Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket has been finalized and the updated schedule is set to captivate fans across the country. College basketball enthusiasts are gearing up for a month-long journey through nail-biting finishes, historic upsets, and unforgettable moments as teams battle in this knockout competition. With every game carrying the weight of elimination, the tournament promises non-stop action from the First Four through to the National Championship on April 6.
The New Era of Women’s March Madness
This year’s tournament brings a refreshing mix of veteran teams and rising stars, making it a must-watch for fans of college basketball. The updated bracket is a testament to the evolving landscape of NCAA Women’s Basketball, as historic programs clash with emerging powerhouses in a series of high-stakes encounters. The excitement begins with the First Four games, where teams fight for their spot in the main draw—a critical opportunity that sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Historic Wins and First Appearances
A highlight from the early stages of the tournament comes from Southern University, which recorded its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory during its seventh appearance. Defeating UC San Diego 68-56, Southern University not only advanced but also secured a No. 16 seed. This milestone is particularly significant as it reflects the growth and competitive spirit of women’s college basketball. The victory sets up an intriguing opening round matchup against top-seeded UCLA, promising a David versus Goliath battle that will test Southern’s resolve and determination.
Iowa State also made headlines by overcoming Princeton with a narrow 68-63 win, earning themselves a No. 11 seed. The Cyclones’ performance in the First Four demonstrated their grit and potential to make a deep run in the tournament. With a forthcoming clash against No. 6 seed Michigan in the round of 64, Iowa State has quickly become one of the teams to watch as March Madness unfolds.
Detailed Schedule and Bracket Updates
The tournament schedule has been meticulously planned to ensure that fans do not miss a moment of the action. Here is a comprehensive look at the full schedule and key matchups:
Wednesday, March 19 – First Four
- No. 11 Iowa State 68, 11 Princeton 63
- No. 16 Southern University 68, No. 16 UC San Diego 56
These initial games set the stage for the drama to come, with both winners proving they have what it takes to compete on the national stage.
Thursday, March 20 – First Four
- No. 11 Columbia vs. No. 11 Washington at 7 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 16 UC San Diego vs. No. 16 Southern University at 9 p.m. | ESPNU
The matchups on Thursday add another layer of suspense as teams vie for their spots in the main bracket. Fans can expect closely contested battles that highlight the intensity of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
Friday, March 21 – First Round (Round of 64)
- No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Iowa State at 11:30 a.m. | ESPN2
- No. 4 Kentucky vs. No. 13 Liberty at 12 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 8 Utah vs. No. 9 Indiana at 1:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 5 Kansas State vs. No. 12 Fairfield at 2:30 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 4 Baylor vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon at 3:30 p.m. | ESPNU
- No. 2 TCU vs. No. 15 FDU at 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 16 Tennessee Tech at 4 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 7 Vanderbilt vs. No. 10 Oregon at 5:30 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 13 Montana State at 5:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 12 Ball State at 6 p.m. | ESPNU
- No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 10 Nebraska at 6 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 8 Richmond vs. No. 9 Georgia Tech at 7:30 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Lehigh at 8 p.m. | ESPNU
- No. 5 Tennessee vs. No. 12 South Florida at 8 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 16 Southern University at 10 p.m. | ESPN
Friday’s slate is arguably one of the most action-packed, featuring marquee matchups that include defending champions and top-ranked teams. The clash between No. 1 UCLA and Southern University is particularly compelling, as it pits history against hunger and sets the stage for potential upsets.
Saturday, March 22 – First Round (Round of 64)
- No. 6 Iowa vs. No. 11 Murray State at 12 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 2 UConn vs. No. 15 Arkansas State at 1 p.m. | ABC
- No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 12 Green Bay at 1:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 2 NC State vs. No. 15 Vermont at 2 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 6 West Virginia vs. No. 11 Columbia/Washington at 2 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 FGCU at 2:30 p.m. | ESPNU
- No. 1 Southern California vs. No. 16 UNC Greensboro at 3 p.m. | ABC
- No. 7 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 South Dakota State at 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Norfolk State at 4 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 14 Oregon State at 4:30 p.m. | ESPNU
- No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Harvard at 4:30 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 8 California vs. No. 9 Mississippi State at 5:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 8 Illinois vs. No. 9 Creighton at 7:15 p.m. | ESPNews
- No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 George Mason at 7:45 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 High Point/William & Mary at 9:45 p.m. | ESPN2
- No. 3 LSU vs. No. 14 San Diego State at 10:15 p.m. | ESPN
Saturday offers another round of crucial games as top teams and underdogs look to advance. With historic programs like UConn and Texas in the mix, every minute counts in the race for the coveted Final Four berth.
Sunday, March 23 and Monday, March 24 – Second Round (Round of 32)
The schedule for the Second Round remains to be determined, but anticipation is already building as teams that have advanced from the First Round prepare to face stiffer competition. These matchups are expected to feature dramatic moments and high-intensity basketball as the stakes continue to rise.
The Road to the Final Four and National Championship
Following the Second Round, the tournament progresses into the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight stages. Scheduled games for the Sweet 16 will take place on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, with multiple matchups broadcast across ESPN and ABC. The Elite Eight games are set for Sunday, March 30, and Monday, March 31, as teams battle for a place in the Final Four.
The climax of Women’s March Madness is scheduled for Friday, April 4, when the Final Four matchups will determine the national champions. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 6, with the National Championship game—a highly anticipated showdown that will crown the best team in NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball.
The bracket updates, especially with notable matchups like Southern University’s historic win and Iowa State’s impressive performance, generate significant online buzz. Social media platforms and sports news outlets are abuzz with discussions about potential upsets, breakout stars, and tactical masterclasses. With every game, these keywords gain traction, drawing more eyes to the tournament and elevating the status of women’s college basketball on the global stage.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As the tournament unfolds, the stakes will only get higher. Each game is a battle where one loss means elimination, making every possession, every pass, and every shot critical. Fans can look forward to seeing powerhouse programs face off against scrappy underdogs in matchups that promise to deliver unforgettable moments. Coaches will rely on strategic brilliance and meticulous game plans, while players will showcase their talent, resilience, and passion for the sport.
The detailed schedule ensures that every fan, whether watching on ESPN, ESPNews, ESPNU, or ABC, can catch the live action. With broadcasting times spread out across multiple days, the tournament offers a non-stop celebration of college basketball that will be remembered for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be a historic chapter in Women’s March Madness. With the bracket now finalized and the full schedule available, fans have every reason to be excited about the dramatic twists and fierce competition that lie ahead. From Southern University’s landmark victory to Iowa State’s hard-fought win, each game in this tournament carries the promise of redefining what it means to compete at the highest level of women’s college basketball.
As the tournament progresses through the First Four, Round of 64, and beyond, the blend of veteran expertise and emerging talent will create a spectacle of athleticism and strategy. The journey toward the Final Four and the National Championship is more than just a series of games—it’s a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in college sports.
For fans, coaches, and players alike, this is a time to embrace the unpredictability of March Madness and to revel in the sheer joy of college basketball. With every game, every buzzer-beater, and every hard-fought victory, the narrative of the tournament grows richer, setting the stage for a thrilling climax in early April.
In conclusion, the updated bracket and full schedule for Women’s March Madness ensure that this tournament will be one of the most compelling editions yet. With historic wins, high-profile matchups, and a journey that culminates in the crowning of a national champion, the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to capture the hearts and minds of fans across the globe. Get ready to witness history in the making as the battle for college basketball supremacy unfolds one game at a time.
