Women’s NCAA Tournament First Four Set: Teams, Schedule, and How to Watch

The field of 68 is now complete! We have our teams for the fourth annual Women’s NCAA Tournament First Four, setting the stage for an exciting run to the championship. Eight teams will battle it out for a coveted spot in the main bracket, with games commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, and concluding on Thursday, March 20th.

This year’s First Four matchups promise thrilling competition, featuring a mix of established programs and rising contenders. Let’s break down the teams involved, the stakes, and how you can catch all the action.

The First Four Matchups:

The First Four is strategically organized across three of the tournament’s four regions, with Region 3 hosting two matchups. Here’s a look at each contest:

• Region 1: No. 16 UC San Diego vs. Southern
  This matchup pits UC San Diego, eager to make a statement in their First Four debut, against Southern, a team known for its athleticism and determination. The winner will face a daunting task, drawing the top seed overall, UCLA.

• Region 2: No. 11 Columbia vs. Washington
  This game features two teams with strong resumes and NCAA Tournament aspirations. Columbia, representing the Ivy League, will look to showcase their academic prowess alongside their basketball skills. Washington, from the Pac-12, brings a wealth of experience and a hunger for tournament success. The victor earns the right to challenge West Virginia in the first round.

• Region 3: No. 16 High Point vs. William & Mary
  Another matchup on the 16-seed line pits High Point, a team known for their scoring ability, against William & Mary, a program with a rich basketball tradition. The winner will move on to face a formidable opponent in Texas, a top seed with national championship aspirations.

• Region 3: No. 11 Iowa State vs. Princeton
  This all-11 seed showdown will see Iowa State’s offensive firepower clash with Princeton’s historically strong defense. Both teams have the potential to pull off upsets, making this one of the most intriguing First Four games. The winner will advance to take on a tough Michigan squad.

A Relatively New Tradition:

While the men’s NCAA Tournament has enjoyed the First Four format since 2011, the women’s tournament only introduced it in 2022. This year marks just the fourth iteration of this exciting play-in round.

The Unique Venue Setup:

Unlike the men’s First Four, which typically takes place at a centralized location in Dayton, Ohio, the women’s First Four games are held at the home courts of four of the top 16 seeded teams. This creates a "neutral court" environment, as the host teams are not participating in these games. The setup provides excellent facilities and adds a touch of prestige to the opening round.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes are undeniably high. Each of these eight teams is fighting for the opportunity to not only participate in the main bracket of the NCAA Tournament but also to prove their worth on a national stage. A victory in the First Four can provide invaluable momentum heading into the first round and beyond.

For the teams that advance, a date with a top seed awaits, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Pulling off an upset against a highly ranked opponent would be a monumental achievement, setting the stage for a Cinderella run through the tournament.

How to Watch:

The Women’s First Four games will be broadcast across the ESPN family of networks. Specific TV channel and tip-off time information is still to be determined, but will be updated as soon as it is available.

Beyond traditional television, there are several streaming options available:

• March Madness Live App: The official app of the NCAA Tournament.
• ESPN App: Accessible with a cable login.
• Fubo: A streaming service that offers a free trial, making it an attractive option for catching the First Four games.

Schedule:

The Women’s First Four will take place on Wednesday, March 19th, and Thursday, March 20th, with two games scheduled per day. A detailed schedule with game times and TV channels will be updated soon.

A Look Back at Previous First Four Games:

To understand the potential drama and excitement that awaits, it’s worth taking a look back at the results of previous Women’s First Four games:

(2022, 2023, 2024 Results Will be Added When Available)

These past results demonstrate that anything can happen in the First Four. Teams have used this opportunity to launch successful tournament runs, while others have fallen just short.

Get Ready for Tip-Off!

With the matchups set, the stage is ready for the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament First Four. Expect intense competition, emotional moments, and the emergence of potential Cinderella stories. Be sure to tune in on March 19th and 20th to witness the excitement unfold and see which teams will earn their place in the field of 64.