The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, a thrilling spectacle that promises to showcase the extraordinary talent and fierce competition that defines the sport. With the top teams from across the nation vying for the coveted championship trophy, the tournament will undoubtedly ignite a fervor among fans and solidify its status as one of the most captivating sporting events on the calendar. As anticipation builds, we delve into the captivating storylines, fearless athletes, and remarkable moments that will shape this year’s tournament into an unforgettable experience.
The tournament is set to tip off with a thrilling first round, featuring 64 teams vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious Sweet 16. Defending champions Stanford Cardinal will be among the favorites to return to the top, led by their formidable lineup of All-Americans. However, they will face stiff competition from a host of talented programs, including perennial contenders UConn Huskies, South Carolina Gamecocks, and Louisville Cardinals. The tournament committee has meticulously crafted a bracket teeming with potential upsets and Cinderella stories, ensuring that every game will be a captivating battle.
Beyond the court, the tournament serves as a platform for empowering women in sports. It celebrates the achievements of female athletes, showcasing their athleticism, determination, and resilience. The tournament also fosters a sense of community, bringing together players, coaches, and fans from all walks of life in a shared celebration of the sport. As the tournament unfolds, we will witness not only a fierce competition for the championship but also a celebration of the transformative power of women’s basketball, inspiring generations to come
The Road to the Final Four
The Preliminary Rounds
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament kicks off with preliminary rounds, featuring teams ranked 9-14 in the conference standings. These games determine the final eight teams that advance to the championship bracket. The preliminary rounds provide an opportunity for lower-seeded teams to upset higher-ranked opponents and earn a berth in the main event.
The Quarterfinals
The eight teams that emerge from the preliminary rounds face off in the quarterfinals. These games feature top-seeded teams taking on unseeded or lower-seeded foes. The quarterfinals often provide thrilling matchups as teams battle for a spot in the semifinals.
The Semifinals
The semifinals pit the four remaining teams against each other in two highly anticipated games. The stakes are even higher as the winners advance to the championship game, while the losers will settle for playing in the third-place game. The semifinals typically showcase the best of the SEC’s women’s basketball talent, with teams giving their all to earn a spot in the national spotlight.
The Championship Game
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament culminates in the championship game, where the two remaining teams face off for the coveted tournament title. The championship game is a thrilling affair, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and the prestige of being crowned SEC champions.
Tournament Schedule
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Rounds | March 7-8, 2025 |
| Quarterfinals | March 9, 2025 |
| Semifinals | March 10, 2025 |
| Championship Game | March 12, 2025 |
The Contenders
With the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on the horizon, the contenders are shaping up to be a formidable group. Here’s a closer look at some of the teams to watch:
South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks enter the tournament as the defending champions and a perennial powerhouse in the SEC. Led by All-American Destanni Henderson and a deep roster, South Carolina boasts an impressive blend of experience and talent. Their relentless defense and high-scoring offense make them a formidable opponent.
Tennessee Lady Vols
The Lady Vols are another SEC powerhouse with a rich history and a talented roster. Led by star guard Rae Burrell, Tennessee possesses a deep bench and a balanced attack. Their ability to control the pace of the game and hit big shots in clutch moments makes them a dangerous contender.
| Name | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Destanni Henderson | Guard | Junior |
| Rae Burrell | Guard | Senior |
| Rhyne Howard | Guard | Senior |
| Aliyah Boston | Forward | Junior |
| Grace VanSlooten | Center | Sophomore |
Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are a rising force in the SEC, led by National Player of the Year candidate Rhyne Howard. Howard’s ability to score in bunches, combined with Kentucky’s athleticism and length, makes them a team to watch in this year’s tournament.
Other contenders to keep an eye on include the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Underdogs
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is one of the unexpected teams to watch in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Blue Raiders, led by head coach Rick Insell, have a solid core of returning players and a few highly touted recruits. MTSU finished the 2024 regular season with a 19-11 record, and they made it to the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament. They are known for their up-tempo style of play and their ability to shoot the three-pointer. Key players to watch include forward Anastasia Hayes, guard Abbey Sissom, and guard Courtney Whitson.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University (MSU) is another underdog team that could make some noise in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Nikki McCray-Penson, have a young and talented roster. MSU finished the 2024 regular season with a 17-13 record, and they made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They are known for their defensive prowess and their ability to rebound the basketball. Key players to watch include forward Jessika Carter, guard JerKaila Jordan, and guard Debreasha Pruitt.
