The Women’s Sweet 16 is one of the most exciting parts of March Madness. Every year, fans across the country tune in to see the best college basketball teams compete for a spot in the Elite Eight and ultimately the Final Four. The 2025 Women’s Sweet 16 was packed with thrilling games, emotional moments, and breakout performances that are sure to be remembered for years.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Women’s Sweet 16 this year — from game highlights and team surprises to key players and predictions for the rest of the tournament.
What is the Women’s Sweet 16?
The Women’s Sweet 16 refers to the round of 16 teams remaining in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. These teams have made it through the first and second rounds and are now battling it out for a spot in the Elite Eight.
This round is known for its intensity and unpredictability. Every game feels like a final. With top-ranked programs and underdog teams facing off, the Sweet 16 is where legends are born and brackets are broken.
2025 Women’s Sweet 16: Quick Overview
This year’s Sweet 16 lineup featured a great mix of powerhouse schools and Cinderella stories. Here’s a quick look at the teams that made it to this round:
- South Carolina Gamecocks (No. 1 seed)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 1 seed)
- LSU Tigers (No. 3 seed)
- UConn Huskies (No. 2 seed)
- Stanford Cardinal (No. 2 seed)
- UCLA Bruins (No. 2 seed)
- Colorado Buffaloes (No. 5 seed)
- Indiana Hoosiers (No. 4 seed)
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (No. 3 seed)
- NC State Wolfpack (No. 3 seed)
- Oregon State Beavers (No. 4 seed)
- Texas Longhorns (No. 1 seed)
- Baylor Bears (No. 5 seed)
- Duke Blue Devils (No. 6 seed)
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (No. 4 seed)
- Kansas State Wildcats (No. 7 seed)
Sweet 16 Highlights: Game-by-Game Recap
Let’s look at the biggest moments from each matchup during the Women’s Sweet 16.
1. South Carolina vs. Indiana
South Carolina stayed dominant with their balanced offense and tough defense. They beat Indiana 76-58 and continue to look like the favorites to win it all. Kamilla Cardoso stood out with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
2. Iowa vs. Colorado
All eyes were on Caitlin Clark, and she didn’t disappoint. Clark dropped 34 points and led Iowa past a feisty Colorado team. Iowa’s 85-73 victory showed why they are a serious contender.
3. LSU vs. UCLA
This was one of the most hyped games of the round. Angel Reese led LSU to a gritty 78-74 win in a physical battle. Both teams played tough, but LSU had just a bit more firepower.
4. UConn vs. Duke
UConn’s Paige Bueckers was in her element. She scored 28 points and helped the Huskies overpower Duke, 72-59. UConn’s tournament experience shined through.
5. Stanford vs. NC State
In a surprising upset, NC State outlasted Stanford in a double-overtime thriller. Final score: 84-79. Aziaha James was clutch, finishing with 26 points and 5 assists.
6. Texas vs. Gonzaga
Texas showed why they earned a No. 1 seed. They cruised past Gonzaga 80-61. Freshman Madison Booker led the way with 18 points and excellent defense.
7. Notre Dame vs. Oregon State
This game went down to the wire, with Oregon State winning 66-64 thanks to a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Talia von Oelhoffen.
8. Baylor vs. Kansas State
In a classic Big 12 battle, Baylor knocked out Kansas State 70-65. Jada Walker’s 21 points sealed the win.
Standout Players from the Women’s Sweet 16
These athletes lit up the Sweet 16 stage:
- Caitlin Clark (Iowa) – Her deep shooting and passing continue to dazzle fans and scare defenders.
- Paige Bueckers (UConn) – A complete guard who leads by example and keeps the Huskies focused.
- Angel Reese (LSU) – Dominant inside the paint with her rebounding and leadership.
- Kamilla Cardoso (South Carolina) – Towering presence inside, hard to stop.
- Aziaha James (NC State) – Clutch in crunch time and led her team past a strong Stanford squad.
Top Coaches Making an Impact
Coaching is everything in March Madness. These coaches are helping their teams excel:
- Dawn Staley (South Carolina) – Still one of the best in the business. Her team plays disciplined and tough.
- Lisa Bluder (Iowa) – Her offensive schemes have unlocked Caitlin Clark’s full potential.
- Kim Mulkey (LSU) – Brings intensity and championship pedigree.
- Geno Auriemma (UConn) – Master of tournament play, always finds ways to adapt and win.
Women’s Sweet 16: Most Shocking Upsets
- NC State over Stanford – Stanford was a top contender, but NC State’s resilience proved too much.
- Oregon State’s Buzzer-Beater – Notre Dame was expected to go far, but a last-second shot changed everything.
Predictions for the Elite Eight and Beyond
With the Sweet 16 behind us, let’s look at what might happen next.
Predicted Elite Eight Winners:
- South Carolina vs. Oregon State – South Carolina’s depth should be too much.
- Iowa vs. LSU – A rematch of last year’s Final Four. Expect fireworks, but Caitlin Clark could lead Iowa to revenge.
- UConn vs. NC State – UConn’s experience might give them the edge, but NC State has momentum.
- Texas vs. Baylor – Another conference rematch. Texas looks stronger overall.
Final Four Predictions:
- South Carolina
- Iowa
- UConn
- Texas
South Carolina and Iowa are shaping up to be the most likely finalists, setting up a dream matchup between Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso.
Why the Women’s Sweet 16 Matters More Than Ever
Women’s college basketball has never been more popular. With players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese becoming household names, fans are tuning in like never before. The quality of play, athleticism, and drama make the Women’s Sweet 16 just as thrilling as the men’s.
The increased media coverage, sold-out arenas, and passionate fan bases are helping women’s basketball reach new heights. This year’s Sweet 16 proved once again that the women’s game deserves the spotlight.
How to Watch the Remaining March Madness Games
You can catch all the Elite Eight and Final Four action on the following platforms:
- ESPN and ESPN2
- ABC
- ESPN+ (for streaming)
- NCAA March Madness App
Check your local listings for game times, or follow the NCAA and your favorite team on social media for updates.
Final Thoughts
The Women’s Sweet 16 in 2025 delivered everything fans hoped for: drama, talent, passion, and surprise. From buzzer-beaters to blowouts, this round set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable finish to the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
Whether you’re cheering for a powerhouse program or rooting for an underdog, the energy of March Madness is alive and well in the women’s game. And with stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continuing to shine, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.
Stay tuned — the best may still be yet to come.
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