UCSD will compete in the First Four of the NCAA women’s tournament, while SDSU will play LSU in the First Round.

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will feature a host of exciting matchups, with UC San Diego (UCSD) making its debut appearance in the First Four, and San Diego State University (SDSU) facing off against the powerhouse LSU Tigers in the First Round. This year’s tournament promises to be one of the most thrilling and competitive in recent memory, with the teams from California playing crucial roles in the national spotlight.

UC San Diego (UCSD) in the First Four

For the first time in the school’s history, UCSD has made its way into the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Their entry into the First Four is historic, marking a significant milestone for the Tritons and their athletic program. UCSD, which has spent years building its women’s basketball team into a competitive force, is now set to take on a team that will provide them with a great challenge in the opening round.

The Road to the Tournament

UCSD’s journey to the NCAA Tournament wasn’t easy, but their grit and determination helped them secure a spot in the tournament. After making the transition from Division II to Division I, the Tritons faced a steep learning curve, as they adapted to the increased level of competition. However, under the leadership of head coach Heidi VanDerveer, they grew stronger and gained valuable experience in each season.

This year, the Tritons stood out in their conference and earned their spot in the tournament with a combination of strong defense and a well-rounded offense. Their efforts culminated in securing a spot in the First Four, which will see them face off against another team on the tournament bubble. Although UCSD is considered an underdog, their determination and high level of play have garnered attention.

The team’s key players have been standout performers throughout the season. Their star guard has been dynamic, leading the team in scoring and contributing defensively. Additionally, the Tritons’ ability to limit turnovers and make smart decisions under pressure will be critical against their First Four opponent. The players’ mental toughness and discipline could give them an edge in a high-stakes game where every possession matters.

The First Four Matchup

In the First Four, UCSD will face a team that also earned a spot in the tournament as a low seed. The stakes could not be higher as both teams will fight for a chance to move forward in the tournament and prove their worth on the national stage.

The First Four is a unique feature of the NCAA Women’s Tournament, designed to give a last opportunity for teams on the bubble to make an impression. The games are intense, and the outcome often has a massive impact on the team’s legacy. UCSD will have to be prepared for a battle in what will be a defining moment in the program’s history.

Though UCSD is relatively new to the tournament scene, their scrappy, hard-nosed style of play and ability to stay composed under pressure could be their key to success. In order to compete against a more experienced and higher-seeded team, they will need to rely on their defensive capabilities, ball movement, and high basketball IQ.

San Diego State University (SDSU) and LSU in the First Round

Meanwhile, SDSU will face one of the tournament’s most storied programs, LSU, in the First Round. The Aztecs, who have had a strong season in the Mountain West Conference, are no strangers to tough competition, but LSU is a team that brings a different level of intensity to the table.

SDSU’s Season Overview

SDSU has had an impressive season, finishing strong in the Mountain West Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson, the Aztecs have developed a well-balanced team that excels both offensively and defensively. They have proven themselves in many games this season, showing their resilience, teamwork, and ability to compete against some of the nation’s best teams.

The Aztecs have a versatile roster, featuring standout players capable of taking over games when needed. SDSU’s team is known for its toughness and defensive pressure, making them a difficult matchup for opponents who rely on an uptempo game. The Aztecs’ ability to lock down on defense, make adjustments during the game, and play physical basketball has been a hallmark of their success this season.

The team’s star player, a versatile forward, has been a major contributor on both ends of the floor. Whether it’s hitting key shots from the perimeter, grabbing rebounds, or defending against the opposing team’s top scorer, she has been a central figure in SDSU’s success. Additionally, the Aztecs have a solid backcourt, with guards who are adept at controlling the tempo and making smart decisions with the ball.

While SDSU has had an outstanding season, they now face the daunting task of playing against an LSU team that has been a national powerhouse for years.

LSU’s Dominance in Women’s College Basketball

LSU is one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, having been a consistent contender in the NCAA Tournament for decades. The Tigers have a storied history, including multiple NCAA titles and numerous appearances in the Final Four. With a deep roster of talented players, LSU brings a championship pedigree to every game they play.

This year, LSU has once again proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, finishing strong in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team boasts a roster full of All-Conference and All-American players, including standout players who have the ability to take over games. Their experience and depth give them a distinct advantage in the tournament, especially in the early rounds.

One of LSU’s key strengths is their ability to dominate the paint, both offensively and defensively. With a series of post players who can control the boards, finish in the low block, and alter shots on defense, LSU presents a matchup challenge for almost every team they face. Additionally, their backcourt features dynamic guards who are capable of pushing the pace, hitting three-pointers, and running the offense with precision.

SDSU’s Key to Success Against LSU

For SDSU to advance past LSU in the First Round, they will need to play their best basketball of the season. First and foremost, the Aztecs will have to focus on their defense, which has been their strength all year. Against a team like LSU, the Aztecs must be disciplined and not allow easy baskets in transition or from beyond the arc. They will need to play physical defense, contest every shot, and make LSU work for every point.

Offensively, SDSU will have to be efficient. They can’t afford to waste possessions against a high-powered team like LSU. This means that the Aztecs will need to run their offense with precision, getting high-quality looks and avoiding turnovers. Playing at a slower pace could also benefit SDSU, as it would limit LSU’s fast-break opportunities and keep the game more controlled.

Additionally, SDSU will need to rely on their star players to rise to the occasion. A strong performance from their standout forward and point guard will be crucial, as they will need to lead the charge offensively and help dictate the tempo of the game. The Aztecs’ ability to make LSU uncomfortable, whether through defensive pressure or forcing tough shots, will determine how competitive this matchup will be.

A Battle of Styles

In many ways, this game between SDSU and LSU will be a clash of styles. While SDSU prefers a physical, defensive-oriented game, LSU thrives in an up-tempo, high-scoring affair. For SDSU to have a chance, they will need to slow the game down, impose their style of play, and limit LSU’s offensive opportunities. It will require discipline, patience, and strong execution on both ends of the floor.

The Aztecs’ defense will be the key to keeping the game close and potentially pulling off an upset. However, they will also need to take advantage of every scoring opportunity, particularly in transition, where LSU’s aggressive defense could leave open shots or fast-break opportunities.

Both UCSD and SDSU have exciting opportunities in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, with UCSD making its historic debut in the First Four and SDSU facing a monumental challenge against LSU in the First Round. These two teams will be looking to make a statement on the national stage, with UCSD hoping to pull off a surprise win and SDSU trying to showcase their resilience and talent against one of the best programs in the country.

While the odds may be stacked against them, both teams have the potential to surprise, and the NCAA Tournament is known for its unpredictability. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling basketball, with UCSD and SDSU both representing their schools with pride and determination. The games will be a chance for these teams to prove themselves and make history in the process.