UNC vs Duke Women’s Basketball Sweet 16: Time, TV Schedule

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the North Carolina women’s basketball team gears up to face their in-state rival Duke in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament. This highly anticipated match is scheduled to tip-off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 28, at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama.

Both teams have shown remarkable prowess this season. With each having secured one win against the other, this third encounter promises to be a thrilling decider.

Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it through Fubo, which offers a free trial.

North Carolina’s Road to the Sweet 16

The North Carolina Tar Heels have had a stellar run in the tournament so far. In the first round, they triumphed over No. 14 seed Oregon State, outscoring the Beavers by 21 points in the third quarter to secure a 70-49 victory.

Graduate guard Lexi Donarski led the team with an impressive 19 points, while graduate guard/forward Alyssa Ustby contributed a game-high nine rebounds and four assists.

Key Players and Performances

Lexi Donarski and Alyssa Ustby have been pivotal in North Carolina’s success. Donarski’s scoring ability and Ustby’s all-around game have provided the Tar Heels with the edge they need in crucial moments.

Ustby, in particular, has been a standout performer. She led the team to victory in the second round against No. 6 seed West Virginia with a career-best 21 points. This victory marked the first time since 1995 that the Tar Heels held consecutive opponents under 50 points.

Duke’s Journey to the Sweet 16

Duke’s path to the Sweet 16 has been equally impressive. The Blue Devils have showcased their defensive strength and scoring depth throughout the tournament.

Their balanced approach and ability to adapt to different game situations have made them a formidable opponent.

Defensive Strength and Scoring Depth

Duke’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, consistently limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their ability to switch defensive schemes and apply pressure has disrupted the rhythm of many teams.

Offensively, Duke has a diverse set of scoring options, making it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down a single player.

The Rivalry: North Carolina vs. Duke

This upcoming game marks the third encounter between North Carolina and Duke this season, with each team having secured one win. This rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball, and the stakes are higher than ever as both teams vie for a spot in the Elite Eight.

The winner of this match will advance to face the winner of the South Carolina vs. Maryland game.

Previous Encounters This Season

In their previous matchups, both teams demonstrated their strengths and exposed each other’s weaknesses. The first game saw North Carolina emerge victorious, thanks to their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense.

Duke, however, bounced back in the second game, leveraging their defensive prowess and efficient scoring to even the series.

This third game will be the ultimate test of strategy, skill, and determination.

Game Details and Viewing Information

For fans eager to witness this high-stakes encounter, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Additionally, it will be available for streaming on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

The match is set to take place at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama, with tip-off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT).

How to Watch

• Broadcast: ESPN
• Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
• Date: Friday, March 28
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. CT

What to Expect

Fans can expect a game filled with intense competition, strategic plays, and standout performances. Both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion, and this game will likely come down to key moments and individual heroics.

The Tar Heels will rely on the scoring and leadership of Lexi Donarski and Alyssa Ustby, while Duke will look to their defensive strategies and scoring depth to secure a win.

Potential Game Changers

For North Carolina, maintaining their defensive intensity and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities will be crucial.

Duke, on the other hand, will need to focus on disrupting North Carolina’s offensive rhythm and exploiting any defensive lapses.

The performance of key players like Donarski and Ustby for North Carolina, and Duke’s ability to spread the scoring load, will be significant factors in determining the outcome.

Conclusion

The North Carolina vs. Duke Sweet 16 matchup is set to be a thrilling contest that basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Both teams have showcased their talents and resilience throughout the tournament. This game promises to be a captivating display of college basketball at its finest.

Be sure to tune in to ESPN or stream the game on Fubo to catch all the action live.

For more detailed information and updates on the game, you can visit the original article on the Fayetteville Observer.