The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16 action kicked off with Duke defeating North Carolina in a vintage defensive performance. Okananwa led Duke to a 47-38 victory, with her third double-double of the season. Duke’s bench contributed significantly, outscoring North Carolina’s bench 26-6. The Blue Devils will make their 12th Elite 8 appearance and await the winner of the game between South Carolina and Maryland. Despite neither team shooting well, the defensive battle highlighted familiarity between the two teams, as they had played each other recently.
The top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks continued their title defense against fourth-seeded Maryland, while third-seeded Louisiana State attempted to secure its third consecutive Elite 8 appearance by facing off against second-seeded North Carolina State. UCLA, the top seed in the tournament, closed out the night against Ole Miss in an effort to return to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2018. The Sweet 16 matchups showcased intense competition and high-stakes games as teams vied for spots in the next round of the tournament.
Duke’s victory over North Carolina was marked by strong performances from players like Okananwa, who finished with a double-double, and Jackson, who contributed 10 points. Despite North Carolina’s efforts, Duke’s defensive prowess and bench depth proved to be decisive in securing the win. The familiarity between the two teams added an interesting dynamic to the matchup, with both squads displaying top-tier defensive skills and forcing turnovers throughout the game.
The win propelled Duke into their 12th Elite 8 appearance in program history, setting the stage for a potential matchup against top-seeded South Carolina. With Duke’s standout players stepping up and making key contributions, the team demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of tough competition. North Carolina put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short in their quest to advance to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2014, highlighting the competitive nature of the Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
The defensive battle between Duke and North Carolina showcased the caliber of competition in the Sweet 16 matchups, with both teams employing top defensive strategies to stifle their opponents. Duke’s victory highlighted the team’s ability to overcome shooting struggles and rely on their defensive strength to secure the win. The familiarity between the two squads added an intriguing element to the game, with both teams using their knowledge of each other to gain an edge on the court. As the tournament progresses, the intensity and excitement of the games continue to build, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the Elite 8 and beyond.
