Women's NCAA Sweet 16 Preview: Notre Dame vs. TCU, Tennessee vs. Texas

about 1 year agoUS
Women's NCAA Sweet 16 Preview: Notre Dame vs. TCU, Tennessee vs. TexasSource: nytimes.com
The Women's NCAA Tournament heats up with compelling Sweet 16 matchups this Saturday, March 29th, at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Two key games feature exciting storylines: No. 3 Notre Dame takes on No. 2 TCU in a rematch, while No. 5 Tennessee clashes with No. 1 Texas.

Key Insights

Notre Dame vs. TCU Rematch:: TCU previously upset Notre Dame in November, led by Hailey Van Lith's 21 points. Van Lith, a transfer from Louisville and LSU, has significantly elevated TCU's program.

Star Power:: Notre Dame boasts All-American talents Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. TCU counters with Van Lith, 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince, and sharp-shooter Madison Conner.

Historical Stakes:: TCU is experiencing its best season ever and aiming for its first Elite Eight appearance. Notre Dame seeks its first Elite Eight since 2019, building on a legacy that includes two national titles.

Tennessee vs. Texas:: The Volunteers face the Longhorns in another high-stakes Sweet 16 contest later in the day.

Why this matters:: These games showcase top-tier talent and determine who advances closer to the national championship. The Notre Dame-TCU rematch adds extra intrigue, testing whether TCU can repeat its earlier success against a formidable Irish squad.

In-Depth Analysis

Notre Dame vs. TCU: A Battle of Styles

The first game on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, ABC) pits the high-scoring offense of TCU against the star-driven Notre Dame Fighting Irish. TCU, under coach Mark Campbell, demonstrated potent scoring ability in their previous tournament game, shooting exceptionally well. Key players include Hailey Van Lith, whose experience and scoring have been vital, senior Sedona Prince providing an inside presence, and Madison Conner, a dangerous threat from beyond the arc (shooting over 45% on nearly 8 attempts per game).

Notre Dame, coached by Niele Ivey, counters with unanimous first-team All-American Hannah Hidalgo, known for making difficult plays look easy, and fellow All-American Olivia Miles, a skilled shooter and distributor. Senior Sonia Citron and Pitt transfer Liatu King add depth and scoring punch. The Irish aim to leverage their star power and historical tournament experience.

Tennessee vs. Texas: High Seeds Collide

Following the Notre Dame-TCU game, the action continues with No. 5 Tennessee taking on No. 1 Texas (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC). This matchup features two prominent programs vying for a spot in the Elite Eight. Fans can expect a competitive battle as the Volunteers look to upset the top-seeded Longhorns.

Viewing Information

Both games will be broadcast on ABC and can be streamed via services like fuboTV{:target="_blank"} (free trial available) and DirecTV Stream{:target="_blank"} (free trial available), as well as Sling TV{:target="_blank"}.

FAQs

When are the games?

Notre Dame vs. TCU is at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Tennessee vs. Texas follows at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Where are the games being played?

Both games are at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

How can I watch the games?

Both games are on ABC. Streaming options include fuboTV{:target="_blank"}, DirecTV Stream{:target="_blank"}, and Sling TV{:target="_blank"}.

Who are the key players to watch?

For Notre Dame: Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles. For TCU: Hailey Van Lith, Sedona Prince, Madison Conner. Key players for Tennessee and Texas will also be crucial in their matchup.

Key Takeaways

High-Stakes Basketball:: The Sweet 16 marks a critical stage in the tournament where every possession matters.

Star Matchups:: Witness potential future WNBA stars like Hannah Hidalgo and Hailey Van Lith go head-to-head.

Upset Potential:: TCU already proved they can beat Notre Dame, making this rematch compelling. Tennessee also faces a tough challenge against top-seeded Texas.

Tune In:: Make sure to catch the action live on ABC or via available streaming platforms.

Discussion

These Sweet 16 games promise exciting basketball! Can TCU upset Notre Dame again? Will Tennessee pull off a win against Texas?

*Do you think star power or team depth will prevail in these matchups? Let us know!*

> *Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*

Sources & References

Related Articles

⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer