The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket has been unveiled, highlighting the impressive performances of North Carolina’s Triangle teams—NC State, Duke, and North Carolina (UNC). All three secured top 16 seeds, ensuring they will host the first and second rounds of the tournament.
NC State Wolfpack
The NC State Wolfpack, led by coach Wes Moore, entered the ACC Tournament as the No. 1 seed. They showcased their dominance by defeating Georgia Tech 73-72 in the quarterfinals and North Carolina 66-55 in the semifinals. However, in the championship game on March 9, they fell to Duke with a final score of 76-62. Aziaha James led the team with 18 points in that game.
Despite the championship loss, NC State’s consistent performance throughout the season earned them a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. They will host the first and second rounds, providing a familiar environment to advance further in the competition.
Duke Blue Devils
Coach Kara Lawson’s Duke Blue Devils entered the ACC Tournament as the No. 3 seed. They secured a 61-48 victory over Notre Dame in the semifinals, setting the stage for a championship clash with NC State. In a stellar performance, Duke outscored NC State 47-26 in the second half, clinching the title with a 76-62 win. Sophomore Oluchi Okananwa and junior Ashlon Jackson each contributed 22 points in the championship game.
Duke’s ACC championship and strong season record have positioned them as the No. 2 seed in the Birmingham Region of the NCAA Tournament. They will host Lehigh in the first round, aiming to capitalize on their momentum and make a deep tournament run.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels, under coach Courtney Banghart, entered the ACC Tournament as the No. 5 seed. They achieved a 78-71 victory over Boston College in the second round but fell to NC State in the semifinals with a 66-55 loss.
Despite the semifinal exit, UNC’s overall performance during the season earned them a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They will host the first and second rounds, providing an opportunity to advance further on their home court.
Tournament Outlook
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with the Triangle teams playing pivotal roles. The tournament tips off with the First Four beginning Wednesday, March 19, and continues through the Final Four on April 4 and 6.
Fans can anticipate exciting matchups, with the potential for the Triangle teams to face each other in later rounds. The tournament promises to deliver high-caliber basketball, showcasing the talent and resilience of these teams as they vie for the national championship.