South Carolina State University
| Team | Record | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina State University | 12-16 | Forward Jessica Odibo, Guard Amani Williams, Guard Jakia Brown |
South Carolina State University (SCSU) is the biggest underdog in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Doug Robertson, have a very young roster and they are still trying to find their identity. SCSU finished the 2024 regular season with a 12-16 record, and they did not qualify for any postseason tournaments. However, they have a few talented players who could make a difference, including forward Jessica Odibo, guard Amani Williams, and guard Jakia Brown. If SCSU can play together and execute their game plan, they could surprise some people in the tournament.
The Cinderella Story
Cinderella team still searching for victory at the tournament.
The Cinderella team, the lowest-seeded team to reach the Final Four, has a chance to complete their magical run by winning the national championship. They have already pulled off several upsets, and they will need to continue to play at a high level in order to win it all.
Key players for the Cinderella team.
The Cinderella team has a few key players who have been instrumental in their success. These players have been able to step up in big moments and make big plays. They will need to continue to play at a high level in order for the team to win the championship.
Challenges facing the Cinderella team.
The Cinderella team faces a few challenges as they try to win the national championship. They are the lowest-seeded team in the Final Four, and they will be facing some of the best teams in the country. They will need to be able to play at a high level and overcome the odds in order to win it all.
How the Cinderella team can win the national championship.
The Cinderella team can win the national championship if they can continue to play at a high level. They will need to be able to make big plays in big moments, and they will need to be able to overcome the odds. They have already shown that they are capable of doing these things, but they will need to do it again in order to win it all.
| Seed | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina Gamecocks |
| 2 | Stanford Cardinal |
| 3 | Louisville Cardinals |
| 4 | Tennessee Lady Volunteers |
| 5 | Texas A&M Aggies |
| 6 | Maryland Terrapins |
| 7 | UCLA Bruins |
| 8 | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
The Stars to Watch
Aliyah Boston (South Carolina)
The reigning National Player of the Year, Boston is a force on both ends of the court. She is a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker, and she can also score inside and out. Boston is the anchor of the Gamecocks’ defense and a key part of their offense.
Haley Jones (Stanford)
Jones is a versatile forward who can do it all. She is a good scorer, rebounder, and passer. Jones is also a strong defender. She is a key part of Stanford’s team, and she is one of the best players in the country.
Ashley Joens (Iowa)
Joens is a high-scoring guard who is one of the most dangerous shooters in the country. She is also a good passer and rebounder. Joens is the leader of Iowa’s team, and she is one of the best players in the Big Ten.
Mackenzie Holmes (Indiana)
Holmes is a dominant center who is one of the best post players in the country. She is a strong scorer and rebounder, and she can also block shots. Holmes is the leader of Indiana’s team, and she is one of the best players in the Big Ten.
Jillian Hollingshead (BYU)
Hollingshead is a talented guard who is one of the best shooters in the country. She is also a good passer and rebounder. Hollingshead is the leader of BYU’s team, and she is one of the best players in the West Coast Conference.
| Name | Position | School | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliyah Boston | F | South Carolina | 16.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.6 bpg |
| Haley Jones | F | Stanford | 14.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.8 apg |
| Ashley Joens | G | Iowa | 20.2 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 4.6 apg |
| Mackenzie Holmes | C | Indiana | 20.4 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.7 bpg |
| Jillian Hollingshead | G | BYU | 16.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.1 apg |
The Best Players in the Country
1. Te-Hina Paopao, Oregon
A do-it-all guard who can score, pass, and defend at a high level. Paopao is a WNBA Draft lottery projected pick.
2. Ashley Joens, Iowa
A versatile forward who can score inside and out. Joens is a three-time All-American and the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year.
3. Cameron Brink, Stanford
A dominant center who can block shots, score in the post, and rebound. Brink is a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
4. Azzi Fudd, Connecticut
A highly-touted freshman guard who is already one of the best shooters in the country. Fudd is a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2021 class.
5. Caitlin Clark, Iowa
A high-scoring guard who can also pass and rebound. Clark is a two-time All-American and the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year.
6. Diamond Miller, Maryland
A dynamic guard who can score, pass, and defend at a high level. Miller is a five-star recruit and the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2022 class.
| Name | Position | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Miller | Guard | Freshman |
| Camryn Whitaker | Guard | Sophomore |
| Brenda Frese | Head Coach | N/A |
Other notable players to watch in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament include:
- Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
- Kiara Lewis, Kentucky
- Destanni Henderson, South Carolina
- Rhyne Howard, Kentucky
- Chloe Bibby, Mississippi State
The Hottest Teams
The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Here are six of the hottest teams to watch:
- South Carolina Gamecocks: The Gamecocks are the reigning national champions and are looking to make it two in a row. They have a loaded roster led by All-American Aliyah Boston.
