The excitement of March Madness has officially kicked off, showcasing thrilling performances and stunning victories. Teams like South Carolina, UCLA, Notre Dame, UConn, and USC demonstrated their prowess with significant wins, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Kentucky narrowly avoided an upset against Liberty, while Oregon made history as the first double-digit seed to advance, clinching an overtime victory over Vanderbilt.
The top seeds in this year's tournament include UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC, with the Bruins earning the prestigious title of the top overall seed. Historically, since the tournament's expansion in 1994, a No. 1 seed has triumphed in the championship 23 times. In contrast, No. 2 seeds have secured the title four times, while No. 3 seeds have achieved three championships, including LSU's victory in 2023. Remarkably, LSU returns this season as a No. 3 seed.
Amidst the fierce competition, USC's star player JuJu Watkins faced two concerning injury scares during her team's commanding 71-25 victory over UNC Greensboro. Fortunately, she has confirmed that she is 'all good' and ready to continue her journey in the tournament. On the other hand, Notre Dame's Olivia Miles sustained an ankle injury during the Fighting Irish's impressive 106-56 win over Stephen F. Austin. While her status remains uncertain, coach Niele Ivey expressed optimism about her ability to play against Michigan on Sunday.
UConn, renowned as the winningest program in women's basketball history with 11 national titles, enters the tournament as a formidable No. 2 seed. Under the leadership of coach Geno Auriemma, who became the winningest coach in basketball history earlier this season, the Huskies have made it to 15 of the last 16 Final Fours. In a display of dominance, UConn secured one of the most lopsided victories of the tournament, demolishing Arkansas State 103-34. The offensive trio of Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and Ashlynn Shade combined for an astonishing 67 points, while star player Paige Bueckers contributed 11 points in the 69-point rout.
For fans eager to follow the action, a viewable/printable 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament bracket is available below. Be sure to check back frequently over the next few weeks for the latest updates. CBS Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including news, results, and in-depth analysis of the most significant matchups. Don't miss out on tracking your picks through our Bracket Games, conveniently accessible on your preferred device.
