With March formally in peak Insanity, the 2025 NCAA Match has been nothing in need of entertaining, offering numerous memorable moments and fairly just a few surprises. The match is formally right down to the ultimate 16 groups, with eight then advancing to the following spherical.
Which of the remaining groups have proven that they’ve what it takes to grow to be the following champion? With scorching streaks sparking, accidents arising and groups tapping into their groove, we could also be in for some surprises.
South Carolina snaps again
You possibly can’t guess in opposition to Daybreak Staley and the magic that’s cooking down in South Carolina.
They’ve received two championships within the final three seasons and have the gasoline to make it three within the final 4. This can be a staff that has the instruments to be on prime as soon as once more. Standing with a 32-3 total document and operating via their first two match opponents by double-digits—together with a 60-point win within the first spherical—they don’t seem to have proven any indicators of slowing down.
The Gamecocks are matched up in opposition to a Maryland squad that’s popping out of a neck-and-neck end in opposition to an Alabama staff that put them in opposition to the ropes in a double-overtime thriller. Whereas the Candy 16 matchup is sure to be aggressive, I’ve South Carolina transferring alongside to face off in opposition to both Duke or North Carolina within the Elite Eight as they appear to money their ticket to the Last 4.
UConn restores order
It’s been 9 years since Geno Auriemma and the Huskies introduced the trophy again to Connecticut, and I feel there’s a fairly strong probability that drought ends in 2025. As with Staley, I don’t suppose you may ever underestimate Auriemma—and the proof is on this squad.
The Huskies received their first two match matchups by a really convincing 69 factors and 34 factors, respectively, with Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers taking turns dominating every recreation, and their flame doesn’t look like getting any weaker. They’ll face an excellent Oklahoma staff within the Candy 16, however I don’t see the Sooners having success stopping the Huskies.
Texas goes massive
Texas appears to be like actually good and they’re going to be a tricky staff to knock off on this match. After clearing the primary two rounds with convincing 44-point and 17-point victories, they’re on a roll. Standing at a really spectacular 33-3 document on the season, this staff has been nothing in need of locked in, particularly with Madison Booker on the ground.
The Longhorns are set to tackle the Girl Vols of their upcoming Candy 16 matchup, and whereas Tennessee has had a strong season of their very own, I don’t anticipate them slowing down this Texas staff at this stage of the match. Whereas a superb recreation is to be anticipated, I anticipate seeing the Horns tackle both Notre Dame or TCU within the Elite Eight, and I additionally could be shocked if both of these squads knock off this red-hot Texas staff.
USC can nonetheless pull via
The Trojans are confronted with a nightmare scenario, as their star JuJu Watkins went down with an ACL damage within the early moments of their second-round matchup versus Mississippi State. It’s a completely devastating blow to each USC and Watkins, who was showcasing yet one more insanely spectacular collegiate season. Whereas the damage to Watkins poses apparent considerations and challenges, I imagine this USC staff can nonetheless shock the ladies’s basketball world.
Whereas I do anticipate them to deal with enterprise versus Kansas State within the Candy 16, their true check can be going through a piping-hot UConn staff. USC has their work minimize out for them, however I imagine they’ve the expertise and coronary heart to make a deep match run.



