NCAA Women’s Tournament 2025 Sweet 16: Key Highlights and Performances

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. The Sweet 16 round has delivered thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.

Teams like UCLA, South Carolina, LSU, and Duke have advanced to the Elite Eight. TCU, Texas, UConn, and USC also made it to the next round. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next set of matchups.

This article provides a comprehensive recap of the standout performances and key highlights from the Sweet 16. It will set the stage for an intense battle in the Elite Eight.

Elite Eight Teams Shine in Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 round saw some of the top teams in women’s college basketball showcase their talent and determination. On Friday, UCLA, South Carolina, LSU, and Duke secured their spots in the Elite Eight.

Saturday’s games were equally exciting, with TCU, Texas, UConn, and USC joining them. Each team had standout players who delivered exceptional performances, making this year’s tournament one of the most memorable in recent history.

UConn’s Paige Bueckers Dominates

Paige Bueckers of UConn was undoubtedly the star of the Sweet 16 round. The likely No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers set a career high with 40 points. This broke the UConn single-game record in an NCAA Tournament game.

Her performance was nothing short of spectacular. She became the first Huskies player to score 30+ points in three NCAA Tournament games. UConn’s victory over Oklahoma, with a final score of 82-59, secured their 18th Elite Eight appearance in the last 19 seasons.

Key Performances from Other Elite Eight Teams

While Bueckers stole the spotlight, other players also made significant contributions to their teams’ successes.

Hailey Van Lith led TCU with 26 points, helping the Horned Frogs advance to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Madison Booker scored 17 points for Texas, playing a crucial role in their victory over Tennessee.

Kennedy Smith stepped up for USC, scoring 19 points in the absence of injured star JuJu Watkins. This guided the Trojans to a 67-61 win over Kansas State.

TCU’s Historic Achievement

TCU’s journey to the Elite Eight has been remarkable. Hailey Van Lith, who transferred from LSU, has been instrumental in their success.

In their Sweet 16 game against Notre Dame, Van Lith scored 12 of her 26 points in the fourth quarter, ensuring TCU’s 71-62 victory. Sedona Prince also contributed 21 points, making it a historic achievement for the Horned Frogs as they advanced to the regional final for the first time.

USC’s Resilience Without JuJu Watkins

USC faced a significant challenge in the Sweet 16 after losing their star player JuJu Watkins to an ACL injury. However, the Trojans displayed remarkable resilience.

Kennedy Smith took on a leadership role, scoring 19 points and helping USC hold off Kansas State. Freshman Avery Howell added 18 points, and Rayah Marshall made key plays in the fourth quarter.

Despite the setback, USC’s determination and team spirit were evident as they advanced to the Elite Eight.

Texas’ Defensive Masterclass

Texas showcased their defensive prowess in their Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee.

Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 17 points, while Taylor Jones added 12 points and eight rebounds.

In a tightly contested game, Texas’ defense proved to be the difference-maker. The Longhorns forced four turnovers in the final five minutes and held Tennessee scoreless in their last five shots. Booker’s clutch free throws sealed the 67-59 victory, setting up a thrilling Elite Eight clash with TCU.

Looking Ahead to the Elite Eight

The stage is set for an exciting Elite Eight round, with several intriguing matchups on the horizon.

UConn will face USC in a rematch of their December game, which the Trojans won 72-70.

With JuJu Watkins out, USC will rely on Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell to step up against a formidable UConn team led by Paige Bueckers.

TCU will take on Texas in what promises to be a high-stakes battle between two teams with impressive defensive capabilities.

UCLA, South Carolina, LSU, and Duke

On the other side of the bracket, UCLA, South Carolina, LSU, and Duke will compete for a spot in the Final Four.

Each team has demonstrated their strength and depth throughout the tournament. South Carolina, a perennial powerhouse, will look to continue their dominance, while UCLA and LSU aim to make deep runs. Duke, known for their balanced play, will be a tough opponent for any team they face.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament has already provided fans with unforgettable moments and exceptional performances.

As the Elite Eight approaches, the excitement continues to build. With standout players like Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith, and Kennedy Smith leading their teams, the upcoming matchups promise to be thrilling.

Be sure to follow all the action and stay updated on the latest developments by visiting Fox Sports.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we continue to cover the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament. We’ll highlight the key moments and players that make this event a must-watch for basketball fans around the world.