Women’s March Madness Elite Eight: Winners and Losers Revealed

The Sweet 16 of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament delivered an electrifying weekend of matchups. It featured dramatic upsets, standout performances, and nail-biting finishes.

As the tournament heats up, several teams have solidified their cases for a national championship. Meanwhile, others have found themselves with more questions than answers.

Let’s dive into the winners and losers from this thrilling round of March Madness.

Hailey Van Lith Shines in TCU’s Historic Win Over Notre Dame

Hailey Van Lith turned into *Hailey can’t miss* during TCU’s matchup with No. 3 seed Notre Dame. Van Lith delivered her best performance of the NCAA tournament when it mattered most, lighting a fire under TCU and leading them to a sensational win.

She scored 26 points, including 18 in the second half. Her timely 3-point basket with four minutes remaining stretched TCU’s lead to eight points, sealing a 71-62 victory.

Van Lith’s Impact

Van Lith’s stellar performance was a fitting chapter in her already impressive story. Her leadership and clutch shooting were crucial in propelling TCU to their first Elite Eight in program history.

This win not only showcased Van Lith’s talent but also highlighted TCU’s potential to make a deep tournament run.

USC Trojans Overcome Adversity Without Juju Watkins

The looming question for the USC Trojans has been: what will the team look like without its leading scorer, Juju Watkins? The answer came in their gritty win over No. 5 Kansas State.

Despite a slow start and offensive struggles, the Trojans rallied behind freshman Kennedy Smith’s 19 points and standout defensive performance, edging out Kansas State 67-61.

Key Players Step Up

Smith’s contributions, along with Avery Howell and Rayah Marshall’s combined 28 points, were pivotal in USC’s victory. The Trojans’ defense, with 10 steals and 18 points off turnovers, played a significant role in their success.

USC now faces a challenging matchup against Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight.

Paige Bueckers Leads UConn to Dominant Victory

What is the NCAA tournament without a vintage Paige Bueckers performance? Bueckers continued her phenomenal string of games with a dominant showing against No. 3 seed Oklahoma Sooners.

She scored 29 points, including five 3-point baskets, leading the Huskies to an 82-59 win and a trip to the Elite Eight.

Bueckers’ Career-High Performance

Bueckers’ 40-point performance, a new career-high, was a testament to her scoring ability and leadership. Her ability to take over games and deliver in clutch moments makes UConn a formidable opponent as they advance in the tournament.

Notre Dame’s Inconsistency Leads to Early Exit

Notre Dame’s season-long inconsistency reared its ugly head in their Sweet 16 matchup against TCU. Despite a strong start, the Fighting Irish faltered in the fourth quarter, missing 10 shots under the basket and committing costly turnovers.

This inconsistency ultimately led to their 71-62 defeat and early exit from the tournament.

Missed Opportunities

Notre Dame’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain their composure in crucial moments was their downfall. The loss to TCU marked the end of a turbulent season for the Fighting Irish, who will need to address these issues moving forward.

South Carolina’s Resilience in Close Win Over Maryland

No. 1 seed South Carolina faced a tough challenge from No. 4 seed Maryland in their Sweet 16 matchup. The Gamecocks struggled in the first half, often rushing shots and playing sloppy defense.

However, a second-half burst, led by sophomore sensation MiLaysia Fulwiley, helped South Carolina regain their identity and secure a 71-67 win.

Fulwiley’s Second-Half Surge

Fulwiley scored 16 of her 23 points in the second half, including a crucial layup that spurred a 7-0 run, sealing the victory for South Carolina. The Gamecocks’ ability to adjust and perform under pressure makes them a strong contender for the national championship.

LSU’s Aneesah Morrow Dominates NC State

LSU’s Aneesah Morrow showcased why she is a top WNBA draft prospect with a dominant performance against No. 2 seed NC State. Morrow scored 30 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, leading LSU to an 80-73 victory and a spot in the Elite Eight.

Morrow’s Unrelenting Motor

Morrow’s ability to dominate the glass and score at will makes her a formidable force. Her performance against NC State solidified her status as one of the top players in the country and a potential top-five pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

Duke Advances in Ugly Win Over North Carolina

In a game that lacked offensive firepower, No. 2 seed Duke managed to advance to the Elite Eight with a 47-38 win over No. 3 seed North Carolina. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm, shooting below 32% from the field.

However, Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa provided a bright spot with a double-double off the bench.

Defensive Battle

Despite the poor shooting, Duke’s defense held strong, limiting North Carolina’s scoring opportunities and securing the win. The Blue Devils will need to improve their offensive efficiency as they move forward in the tournament.

Kim Mulkey’s Bold Fashion Statement

LSU coach Kim Mulkey made headlines not only for her team’s performance but also for her bold fashion choices. Mulkey’s ensemble during the Sweet 16 matchup against NC State, featuring a matching beaded black and gold denim creation, caught the attention of fans and media alike.

Fashion and Victory

Mulkey’s outfit was described as giving *Bayou matador* vibes. It added a unique flair to the game. Thankfully, LSU’s victory ensured that Mulkey’s bold fashion statement was celebrated rather than ridiculed. Her Sweet 16 outfit will likely be remembered as one of the top ensembles in NCAA tournament history.

As the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build. With standout performances, dramatic upsets, and bold fashion statements, this year’s March Madness is shaping up to be one for the ages.

For more detailed coverage and analysis, check out the full article on USA Today.