Womens March Madness Tips Off: A Comprehensive Guide to Friday’s First Round Action
The anticipation has reached fever pitch. Following the opening salvo of the men’s NCAA Tournament, the spotlight now shifts to the women’s stage as the 2025 NCAA Tournament tips off with a full slate of first-round games. Basketball enthusiasts can prepare for a day brimming with thrilling matchups, captivating storylines, and the electrifying energy that defines March Madness.
Friday promises an abundance of college basketball action, with a staggering 32 games broadcast across various networks. The day will feature the continuation of the men’s first-round games alongside the commencement of the women’s tournament. The excitement begins early with No. 11 Iowa State facing No. 6 Michigan at 11:30 a.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN. Iowa State, fresh off a 68-63 victory over Princeton in the First Four on Wednesday, will be looking to carry that momentum into their second tournament game.
For those eager to catch every moment of the women’s March Madness games, Fubo offers a convenient streaming option with a free trial available to new subscribers.
A notable distinction between the men’s and women’s tournaments lies in the first-round venue selection. While the men’s games are held at neutral sites, the top four seeds in the women’s tournament enjoy the home-court advantage for the first round. This provides an electrifying atmosphere and a distinct advantage for the higher-seeded teams.
With games commencing at 11:30 a.m. ET and extending until the final tip-off at 10 p.m. ET, Friday promises over 12 hours of non-stop women’s basketball action. Fans will be treated to the spectacle of No. 1 seeds UCLA and South Carolina taking the court. UCLA, the tournament’s top overall seed, will face Southern at 10 p.m. ET. Southern secured their spot in the first round with a 68-56 victory over UC San Diego in a First Four matchup. South Carolina, led by coach Dawn Staley, will face Tennessee Tech at 4 p.m. ET.
Key Details for Friday’s Womens March Madness Slate:
- Teams to Watch: No. 1 UCLA, No. 1 South Carolina, No. 6 Michigan, No. 11 Iowa State
- Notable Matchups: UCLA vs. Southern, South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech, Iowa State vs. Michigan
- Broadcast Information: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS
- Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial), ESPN+
Comprehensive Broadcast Schedule and Streaming Options:
The first round of women’s March Madness games on Friday will be broadcast across the ESPN family of networks. Six games will be shown on ESPN, four games on ESPN2, and three games each on ESPNU and ESPNEWS.
To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the action, all 16 games on Friday can be streamed on Fubo, which carries all of ESPN’s channels and offers a free trial for new subscribers. Additionally, the games can be streamed on ESPN+.
Analyzing the Key Matchups
The Iowa State versus Michigan game is an intriguing matchup between two teams with contrasting styles. Iowa State, coming off a First Four victory, will look to maintain their momentum, while Michigan, as a No. 6 seed, will aim to assert their dominance early in the tournament.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on the No. 1 seeds, UCLA and South Carolina. UCLA, with the advantage of being the overall top seed and playing at home, is expected to showcase their talent against Southern. South Carolina, under the guidance of Dawn Staley, will be eager to make a statement against Tennessee Tech.
Understanding the Tournament Format
A key difference between the men’s and women’s games is the format of the game itself. Women’s college basketball uses a quarter-based system, while the men’s game uses halves. It is a difference that sometimes confuses new viewers.
Expert Insights and Predictions
Leading up to the tournament, experts have offered their insights and predictions on potential Final Four contenders and bracket busters. Keep an eye out for analysis from seasoned commentators and basketball analysts to gain a deeper understanding of the teams and their chances of success.
Important Information:
*All times are Eastern. Seeding is in parentheses.
The USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
As the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament unfolds, prepare to witness captivating performances, unexpected upsets, and the unwavering spirit of college basketball.
