Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin predictions, picks for 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament

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Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin predictions, picks for 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament

​The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament features an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 3 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 14 seed Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Ladyjacks. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m. ET at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana, and will be broadcast on ESPN. ​Fighting Irish Athletics+3Fox Sports 1260+3Stephen F. Austin+3Fighting Irish Athletics+4One Foot Down+4Fighting Irish Athletics+4

Team Overviews

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame enters the tournament with a 26-5 record, having shared the ACC regular-season title. The team has been a dominant force, boasting significant victories over top-ranked opponents such as UConn, USC, Texas, and Duke. Despite a stellar season, the Fighting Irish have faced challenges recently, losing three of their last five games, which led to a drop from the No. 1 spot in national rankings. ​Fighting Irish AthleticsOne Foot Down

Offensively, Notre Dame is prolific, averaging 84.7 points per game, ranking fifth nationally. The team also demonstrates defensive strength, allowing just 62.1 points per game. Their field goal percentage stands at an impressive 48.7%, placing them fifth in the nation. ​Fox Sports 1260

Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks

The Ladyjacks hold a 29-5 record and secured the Southland Conference championship. Their journey to the tournament was marked by resilience, overcoming early conference struggles to win their last 12 regular-season games and clinch the conference title. ​Fox Sports 1260+2Stephen F. Austin+2Fox Sports+2

SFA’s offense is balanced, with five players averaging double-digit points. They average 77.9 points per game, ranking 24th nationally, and are particularly effective from beyond the arc, averaging 9.4 three-pointers per game, which is 10th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 61.5 points per game, showcasing a robust defensive structure. ​Fox Sports+3Fighting Irish Athletics+3Stephen F. Austin+3

Key Players

Notre Dame

  • Hannah Hidalgo: A sophomore guard, Hidalgo leads the team with 24.2 points per game, ranking fourth nationally. She also averages 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game, earning her a spot on the AP All-America First Team for the second consecutive year. ​Fox Sports 1260+3Fighting Irish Athletics+3Fox Sports+3Fox Sports

  • Olivia Miles: Miles contributes significantly with 16.2 points per game and leads the team in assists, averaging 5.8 per game. She is also a threat from three-point range, making 2.3 triples per game. ​Fox Sports 1260+1Fighting Irish Athletics+1

  • Sonia Citron: Averages 13.8 points per game and is highly efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 89.7%. ​Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin

  • Faith Blackstone: Leads the Ladyjacks with 14.9 points per game and adds 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. ​New York Post+4Fox Sports 1260+4Stephen F. Austin+4

  • Trinity Moore: Averages 6.6 rebounds per game and is a defensive anchor with 1.5 blocks per game. ​Fox Sports 1260

  • Harmanie Dominguez: A prolific shooter from beyond the arc, ranking 12th nationally with 89 three-pointers this season. ​Fighting Irish Athletics+1Stephen F. Austin+1

Matchup Analysis

Notre Dame’s high-powered offense will be tested by SFA’s balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting. The Fighting Irish’s defense, which limits opponents to a 36.3% field goal percentage, will need to be vigilant against the Ladyjacks’ three-point threats. SFA’s ability to distribute scoring among multiple players could challenge Notre Dame’s defensive assignments.​Stephen F. Austin+3Fighting Irish Athletics+3Fox Sports 1260+3

Rebounding will be a critical factor, with Notre Dame’s Liatu King averaging 10.4 rebounds per game, while SFA’s Trinity Moore leads her team with 6.6 rebounds per game. Controlling the boards could provide essential second-chance opportunities and dictate the game’s tempo.​Fox Sports 1260

Betting Odds and Predictions

Notre Dame is favored by 31.5 points, with an over/under set at 152.5. While the Fighting Irish are expected to win, SFA’s balanced offense and three-point shooting capability could allow them to cover the spread. Additionally, both teams’ defensive strengths might result in a total score under the projected over/under.​Fox Sports+2Fox Sports 1260+2One Foot Down+2

This first-round matchup presents an opportunity to witness Notre Dame’s offensive prowess against Stephen F. Austin’s balanced and resilient approach. While the Fighting Irish are the favorites, the Ladyjacks’ momentum and three-point shooting could make for an engaging contest.

 

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