Whereas men’s college basketball’s March Madness has become increasingly defined by giant-slayings, the women’s game remains a slightly more predictable endeavor — at least in the opening rounds.
Upsets have proven fairly elusive in the women’s tournament. No. 15 and No. 14 seeds have never advanced out of the first round, while only seven No. 13 seeds have ever downed their first-round matchups.
Nevertheless, the threat of the shocker continues to loom over the field like a hawk. In 1998, No. 16 Harvard dispatched of No. 1 Stanford, a victory that continues to stand among the sport’s most improbable nearly 26 years later.
Shocks have came a little more frequently in recent seasons. In 2023, No. 12 seeds Florida Gulf Coast and Toledo earned entry into the tournament’s second round, downing Washington State and Iowa State, respectively.
Who can join those sides in immortality in 2025? The Sporting News gives you the run down on some potential teams to look out in this year’s field.
WOMEN’S MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket news | TV schedule | Printable PDF
Women’s March Madness sleeper picks, upset predictions
Best bets to reach Sweet 16
No. 10 Harvard (24-4)
Ivy League sides have enjoyed solid showings in March Madness as of late. Princeton…
