UCLA Tops Women’s NCAA Bracket as No. 1 Seed

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket reveal has sparked excitement and intrigue among basketball enthusiasts. With a season marked by parity, the selection of the top seeds was highly anticipated.

SEC tournament champion South Carolina and Big Ten tournament champion UCLA both had strong cases, but ultimately, the Bruins were awarded the No. 1 overall seed. South Carolina, Texas, and USC also secured No. 1 seeds, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.

This article delves into the key highlights and storylines of the tournament, examining the top teams and players to watch.

Top Seeds and Key Players

UCLA Bruins: The No. 1 Overall Seed

UCLA (30-2) enters the tournament with high expectations, having captured its first conference championship since 2006. The Bruins, led by junior center Lauren Betts, who averages 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, are poised for a deep run.

Betts has been a dominant force, boasting a field goal percentage of 63.4 percent. Coach Cori Close’s experienced squad, featuring seven upperclassmen among its top eight players, hopes to continue its momentum into the field of 68.

South Carolina Gamecocks: Aiming for a Repeat

South Carolina (30-3) seeks to become the first repeat champions since UConn in 2015-16. Despite losing three games this season, the Gamecocks remain a formidable team with a deep rotation.

Freshman forward Joyce Edwards, sophomore forward Chloe Kitts, and sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley have been standout performers in recent SEC games. Coach Dawn Staley’s team aims to advance to its fifth consecutive Final Four and win its third national title in four years.

Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans: Consistent Contenders

Both Texas (31-3) and USC (28-3) earned No. 1 seeds for the second consecutive season. Texas boasts an elite sophomore in wing Madison Booker, who was named her conference’s player of the year for the second consecutive season.

USC features sophomore guard JuJu Watkins, who has scored 20 points or more in an NCAA-leading 26 games this season. A potential Elite Eight matchup between USC and No. 2 seed UConn, led by star guard Paige Bueckers, looms large.

Regional Breakdown and Key Matchups

Spokane Regional 1: UCLA Leads the Pack

UCLA tops Spokane Regional 1, aiming to build on its impressive season. The Bruins’ path to the Final Four includes potential matchups against NC State, the No. 2 seed in the region, and other formidable opponents.

NC State, led by guards Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, seeks a return trip to the Final Four after sharing its conference’s regular-season title with Notre Dame.

Birmingham Regional 2: South Carolina’s Quest for Glory

South Carolina heads Birmingham Regional 2, with the goal of defending its title. The Gamecocks’ deep rotation and experienced roster make them a tough opponent.

Freshman forward Joyce Edwards and sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley will be key players to watch as South Carolina navigates through the tournament.

Birmingham Regional 3: Texas Eyes a Deep Run

Texas tops Birmingham Regional 3, led by Madison Booker, who has been a standout performer all season. The Longhorns’ region includes potential matchups against TCU, the No. 2 seed, and Notre Dame, the No. 3 seed.

TCU, led by Big 12 Player of the Year Hailey Van Lith, has had a record-breaking season and will be a formidable opponent.

Spokane Regional 4: USC’s Star Power

USC leads Spokane Regional 4, with JuJu Watkins as the team’s focal point. The Trojans’ region includes potential matchups against UConn, the No. 2 seed, and other strong contenders.

USC’s previous encounters with UConn this season add an extra layer of excitement to a potential Elite Eight rematch.

Notable Teams and Players to Watch

UConn Huskies: Aiming for Another Final Four

UConn (30-3) enters the tournament with aspirations of winning its first national championship since 2015-16. Led by star guard Paige Bueckers, the Huskies have made the Final Four in three of the last four seasons.

Freshman Sarah Strong has been a key contributor, leading the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks per game.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Overcoming Late-Season Struggles

Notre Dame’s season has been a tale of two halves. After winning 19 consecutive games and ascending to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, the Irish lost three of their last five games.

Despite their late-season struggles, Notre Dame’s talented trio of Olivia Miles, Hannah Hidalgo, and Sonia Citron are capable of leading the team past the Elite Eight.

TCU Horned Frogs: A Historic Season

TCU has had its best season in program history, winning a school-record 31 games and sweeping both regular-season and conference tournament titles.

Led by Hailey Van Lith, the Horned Frogs are a formidable opponent in Texas’ region. TCU’s consistency, having led at halftime in 24 straight games, will be a key factor in their tournament success.

Emerging Stars and Injury Concerns

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State

Ta’Niya Latson leads Florida State into the tournament as the nation’s leading scorer, averaging 24.9 points per game. Latson’s dynamic offensive repertoire will be crucial for the Seminoles as they seek to advance past the first round for the first time since 2019.

Harmoni Turner, Harvard

Harmoni Turner has been instrumental in Harvard’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007. Turner averaged 22.5 points per game and set a conference tournament record with 44 points in Harvard’s Ivy Madness semifinal win over Princeton.

Her performance will be key in Harvard’s first-round matchup against Michigan State.

Raegan Beers, Oklahoma

Raegan Beers, who led Oregon State to the Elite Eight last year, has been a standout for Oklahoma this season. Beers averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds, leading the SEC in 2-point field goal percentage.

Her efficiency and experience will be vital for the Sooners’ tournament success.

Aneesah Morrow, LSU

Aneesah Morrow’s health will be a key factor for LSU. Morrow averaged 18.5 points and an NCAA-leading 13.6 rebounds per game. She is dealing with a mid-foot sprain.

If healthy, Morrow could be one of the most impactful players in the tournament. LSU’s star guard Flau’jae Johnson is also dealing with shin inflammation. Her availability will be crucial for the Tigers’ success.

This year’s Women’s NCAA Tournament promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event. With a deep field of talented teams and players, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and standout performances. For more detailed information, you can read the full article on the New York Times.