Notre Dame women's path to the Final Four won't be easy as a No. 3 seed
Because Notre Dame lost three of its final five games entering the 2025 NCAA Tournament, nothing was guaranteed for the Irish when the field of 68 was revealed. But the Irish’s draw was made tougher when they were given the No. 3 seed in the Birmingham 3 Region. Top-seeded Texas highlights the top of the bracket with No. 2 seed TCU looming at the bottom.
But before the Irish can face any familiar foes, they must get past Stephen F. Austin. SFA qualified for the NCAA Tournament after winning the Southland tournament title. The Ladyjacks average 77.9 points per game with five different players scoring double-digits. They own an efficient offense, taking 25 3-pointers per game and shooting 35.5 percent on their attempts. They also get to the free line, averaging 20.6 attempts per game, 23rd most in the nation. SFA’s offense should be an early test for the Irish, who are looking to get their three-headed backcourt back on track at the start of the tournament.
Assuming they advance, the Irish would play one of Michigan, Iowa State or Princeton — the latter two schools will meet in one of the First Four games this week. The three programs are stylistically different, but each is formidable. Princeton was among the final teams in the field and plays at one of the slowest paces in the nation. That could serve as a change-up for the Irish, who average nearly 12 more possessions per 40 minutes than the Tigers. The Cyclones entered the season as a program many thought would be hosting a tournament game come March. Though Iowa State struggled at times during the regular season, sophomore center Audi Crooks has shown she can dominate a game. (She scored 40 points in the Cyclones’ first-round win over Maryland last season.) Michigan is another potent offense that can convert from the perimeter. All five of its starters are 6-foot-3 or smaller, allowing the Wolverines to also be switchable on defense.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6207186/2025/03/17/notre-dame-bracket-path-final-four/