- Mississippi State Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are another team that has been making noise this season. They have a deep and talented team led by senior guard Myah Taylor.
- Tennessee Lady Vols: The Lady Vols are always a contender in the SEC. They have a young team this year, but they have a lot of potential.
- Kentucky Wildcats: The Wildcats have been a bit of a surprise this season. They have a solid team led by senior guard Rhyne Howard.
- Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies are another team that has been playing well this season. They have a balanced team led by senior guard N’dea Jones.
- LSU Tigers: The Tigers are always a dangerous team in the SEC. They have a talented roster led by senior guard Khayla Pointer.
Predicted Matchup
With the tournament set to begin on March 5th, here’s a look at what the predicted matchups could look like:
| Quarterfinals |
|---|
| (1) South Carolina Gamecocks vs. (8) Alabama Crimson Tide |
| (2) Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. (7) Missouri Tigers |
| (3) Tennessee Lady Vols vs. (6) Texas A&M Aggies |
| (4) Kentucky Wildcats vs. (5) LSU Tigers |
The Games to Watch
Top Seeds to Watch
The top seeds in the tournament will undoubtedly be the teams to watch. They will have a significant advantage in terms of talent and experience, and they will be the favorites to win the championship. Some of the top seeds to watch include:
- South Carolina Gamecocks
- Stanford Cardinal
- Louisville Cardinals
- UConn Huskies
Cinderella Teams to Watch
Every year, there are a few Cinderella teams that make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. These teams are typically from smaller conferences and have lower seeds, but they have the talent and determination to compete with the best teams in the country. Some of the Cinderella teams to watch in 2025 include:
- Fairfield Stags
- Iona Gaels
- Princeton Tigers
- Wright State Raiders
Players to Watch
There are a number of talented players to watch in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. These players are some of the best in the country, and they will have a major impact on their teams’ success. Some of the players to watch include:
- Aliyah Boston (South Carolina)
- Cameron Brink (Stanford)
- Hailey Van Lith (Louisville)
- Paige Bueckers (UConn)
Matchups to Watch
There are a number of exciting matchups to watch in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. These matchups will feature some of the best teams and players in the country, and they will be sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama. Some of the matchups to watch include:
- South Carolina vs. Stanford (Final Four)
- Louisville vs. UConn (Final Four)
- Fairfield vs. Wright State (Sweet 16)
- Iona vs. Princeton (First Round)
Top 8 Players to Watch in the 2025 NCAA Tournament
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With so many talented teams and players in the field, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement. Here are eight players to watch in the 2025 NCAA Tournament:
| Player | Team | Position | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliyah Boston | South Carolina | Center | Senior | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Cameron Brink | Stanford | Center | Senior | Beaverton, Oregon |
| Hailey Van Lith | Louisville | Guard | Junior | Cashmere, Washington |
| Paige Bueckers | UConn | Guard | Junior | Hopkins, Minnesota |
| Ashley Owusu | Maryland | Guard | Junior | Woodbridge, Virginia |
| Jordan Horston | Tennessee | Guard | Senior | Columbus, Ohio |
| Caitlin Clark | Iowa | Guard | Senior | West Des Moines, Iowa |
| Grace Berger | Indiana | Guard | Senior | Louisville, Kentucky |
These are just a few of the many talented players who will be competing in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With so much talent on display, it is sure to be an exciting and memorable tournament.
The Bracket Breakdown
The No. 9 Seeds
The No. 9 seeds in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament are a diverse group of teams with a mix of experience and potential. Here’s a closer look at each:
Arkansas
Arkansas enters the tournament with a 16-12 record and a No. 63 RPI. The Razorbacks have been a bit inconsistent this season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, including a road win over No. 17 Tennessee. Arkansas will need to play their best basketball in the tournament to make a deep run.
Auburn
Auburn is another team with a 16-12 record and a No. 69 RPI. The Tigers have been led by the strong play of junior forward Aicha Coulibaly, who is averaging 14.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Auburn has the potential to be a dangerous team in the tournament if they can get enough production from their supporting cast.
Florida
Florida is the only No. 9 seed with a losing record (14-14), but they have a strong RPI of No. 45. The Gators have been playing well lately, winning four of their last five games. Florida will need to continue their strong play in the tournament to make a run.
Georgia
Georgia is a bit of a mystery team coming into the tournament. The Bulldogs have a 15-13 record and a No. 58 RPI. Georgia has shown some good things this season, but they have also struggled at times. The Bulldogs will need to find some consistency if they want to make a run in the tournament.
