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NCAA Women’s Sweet 16: TV Schedule, Scores, Updated Bracket

ByCoach

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has reached its Sweet 16 stage, but not without some dramatic twists. The tournament has already seen high-scoring games, stunning performances, and a significant injury that could shift the balance of power.

USC’s star guard, JuJu Watkins, will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury, casting a shadow over the Trojans’ title hopes. Meanwhile, perennial powerhouse Connecticut continues its historic run with yet another Sweet 16 appearance.

Let’s dive into the details of what promises to be an exhilarating round of matchups, the impact of Watkins’ injury, and the TV schedule for fans eager to catch every moment.

JuJu Watkins’ Injury: A Game Changer

USC guard JuJu Watkins, a standout player who has received national player of the year honors, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a fast break in the Trojans’ 96-59 victory over Mississippi State.

Watkins was averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, making her a crucial component of the top-seeded USC team. Her absence is a devastating blow to the Trojans and adds a layer of unpredictability to the Spokane regional, where USC was expected to dominate.

Impact on USC’s Title Hopes

Without Watkins, USC’s path to the championship becomes significantly more challenging. The Trojans will need to rely on their depth and other key players to step up. This injury not only affects USC but also changes the dynamics for other teams in the Spokane regional, including No. 2 seed Connecticut.

Connecticut’s Historic Run Continues

Connecticut has extended its remarkable streak by advancing to the Sweet 16 for the 31st consecutive time.

The Huskies secured their spot with a commanding 91-57 victory over No. 10 seed South Dakota State. Led by Paige Bueckers, Connecticut remains a formidable contender, even as they face the challenges posed by the other top seeds in the tournament.

Key Players to Watch

Paige Bueckers is undoubtedly the player to watch for Connecticut. Her leadership and scoring ability will be crucial as the Huskies navigate the Sweet 16.

Other players, such as Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards, will also need to contribute significantly for Connecticut to continue its dominant run.

Sweet 16 Matchups and TV Schedule

The Sweet 16 round promises to deliver thrilling basketball action, with matchups featuring some of the best teams and players in the country. Here’s a look at the updated bracket and TV schedule:

  • (2) Duke vs. (3) North Carolina | 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
  • (1) South Carolina vs. (4) Maryland | 5 p.m. on ESPN
  • (2) N.C. State vs. (3) LSU | 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
  • (1) UCLA vs. (5) Ole Miss | 10 p.m. on ESPN
  • (2) TCU vs. (3) Notre Dame | 1 p.m. on ABC
  • (1) Texas vs. (5) Tennessee | 3:30 p.m. on ABC
  • (2) UConn vs. (3) Oklahoma | 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
  • (1) Southern California vs. (5) Kansas State | 8 p.m. on ESPN

Notable Second-Round Results

The second round of the tournament featured several high-scoring games and close contests. Here are some of the notable results:

  • (2) N.C. State 83, (7) Michigan State 49
  • (1) Texas 65, (8) Illinois 48
  • (3) Oklahoma 96, (6) Iowa 62
  • (4) Maryland 111, (5) Alabama 108 (2OT)
  • (3) LSU 101, (6) Florida State 71
  • (3) North Carolina 58, (6) West Virginia 47
  • (2) Connecticut 91, (10) South Dakota State 57
  • (1) Southern California 96, (9) Mississippi State 59

Upcoming Key Matchups

As we look ahead to the Sweet 16, several key matchups stand out.

The clash between ACC rivals Duke and North Carolina is sure to be a highlight, as both teams have a storied history and a fierce rivalry.

Additionally, the game between No. 1 seed Texas and No. 5 seed Tennessee will be closely watched, as both teams have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament.

Potential for Upsets

While the top-12 seeds have all advanced to the Sweet 16, the potential for upsets remains high.

Teams like Ole Miss and Kansas State, both seeded fifth, have shown they can compete with the best and could potentially pull off surprises against higher-seeded opponents.

The unpredictability of March Madness is what makes it so exciting, and this year is no exception.

How to Watch

Fans can catch all the action of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament through various platforms.

Every game will be available for streaming on DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial for new users.

Additionally, games will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, ensuring that fans won’t miss a moment of the excitement.

Streaming Options

For those looking to stream the games, DirecTV Stream provides a convenient option. With a free trial available, it’s an excellent way for fans to catch all the tournament action without committing to a long-term subscription.

Additionally, ESPN and ABC will be broadcasting the games, making it easy for viewers to tune in from anywhere.

Conclusion

The Sweet 16 stage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to deliver thrilling matchups, high-stakes drama, and unforgettable moments.

While JuJu Watkins’ injury is a significant setback for USC, the tournament remains wide open. Several teams are poised to make a run at the championship.

Fans can look forward to exciting games, standout performances, and the unpredictability that makes March Madness so special.

Be sure to follow all the action and stay updated with the latest news and scores by visiting the official Syracuse sports page.

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