The Women’s NCAA Tournament First Round Schedule: LSU Tigers Set to Face SDSU

As March Madness continues to grip the nation, the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to kick off, and the LSU Tigers have earned their spot among the nation’s elite teams. The Tigers, who have been a dominant force throughout the season, will begin their tournament run in the first round, where they will face the San Diego State Aztecs. With high expectations surrounding LSU’s program, this matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive contest, with both teams eager to advance further into the tournament.

LSU enters the tournament as one of the top teams in the nation, boasting an impressive regular season record and a deep roster full of talent. Meanwhile, the SDSU Aztecs, while not as highly ranked, have had an outstanding season and are looking to prove they can compete with the powerhouses of college basketball.

In this article, we will break down the schedule, provide insight into both teams, and examine what fans can expect from this intriguing first-round matchup.

Overview of the LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers, ranked among the top teams in the nation, have had an exceptional season under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey, who is known for her ability to build championship-winning programs, has continued to lead LSU to new heights since taking over as head coach. The Tigers have been a consistent powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and their performance this season has solidified their place among the nation’s elite.

Led by Angel Reese, one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, LSU has been a force both offensively and defensively. Reese, who has been dominant on both ends of the floor, is an offensive juggernaut, capable of scoring at will and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her rebounding ability and presence in the paint make her one of the most dangerous players in the country. Alongside Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, Alexis Morris, and Jasmine Carson have all played pivotal roles in LSU’s success. These players are capable of stepping up in big moments and will be key to LSU’s success in the tournament.

The Tigers’ offense is well-rounded, and they have the ability to break down opponents through a combination of fast breaks, transition scoring, and half-court execution. Defensively, LSU has been tough to beat, with a stifling full-court press and solid team defense that makes scoring difficult for their opponents. LSU’s overall team chemistry and commitment to both ends of the floor have been the driving forces behind their impressive season.

As the No. 2 seed in the tournament, LSU will be looking to continue their strong play and make a deep run toward the Final Four. With their combination of experience, talent, and coaching, LSU has all the tools to make a significant impact in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Overview of the San Diego State Aztecs

On the other side of the court, the San Diego State Aztecs have been an impressive team throughout the 2024-2025 season. While they are not as highly regarded as LSU, they have had a strong season and have proven that they can compete at a high level. The Aztecs earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team, securing a No. 15 seed.

San Diego State’s success this season has been a result of a well-rounded team effort. Their offense is led by Mikayla Long, who has been the driving force behind their scoring. Long is a dynamic guard who can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s through attacking the basket or shooting from the perimeter. She is also a solid playmaker, capable of creating opportunities for her teammates. Alongside Long, Kara McLendon and Jazmin Wright have been key contributors to the Aztecs’ offensive attack.

Defensively, SDSU has been solid all season long, using a combination of man-to-man and zone defenses to frustrate opponents. The Aztecs have shown that they can be competitive against high-level teams, and they will look to bring that same intensity when they face LSU in the first round.

While SDSU may not have the same level of talent or depth as LSU, they have shown that they can compete with anyone when they’re clicking on all cylinders. With a combination of hustle, strong defense, and efficient offense, the Aztecs will be hoping to pull off a major upset in the first round of the tournament.

Key Storylines Heading Into the Game

LSU’s Power vs. SDSU’s Underdog Mentality

One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the clear disparity in seeding and expectations. LSU enters the game as a heavy favorite, with many predicting they will make a deep run in the tournament. However, as we’ve seen in March Madness over the years, anything can happen in the postseason, and SDSU will be looking to use its underdog mentality to its advantage.

For LSU, the pressure is on to live up to their high ranking and expectations. The Tigers are expected to advance past SDSU, but they cannot afford to take their opponent lightly. SDSU, with nothing to lose, will enter the game with the mindset that they can shock the world and knock off one of the top teams in the country. LSU will need to stay focused and execute their game plan to avoid any surprises.

Angel Reese’s Impact

For LSU, all eyes will be on Angel Reese, who has been the focal point of their offense throughout the season. Reese is capable of dominating the game in a variety of ways, whether it’s scoring inside, grabbing rebounds, or using her size and athleticism to overpower defenders. Reese’s ability to control the paint will be a key factor in the game, as she can make life difficult for SDSU both offensively and defensively.

If Reese can establish her presence early in the game, LSU will likely be in control. However, SDSU’s defense will need to find a way to slow her down. Expect to see a lot of double teams and defensive schemes designed to limit Reese’s impact, but it will be no easy task.

SDSU’s Defensive Strategy

To have any chance of pulling off an upset, SDSU will need to execute a game plan that limits LSU’s scoring opportunities. While LSU’s offense has been potent all season, SDSU’s defense has been solid, and they will need to step up in this game. The Aztecs will likely focus on slowing down Reese and forcing other players to step up for LSU. SDSU will need to be aggressive on the defensive end, contest shots, and limit LSU’s fast-break opportunities.

In particular, SDSU’s guards, including Mikayla Long, will need to pressure LSU’s ball handlers and force turnovers to create easy scoring chances in transition. The Aztecs will also need to do a better job than most teams of defending the paint and rebounding, areas where LSU typically excels.

LSU’s Depth vs. SDSU’s Top Performers

One of LSU’s advantages is their depth. The Tigers have several players who can step up and make an impact on any given night. Players like Flau’jae Johnson, Alexis Morris, and Jasmine Carson have the ability to take over games offensively and provide LSU with scoring options beyond just Reese. LSU’s balance is a key factor that could give them the edge in this matchup.

SDSU, on the other hand, relies heavily on the performances of a few key players. If Mikayla Long and Kara McLendon can get hot, the Aztecs could make things interesting. However, if LSU is able to shut down those players and neutralize SDSU’s offense, the Tigers’ depth could overwhelm the Aztecs.

Game Prediction

With the tournament in full swing, LSU is a clear favorite heading into this first-round matchup against San Diego State. LSU has all the pieces necessary to make a deep tournament run, including an elite player in Angel Reese, a well-rounded offensive attack, and a solid defense. SDSU, on the other hand, will have to play nearly flawless basketball to have a shot at pulling off the upset.

While SDSU will give a spirited effort and fight hard in this game, LSU’s talent and experience should be too much for them to handle. LSU will likely win this game by a comfortable margin, but expect SDSU to give the Tigers a strong challenge early on.