The fourth day of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament delivered a series of exhilarating games, marked by record-breaking performances, emotional farewells, and unexpected challenges. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the day’s highlights:
Alabama vs. Maryland: A Double-Overtime Thriller
In one of the most electrifying games of the tournament, the No. 5 seed Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins. The matchup extended into double overtime, culminating in a narrow 111-108 victory for Maryland. Despite the loss, Alabama’s senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker delivered a historic performance, scoring 45 points. This feat set a new program record for Alabama and tied her for the fourth-highest individual point total in NCAA Women’s Tournament history. Barker’s impressive stat line included shooting 17-of-25 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 7-of-11 from the free-throw line, along with eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals over 45 minutes.
UConn’s Paige Bueckers Bids Farewell to Gampel Pavilion
The No. 3 seed UConn Huskies secured a 72-64 victory over No. 6 seed Syracuse, advancing to their 30th consecutive Sweet 16. All-American guard Paige Bueckers shone brightly in her final home game at Gampel Pavilion, matching her season high with 32 points. Her performance was characterized by clutch shooting and dynamic playmaking, much to the delight of the sellout crowd of 10,299. Demonstrating her appreciation for the fans, Bueckers had previously purchased 1,500 tickets for students to ensure a vibrant atmosphere. Her tenure at Gampel Pavilion concluded with an impressive 32-1 record.
USC’s JuJu Watkins Suffers Season-Ending Injury
The top-seeded USC Trojans triumphed over No. 8 seed Kansas with a decisive 73-55 win, securing their place in the Sweet 16. However, the victory was overshadowed by a significant setback: star sophomore JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending right knee injury early in the game. Watkins, a pivotal contributor to USC’s success, will undergo surgery followed by rehabilitation. Her absence poses a considerable challenge for the Trojans as they continue their tournament journey.
Texas’s Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda Emerges as a Key Contributor
The No. 2 seed Texas Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 65-48 victory over No. 7 seed Illinois. Junior power forward Ndjakalenga “Jak” Mwenentanda emerged as a pivotal player off the bench, scoring a career-high 19 points. Her versatile performance complemented All-American guard Madison Booker’s 20 points, highlighting the depth of the Longhorns’ roster. Coach Vic Schaefer praised Mwenentanda’s unique skill set and underscored her potential impact in the forthcoming rounds.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark Breaks Scoring Record
No. 1 seed Iowa overcame No. 8 seed West Virginia with a 64-54 win, despite one of their lowest offensive outputs of the season. Senior guard Caitlin Clark was instrumental, scoring 32 points and surpassing Kelsey Plum’s record for the most points in a single season in Division I women’s history. Clark’s leadership and scoring prowess were critical in propelling the Hawkeyes into the Sweet 16.
Gonzaga Advances with Stellar Three-Point Shooting
The No. 4 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs secured a 77-66 victory over No. 5 seed Utah, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015. The Bulldogs showcased exceptional three-point shooting, hitting 12 of 22 attempts, which proved decisive in overcoming an early deficit. Kayleigh Truong led the team with 21 points, while Yvonne Ejim contributed a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Their collective effort underscores Gonzaga’s offensive depth as they prepare for the next round.
Notre Dame’s Balanced Attack Overwhelms Ole Miss
No. 2 seed Notre Dame displayed a balanced offensive effort in their 71-56 win over No. 7 seed Ole Miss. Maddy Westbeld led the Fighting Irish with 20 points, while Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron added 19 and 17 points, respectively. Notre Dame’s aggressive defense forced 28 turnovers, leading to a significant advantage in points off turnovers. This comprehensive performance highlights the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts Shines in Comeback Win
The No. 2 seed UCLA Bruins rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat No. 7 seed Creighton 67-63. Junior center Lauren Betts was instrumental in the comeback, recording 20 points and 10 rebounds. Betts, recognized as a “generational player” by her coach, has opted to forgo the WNBA draft to pursue NCAA glory alongside her sister, Sienna, who will join UCLA next season. Her commitment and performance underscore her dedication to the Bruins’ championship aspirations.
NC State Holds Off Tennessee’s Rally
No. 3 seed North Carolina State secured a 79-72 victory over No. 6 seed Tennessee, despite a formidable 33-point performance from the Lady Vols’ Rickea Jackson. Aziaha James led the Wolfpack with 22 points, while Saniya Rivers added 20. NC State’s resilience in maintaining their lead amidst Tennessee’s rally demonstrates their poise under pressure as they advance in the tournament.