|

Oklahoma vs Iowa Women’s Basketball 2025 NCAA Tournament Predictions

ByCoach

The 2025 NCAA women’s tournament is heating up. One of the most anticipated second-round matchups features the Oklahoma Sooners facing off against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Oklahoma, boasting a 26-7 record and a No. 3 seed, will take on the No. 6 seed Iowa, who enter the game with a 23-10 record. This matchup is especially intriguing as it pits Oklahoma’s strong home record against Iowa’s recent history of success, despite the loss of their former star, Caitlin Clark. Here’s a deep dive into what to expect from this thrilling contest.

Oklahoma’s Strong Season in the SEC

The Oklahoma Sooners have had an impressive season. They finished with a 26-7 record and earned a No. 3 seed in the 2025 women’s March Madness bracket.

This success comes in their debut season in the rugged Southeastern Conference (SEC), a testament to their resilience and skill. The Sooners have only lost twice at home this season, making the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, a fortress for them.

Key Players to Watch

Oklahoma’s success this season can be attributed to several standout players. Keep an eye on their leading scorer and playmaker, who has been instrumental in their victories. Additionally, their defensive stalwart has been a key figure in shutting down opposing teams.

  • Leading Scorer: Averaging over 20 points per game, the leading scorer has been the driving force behind Oklahoma’s offense.
  • Defensive Stalwart: Known for her ability to lock down opponents, she has been crucial in maintaining Oklahoma’s strong defensive record.

Iowa’s Road to the Second Round

The Iowa Hawkeyes, with a 23-10 record, have earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA bracket. Despite finishing as national runners-up the past two seasons, the team has had to adjust to life without their superstar guard Caitlin Clark, who is now playing in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. Nevertheless, Iowa has shown resilience and determination to make it to the second round.

New Stars Emerge

With Caitlin Clark’s departure, other players have stepped up to fill the void. The team’s new leaders have been pivotal in guiding Iowa through a challenging season.

  • Emerging Leader: This player has taken on the mantle of leadership, averaging impressive stats and providing crucial plays in clutch moments.
  • Supporting Cast: The supporting players have also risen to the occasion, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.

Expert Predictions and Betting Odds

Experts from across the USA TODAY Network have weighed in on the Oklahoma vs. Iowa matchup, with a majority favoring Iowa to win. The predictions are as follows:

  • Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: Iowa
  • Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Iowa
  • Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: Iowa
  • Meg L. Hall, For The Win: Iowa
  • Cora Hall, Knoxville News: Oklahoma

The betting odds, provided by BetMGM, also offer interesting insights:

  • Spread: Oklahoma -4.5
  • Moneyline Favorite: Oklahoma -200
  • Moneyline Underdog: Iowa +165
  • O/U: 158.5 points

Game Day Information

For fans eager to catch this exciting matchup, here are the key details:

  • Game Day: Monday, March 24
  • Game Time: 4 p.m. ET
  • Location: Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Live Stream: Fubo – Watch Now!

Conclusion

The Oklahoma vs. Iowa second-round matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the table.

Oklahoma’s strong home record and standout players will be tested against Iowa’s resilience and new stars. Expert predictions favor Iowa, so it will be interesting to see how the game unfolds. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action live on ESPN or via Fubo.

For more detailed analysis and predictions, check out the complete March Madness bracket breakdown on USA TODAY.

Related Posts