Top Highlights from Day 3 of 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament’s second round brought a whirlwind of excitement and intense competition on Sunday. Multiple top-seeded teams advanced, and there were thrilling overtime finishes and standout individual performances. The tournament is proving to be as unpredictable and riveting as ever.

From UCLA’s dominant third quarter to Tennessee’s defensive prowess, let’s delve into the top moments from Day 3 of the Round of 32.

UCLA’s Commanding Victory Over Richmond

The overall No. 1 seed UCLA showcased their dominance with an impressive performance against Richmond. Despite a close first half, the Bruins pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Spiders 29-7.

Lauren Betts was a key player, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, leading UCLA to an 84-67 victory. The Bruins’ defense was also pivotal, forcing Richmond to miss 12 of their 15 shots in the third quarter.

Key Highlights

• Lauren Betts: 30 points, 14 rebounds, 14-of-17 shooting
• Maggie Doogan: 27 points, six rebounds, seven assists for Richmond
• Team Stats: UCLA controlled the boards 40-28, including a 21-8 edge on the offensive glass

UCLA will face fifth-seeded Mississippi in the regional semifinal in Spokane.

Tennessee’s Defensive Masterclass Against Ohio State

Tennessee’s Lady Vols advanced to their record 37th Sweet 16 appearance by defeating Ohio State 82-67. Talaysia Cooper led the charge with 19 points, eight rebounds, seven steals, and five assists.

Tennessee capitalized on Ohio State’s 23 turnovers, scoring 37 points off those miscues.

Defining Moments

• Talaysia Cooper: 19 points, eight rebounds, seven steals, five assists
• Ruby Whitehorn: 14 points, five rebounds
• Team Performance: Tennessee’s seven steals were among 15 by the Vols

The Lady Vols will play either No. 1 seed Texas or No. 8 seed Illinois in Birmingham, Alabama.

TCU’s Historic Win Over Louisville

Second-seeded TCU made history by advancing to their first NCAA Sweet 16 with an 85-70 win over Louisville. Hailey Van Lith, playing against her former team, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.

TCU’s Sedona Prince and Donovyn Hunter also contributed significantly, with Hunter scoring 18 points during a crucial 17-0 run.

Game Highlights

• Hailey Van Lith: 16 points, 10 assists
• Jayda Curry: Career-high 41 points for Louisville
• Team Stats: TCU’s 17-0 run was a game-changer

TCU will face third-seeded Notre Dame in a rematch in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ole Miss Triumphs Over Baylor

Ole Miss secured a spot in the Sweet 16 by defeating Baylor 69-63 on the Bears’ home court. Madison Scott’s tiebreaking jumper in the final minute and Sira Thienou’s 16 points, despite playing with gauze in her nostril, were pivotal in the Rebels’ victory.

This win marks Ole Miss’s second Sweet 16 appearance in the past three seasons under coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

Key Performers

• Madison Scott: 14 points, including the go-ahead shot
• Sira Thienou: 16 points
• KK Deans: Six crucial free throws in the final 29 seconds

Ole Miss moves on to the Spokane 1 Regional.

South Carolina’s Resilient Comeback Against Indiana

Defending champions South Carolina advanced to their 11th straight Sweet 16 by defeating Indiana 64-53. Despite trailing at halftime, the Gamecocks turned the game around with a 20-7 run in the third quarter. Bree Hall and Chloe Kitts were instrumental in securing the victory.

Standout Players

• Bree Hall: 11 points
• Chloe Kitts: 10 points, 10 rebounds

South Carolina will face either Maryland or Alabama in the Birmingham 2 Regional next week.

Kansas State’s Overtime Thriller Against Kentucky

In one of the most exciting games of the day, Kansas State edged out Kentucky 80-79 in overtime. Poindexter’s eighth 3-pointer of the game and Serena Sundell’s turnaround jumper were crucial in the Wildcats’ victory. Kansas State’s defensive efforts, including 13 blocks, were key to their success.

Game-Changing Moments

• Poindexter: 24 points, 8-of-15 from beyond the arc
• Serena Sundell: 19 points, including the game-tying shot
• Ayoka Lee: 16 points

Kansas State will face either USC or Mississippi State in the Sweet 16 in Spokane, Washington.

Notre Dame’s Dominant Performance Against Michigan

Notre Dame cruised past Michigan with a 76-55 victory, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season. Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 21 points, while Olivia Miles contributed eight points despite an ankle injury. The Irish’s strong start, with a 32-12 lead after the first quarter, set the tone for the game.

Top Performers

• Hannah Hidalgo: 21 points
• Liatu King: 18 points, 15 rebounds
• Sonia Citron: 16 points

Notre Dame will face TCU in a highly anticipated rematch in Birmingham.

Duke’s Comeback Win Against Oregon

Duke overcame a five-point halftime deficit to defeat Oregon 59-53, thanks to Jackson’s 20 points, including 14 in the third quarter. The Blue Devils’ defensive efforts and Jackson’s hot shooting hand were instrumental in their victory.

Duke’s win marks their first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances since 2013.

Key Highlights

• Jackson: 20 points, 5-of-9 on 3-pointers
• Reigan Richardson: 13 points
• Delaney Thomas: 12 points

Duke will play the winner of North Carolina vs. West Virginia in the Sweet 16 in Birmingham, Alabama.

For more details on these exciting matchups and to stay updated on the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament, visit Fox Sports.