|

Today’s Women’s March Madness Sweet 16 Schedule and Game Highlights

ByCoach

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is in full swing. The excitement is palpable as we head into the Sweet 16. From thrilling overtime victories to heartbreaking injuries, this year’s tournament has been nothing short of spectacular.

Powerhouse teams like Texas and USC are dominating their matchups. Meanwhile, underdog stories like Kansas State’s stunning overtime victory have fans eagerly anticipating what comes next. Below, we break down the key matchups, standout performances, and what fans can look forward to as the tournament progresses.

Sweet 16 Showdowns to Watch

As the tournament narrows down to the Sweet 16, the intensity ramps up. The matchups promise to deliver high-stakes basketball and unforgettable moments. Here are the games you won’t want to miss:

  • (1) South Carolina vs. (4) Maryland | 5 p.m. on ESPN
  • (2) NC 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

Key Matchups and Predictions

One of the most anticipated games in the Sweet 16 is the clash between South Carolina and Maryland. South Carolina, a No. 1 seed, had a closer-than-expected game against Indiana, winning 64-53. Maryland, on the other hand, is coming off a double-overtime thriller against Alabama. With both teams showing resilience and skill, this matchup is set to be a nail-biter.

Another exciting game to watch is NC State vs. LSU. NC State looked formidable in their Round of 32 game, while LSU has been consistently strong throughout the tournament. This game could go either way, but NC State’s recent form gives them a slight edge.

Standout Performances

This year’s tournament has seen some incredible individual performances that have left fans and analysts alike in awe. Here are a few players who have stood out:

  • Paige Bueckers from UConn delivered her second 30-point performance of the tournament in the team’s win over South Dakota State.
  • JuJu Watkins of USC, despite suffering a torn ACL, had been a standout player throughout the season.
  • Maryland’s team effort in their double-overtime win against Alabama showcased their depth and determination.

Impact of Injuries

Injuries are an unfortunate part of any sport, and this year’s tournament has been no exception. USC’s JuJu Watkins suffered a torn ACL in the first quarter against Mississippi State, a significant blow to the Trojans. Her absence will be felt deeply as USC moves forward in the tournament.

Despite this setback, USC managed to secure a win and will face Kansas State in the Sweet 16. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts and who steps up in Watkins’ absence.

Underdog Stories

Every tournament has its share of underdog stories, and this year is no different. One of the most notable is Kansas State’s victory over Kentucky in overtime. As a No. 5 seed knocking off a No. 4 seed, Kansas State has shown that they are not to be underestimated.

Another team to watch is Michigan, who triumphed over Iowa State with an 80-74 victory. As a No. 6 seed, Michigan is looking to continue their impressive run and make it to the Elite Eight.

What’s Next?

As we look ahead to the Elite Eight, the competition will only get fiercer. The Sweet 16 games will determine which teams have the resilience, skill, and determination to advance. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

  • Sweet 16: March 29-29
  • Elite Eight: March 30-31
  • Final Four: Friday, April 4
  • NCAA Championship Game: Sunday, April 6

Final Thoughts

The women’s NCAA tournament has already provided fans with unforgettable moments and high-stakes drama.

With the Sweet 16 upon us, the excitement is only set to increase.

Whether you’re rooting for a top seed like Texas or hoping for an underdog story from Kansas State, there’s no shortage of thrilling basketball ahead.

For a complete schedule and more detailed analysis, be sure to check out the full coverage on NBC Sports.

Related Posts