Saturday’s Women’s NCAA Tournament: A Preview of Must-See Matchups
The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament is off to a thrilling start, with Friday’s games delivering a series of memorable moments and close contests. The excitement continues Saturday, as another 16 teams take the court in the first round, vying for a coveted spot in the next stage of March Madness. From potential WNBA stars to top-seeded powerhouses, Saturday’s schedule promises a day full of captivating basketball.
Coverage kicks off at noon ET with a David vs. Goliath matchup between the No. 11 seed Murray State Racers and the No. 6 seed Iowa State Cyclones. While Iowa State enters as the favorite, Murray State will be eager to pull off an upset and prove they belong on the national stage. This early game could set the tone for a day of unexpected twists and turns.
Following that, at 1 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Paige Bueckers, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, as she leads her No. 2 seed UConn Huskies against the No. 15 seed Arkansas State Red Wolves. Bueckers is a generational talent known for her scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership. UConn, a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, will be looking to make a deep tournament run, and their journey begins against Arkansas State. While the Huskies are heavily favored, Arkansas State will undoubtedly bring their A-game and attempt to disrupt UConn’s plans.
As the afternoon unfolds, the top seeds will begin their tournament campaigns. At 3 p.m. ET, the No. 1 seed USC Trojans, led by a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, will face off against the No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro Spartans. USC has been dominant throughout the regular season, and they’ll be looking to assert their dominance early in the tournament. However, UNC Greensboro, having earned their spot in the tournament, will be determined to make a statement and challenge the Trojans.
Later in the evening, at 7:45 p.m. ET, the spotlight shifts to Ta’Niya Latson, the electrifying guard for the No. 5 seed Florida State Seminoles. Latson, who led the nation in scoring this season with an impressive 24.9 points per game, is a player that fans will want to tune in to see. Her scoring ability and offensive firepower make Florida State a dangerous team in the tournament. They will be playing against the No. 11 seed George Mason Patriots, who will aim to contain Latson and pull off an upset. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting styles.
Concluding the day’s action at 9:45 p.m. ET, the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns will take on the No. 16 seed William & Mary Tribe. The Longhorns, another top contender for the national championship, will be looking to showcase their talent and experience against William & Mary. The Tribe, after defeating High Point 69-63 in the First Four, will be riding high and eager to continue their Cinderella story. This late-night game will provide a fitting end to a day of intense basketball.
How to Watch:
For fans eager to catch all the action, coverage of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament will be broadcast across the ESPN family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Streaming options include March Madness Live and the ESPN app, both of which require a valid cable login.
Another option for streaming the games is Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to potential subscribers. Fubo is a great choice for cord-cutters who want to enjoy live sports without a traditional cable package.
Key Storylines to Follow:
- Paige Bueckers’s Tournament Journey: All eyes will be on Paige Bueckers as she leads UConn in what is likely her final college tournament. Can she guide the Huskies to another national championship?
- Top Seeds’ Dominance: Can the No. 1 seeds USC and Texas live up to expectations and make deep tournament runs? Their performance will be closely watched as they navigate the challenges of March Madness.
- Ta’Niya Latson’s Scoring Prowess: Will Ta’Niya Latson continue her high-scoring ways and lead Florida State on a memorable tournament run? Her individual performance could be a key factor in the Seminoles’ success.
- Cinderella Stories: Which lower-seeded teams will emerge as Cinderella stories and pull off shocking upsets? March Madness is known for its unpredictable nature, and there are always a few unexpected teams that capture the nation’s attention.
A Note on Game Format:
It’s important to remember that women’s NCAA tournament games are played in quarters, unlike men’s games which are played in halves. This difference in format can affect the flow of the game and strategic decisions made by coaches.
Saturday’s slate of games offers a diverse range of matchups and storylines, providing fans with a full day of exciting women’s college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament continues. Tune in, follow the action, and witness the drama unfold as teams battle for a chance to advance and chase their championship dreams.
