NCAA Women's Basketball 2025: UCLA Leads as No. 1 Seed, Key Matchups and Players to Watch

The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is set to be one of the most exciting yet, with UCLA securing the No. 1 overall seed for the first time in program history. The Bruins, who have reached the 30-win mark for the first time, are aiming to make their first Final Four in the NCAA era.

Key Players and Matchups

JuJu Watkins (USC) and Paige Bueckers (UConn) are among the standout players to watch. Their epic Elite Eight clash last year set the stage for potential rematches this season. USC, the No. 1 seed in the Spokane 4 Regional, could face UConn, the No. 2 seed, in another thrilling encounter.

South Carolina, the defending national champion, is looking to secure its fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, are a No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 Regional and have a favorable path ahead.

Regional Breakdown

• Spokane 1 Regional: UCLA is the top seed, with potential matchups against Baylor in the Sweet 16 and NC State in the Elite Eight.
• Birmingham 2 Regional: South Carolina leads, with past champions Maryland and North Carolina also in the mix.
• Birmingham 3 Regional: Texas is the No. 1 seed, aiming for its first Final Four since 2004.
• Spokane 4 Regional: USC and UConn could clash in a highly anticipated Elite Eight game.

Winners and Losers

Winners:

• UCLA: With size, experience, and depth, the Bruins are well-positioned for a deep run.
• South Carolina: Despite not being the overall top seed, the Gamecocks remain a formidable force.
• Ivy League: Historic participation with three teams in the tournament.

Losers:

• USC: Facing a tough potential matchup against UConn in the Elite Eight.
• Notre Dame: Dropped to a No. 3 seed, facing challenging post players in their region.
• Big 12: Limited to seven teams, trailing behind other Power 4 conferences.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament promises intense competition and thrilling matchups. With UCLA leading the charge and key players like Watkins and Bueckers in the spotlight, fans are in for an unforgettable March Madness experience.