friday, each vying for a spot in the Elite Eight. The Bruins will face off against Ole Miss, one of three 5-seeds to reach this stage, in what promises to be a thrilling final game of the night.
We’re keeping a close eye on every game as the journey to the Final Four continues. Here’s your comprehensive guide, complete with insights from on-site reporters in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, to Friday’s games as half of the Elite Eight is set. Don’t forget to check out ESPN’s ranking of the top 25 players still competing in March Madness.
Friday’s Schedule
- (5) Ole Miss Rebels vs. (1) UCLA Bruins, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
South Carolina vs. Maryland: A Battle of Titans
Final: South Carolina 71, Maryland 67
How South Carolina won: When the chips were down, MiLaysia Fulwiley emerged as the hero for South Carolina. Her crucial plays, including a pivotal bucket to cut into Maryland’s lead and a key assist to give South Carolina a 46-45 lead late in the third quarter, were game-changers. And let’s not forget her stunning one-legged fadeaway to close out the quarter. Fulwiley’s 23 points marked an NCAA tournament career high, proving that big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.
South Carolina’s keys to the Elite Eight: Looking ahead to their matchup against Duke on Sunday, South Carolina is likely to face another gritty, low-scoring battle. Duke will aim to replicate the defensive pressure that led to South Carolina’s 17 turnovers against Maryland. The Gamecocks’ shooting percentages of 38.5% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc are exactly what Duke hopes to see. If South Carolina can handle Duke’s pressure, they’ll be on their way to Tampa and another Final Four appearance. — Katie Barnes
Duke vs. North Carolina: Defensive Masterclass
Final: Duke 47, North Carolina 38
How Duke won: The Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, holding the Tar Heels to a mere 28.3% shooting from the field. North Carolina’s 20 first-half points were tied for the second fewest in a first half in NCAA tournament history for the program. The combined 85-point total set a record for the lowest in the Sweet 16 round or later in NCAA tournament history. Duke’s balanced offensive attack, led by sophomore guard Oluchi Okananwa with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Ashlon Jackson with 10 points, secured the victory.
Duke’s keys to the Elite Eight: As Duke prepares to face the winner of Maryland and South Carolina, their defensive prowess will be crucial. However, shooting 31% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc won’t suffice, regardless of their defensive performance. The Blue Devils will need to step up their offensive game to make their first Final Four since 2006. — Katie Barnes
Originally Written by: ESPN