Kentucky
Kentucky is the most experienced No. 9 seed in the tournament. The Wildcats have a 17-11 record and a No. 53 RPI. Kentucky has been led by the play of senior guard Robyn Benton, who is averaging 15.8 points per game. The Wildcats will be a tough out for any team they face in the tournament.
LSU
LSU is another team with a mix of experience and potential. The Tigers have a 16-12 record and a No. 55 RPI. LSU has been led by the play of sophomore forward Angel Reese, who is averaging 20.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. The Tigers have the potential to be a dangerous team in the tournament if they can get enough production from their supporting cast.
Mississippi State
Mississippi State is the highest-seeded No. 9 seed in the tournament. The Bulldogs have a 17-11 record and a No. 44 RPI. Mississippi State has been playing well lately, winning four of their last five games. The Bulldogs will be a tough out for any team they face in the tournament.
Missouri
Missouri is the lowest-seeded No. 9 seed in the tournament. The Tigers have a 14-14 record and a No. 61 RPI. Missouri has struggled at times this season, but they have also shown some flashes of brilliance. The Tigers will need to play their best basketball in the tournament to make a deep run.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a bit of a dark horse in the No. 9 seed group. The Lady Vols have a 16-12 record and a No. 52 RPI. Tennessee has been playing well lately, winning five of their last six games. The Lady Vols will be a tough out for any team they face in the tournament.
The Bracket
The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket is as follows:
| No. | Team | Record | RPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina | 28-0 | 1 |
| 2 | LSU | 23-5 | 2 |
| 3 | Mississippi State | 22-6 | 4 |
| 4 | Texas A&M | 21-7 | 5 |
| 5 | Alabama | 20-8 | 7 |
| 6 | Arkansas | 19-9 | 9 |
| 7 | Kentucky | 18-10 | 11 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 17-11 | 13 |
| 9 | Auburn | 16-12 | 15 |
| 9 | Florida | 15-13 | 17 |
| 9 | Georgia | 14-14 | 19 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 17-11 | 21 |
| 9 | LSU | 16-12 | 23 |
| 9 | Mississippi State | 17-11 | 25 |
| 9 | Missouri | 14-14 | 27 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 16-12 | 29 |
The Predictions
The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams looking like contenders for the championship. Here are some predictions for how the tournament will unfold:
1. South Carolina is the favorite
The Gamecocks are the defending national champions and return nearly their entire roster from last season. They have a lot of experience and talent, and they should be the team to beat in the SEC this year.
2. LSU is a challenger
The Tigers have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a deep run in the tournament, but they will need to be consistent.
3. Tennessee is a dark horse
The Lady Vols have struggled in recent years, but they have a new coach this season, and they have a lot of potential. They could be a surprise team in the tournament.
4. Georgia is a team to watch
The Bulldogs have a lot of experience, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to shoot the ball well.
5. Kentucky is a sleeper
The Wildcats have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to defend well.
6. Alabama is a team to watch
The Crimson Tide have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to handle the pressure.
7. Arkansas is a sleeper
The Razorbacks have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to handle the pressure.
8. Ole Miss is a team to watch
The Rebels have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to handle the pressure.
9. Mississippi State is a sleeper
The Bulldogs have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to handle the pressure.
10. Texas A&M is a team to watch
The Aggies have a lot of young talent, and they have been playing well this season. They have a chance to make a run in the tournament, but they will need to be able to handle the pressure.
| Team | Seed |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | 1 |
| LSU | 2 |
| Tennessee | 3 |
| Georgia | 4 |
| Kentucky | 5 |
| Alabama | 6 |
| Arkansas | 7 |
| Ole Miss | 8 |
| Mississippi State | 9 |
| Texas A&M | 10 |
SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025: A Preview
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is an annual postseason tournament for women’s basketball teams from the Southeastern Conference. The tournament was first held in 1980, and it has been held in a variety of cities over the years. The current format of the tournament is a 14-team single-elimination tournament, with the top four teams receiving a first-round bye. The tournament is typically held in March, and the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, from March 4-8. The tournament will feature the top 14 teams in the SEC, and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament is expected to be a competitive one, with several teams vying for the championship.
People Also Ask
When is the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025?
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025 will be held from March 4-8, 2025.
Where is the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025 being held?
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025 will be held in Greenville, South Carolina.
What is the format of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025?
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025 will be a 14-team single-elimination tournament, with the top four teams receiving a first-round bye.
How can I buy tickets to the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025?
Tickets to the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament 2025 will go on sale in January 2025. Tickets can be purchased online or at the tournament venue.
