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NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025: First Round Schedule and Channels

ByCoach

March Madness is back, and this weekend is set to be a thrilling showcase of college basketball action as the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament kicks off its first round.

Fans across the country are gearing up to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the court. With a packed schedule and games broadcast across various channels, there’s no shortage of excitement.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide will help you navigate the first round of the tournament and ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.

First Round Matchups: Teams to Watch

The first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is filled with intriguing matchups that promise to deliver high-stakes drama. Here are some of the key games you should keep an eye on:

Michigan vs. Iowa State

Time: 11:30 a.m. EDT | Channel: ESPN2

The sixth-seeded Michigan Wolverines face off against the eleventh-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in what promises to be a competitive game. Michigan has had a strong season, but Iowa State is known for its resilience and could pull off an upset.

Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin

Time: 2 p.m. EDT | Channel: ESPN

The third-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the fourteenth-seeded Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks. Notre Dame is a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball, but Stephen F. Austin has shown they can compete with the best.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech

Time: 4 p.m. EDT | Channel: ESPN

The top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks are up against the sixteenth-seeded Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. As the number one seed, South Carolina is the favorite, but Tennessee Tech will be looking to make history with an upset.

Broadcast Information

With games spread across multiple networks, it’s essential to know where to tune in to catch all the action. Here’s a breakdown of the channels broadcasting the first-round games:

  • ESPN: Home to several key matchups, including Kentucky vs. Liberty (12 p.m. EDT) and UCLA vs. Southern (10 p. m. EDT).
  • ESPN2: Broadcasting games such as Michigan vs. Iowa State (11:30 a.m. EDT) and Texas vs. William & Mary (9:45 p.m. EDT).
  • ESPNU: Featuring games like Baylor vs. Grand Canyon (3:30 p.m. EDT) and Duke vs. Lehigh (8 p.m. EDT).
  • ESPNews: Covering matchups including Kansas State vs. Fairfield (2:30 p.m. EDT) and Illinois vs. Creighton (7:15 p.m. EDT).
  • ABC: Airing the UConn vs. Arkansas State game at 1 p.m. EDT and Southern California vs. UNC Greensboro at 3 p.m. EDT.

Key Players to Watch

Several standout players are expected to make a significant impact during the first round. Here are a few to keep an eye on:

Aaliyah Boston, South Carolina

Aaliyah Boston has been a dominant force for the Gamecocks all season. Her ability to control the paint and score efficiently makes her a player to watch in the tournament.

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Paige Bueckers is one of the most talented players in college basketball. Her scoring ability and playmaking skills will be crucial for UConn’s success.

Caitlin Clark, Iowa

Caitlin Clark has been a scoring machine for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Her deep shooting range and ability to create her own shot make her a formidable opponent.

Upset Alerts

The first round of the tournament is always ripe for upsets. Here are a few matchups where lower-seeded teams could surprise their higher-seeded opponents:

Liberty vs. Kentucky

Time: 12 p.m. EDT | Channel: ESPN

The thirteenth-seeded Liberty Flames take on the fourth-seeded Kentucky Wildcats. Liberty has a strong defense that could stifle Kentucky’s high-powered offense.

Ball State vs. Ole Miss

Time: 6 p.m. EDT | Channel: ESPNU

The twelfth-seeded Ball State Cardinals face the fifth-seeded Ole Miss Rebels. Ball State’s balanced attack could pose problems for Ole Miss.

How to Watch

To make sure you don’t miss any of the action, here’s a quick guide on how to watch the games:

  • ESPN App: Stream games live on your mobile device or smart TV.
  • ABC: Tune in to your local ABC affiliate for select games.
  • Cable/Satellite Providers: Check your local listings for ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.
  • Online Streaming Services: Services like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer packages that include the necessary channels.

Conclusion

The first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be an exciting start to March Madness.

With a packed schedule of games and numerous storylines to follow, fans are in for a treat.

Make sure to check out the full schedule and channel listings on WNDU to stay up to date with all the action.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of college basketball!

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