March Madness Heats Up: A Look at the Remaining First Four Matchups
The journey to crown the 2025 women’s NCAA basketball champion is well underway, with the excitement of March Madness officially igniting on Wednesday. The initial pair of First Four contests has already delivered on the promise of unpredictable drama, as Iowa State and Southern battled their way to secure coveted spots in the main tournament bracket. As the dust settles from those opening games, anticipation swells for the remaining First Four matchups, each representing a critical hurdle for teams vying to extend their seasons and chase their championship dreams.
Tonight, two more teams will emerge victorious from the First Four crucible, earning the right to dance among the traditional field of 64. The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the pressure is immense as these underdogs seek to defy the odds and make their mark on the national stage. Let’s delve into a closer look at the two remaining First Four games, examining the teams, their key players, and the potential paths to victory.
Washington Huskies vs. Columbia Lions: A Battle for a Shot at West Virginia
The first game of the evening pits the No. 11 seed Washington Huskies against the No. 11 seed Columbia Lions. This clash will unfold at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. The winner of this contest will earn the ultimate prize: a chance to challenge the formidable No. 6 seed West Virginia Mountaineers in the first round of the main tournament.
For the Washington Huskies (19-13), this First Four appearance marks a significant milestone. It represents the program’s first return to the NCAA Tournament since 2017, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and its coaching staff. The Huskies will be eager to seize this opportunity and prove that they belong on the national stage.
Leading the charge for Washington are guards Elle Ladine and Sayvia Sellers. This dynamic duo has been a consistent source of offensive firepower for the Huskies throughout the season. Their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc is a crucial element of the Huskies’ offensive strategy. Together, Ladine and Sellers boast a combined shooting percentage of 39.4% from three-point range, making them a constant threat to opposing defenses. If they can find their rhythm early and maintain their accuracy throughout the game, the Huskies will be a tough opponent for Columbia.
On the other side of the court, the Columbia Lions (23-6) enter the First Four with a wealth of experience in this play-in round. This marks their second consecutive appearance in the First Four, giving them a distinct advantage in terms of familiarity with the pressure and intensity of this unique tournament environment. The Lions will be determined to capitalize on their experience and avoid a repeat of last year’s First Four exit.
Columbia’s success this season has been built on a foundation of solid defense and a balanced offensive attack. The Lions are a well-coached and disciplined team that excels at executing their game plan. They will look to control the tempo of the game, limit Washington’s open looks from three-point range, and exploit any defensive mismatches. To advance, Columbia needs a strong performance from their key players and a collective effort on both ends of the floor.
This matchup promises to be a closely contested affair. Both teams are evenly matched in terms of talent and experience. The key to victory for Washington will be their ability to generate open looks for Ladine and Sellers and to disrupt Columbia’s offensive flow. Columbia, on the other hand, will need to rely on their defensive prowess and their ability to control the pace of the game.
William & Mary Tribe vs. High Point Panthers: A David vs. Goliath Scenario
The second First Four game of the night presents a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, as the No. 16 seed William & Mary Tribe squares off against the No. 16 seed High Point Panthers. This contest will take place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, with the winner earning the daunting task of facing the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns in the first round.
The William & Mary Tribe (15-18) enters the First Four as the ultimate underdog. Their overall record suggests a team that has struggled to find consistency throughout the season. However, their presence in the NCAA Tournament speaks to their resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The Tribe will embrace their underdog status and look to play with nothing to lose.
For William & Mary to pull off the upset, they will need to execute a near-perfect game. They will need to play with relentless energy, defend with unwavering intensity, and capitalize on every opportunity. Their key players will need to elevate their performance and provide leadership and inspiration to the rest of the team. The Tribe will also need a little bit of luck to go their way.
The High Point Panthers (21-11) enter the First Four with a significantly better record than their opponent. They have enjoyed a successful season and will be confident in their ability to advance to the main tournament bracket. The Panthers are a well-coached team with a balanced offensive attack and a solid defensive foundation.
To avoid the upset, High Point will need to respect their opponent and play with focus and discipline. They will need to execute their game plan effectively, control the boards, and limit William & Mary’s scoring opportunities. The Panthers will also need to avoid complacency and maintain their intensity throughout the game.
This game presents a unique challenge for both teams. William & Mary will need to play with a sense of urgency and desperation, while High Point will need to avoid underestimating their opponent. The outcome of this game will likely depend on which team can best handle the pressure and execute their game plan.
A Night of High Stakes and Unpredictable Drama
The remaining First Four matchups promise to deliver another night of high stakes and unpredictable drama. Each game represents a critical opportunity for teams to extend their seasons and chase their championship dreams. As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the excitement is palpable, and the anticipation is building.
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual observer, the First Four is a testament to the spirit of March Madness: a time when underdogs rise, dreams are realized, and anything is possible. Tune in tonight to witness the drama unfold and see which teams will emerge victorious from the First Four crucible. The journey to the championship continues, and the best is yet to come.
