Who does Lady Vols basketball play next in 2025 NCAA Tournament? Sweet 16 bracket update
March Madness is upon us, and the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has lived up to its hype. With incredible upsets, thrilling buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable performances, the road to the championship has been as unpredictable as ever. For fans of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, however, it’s been a time of celebration, as the team has fought its way into the Sweet 16. After an impressive victory over Ohio State in the Round of 32, the Lady Vols are now preparing to face their next opponent in the quest for another national title.
But who exactly will Tennessee face in the Sweet 16, and what does the road ahead look like for this talented, history-rich program? Let’s dive into the updated Sweet 16 bracket and explore who the Lady Vols will play next, the potential challenges they may face, and what to expect from this exciting matchup.
Lady Vols’ Impressive Road to the Sweet 16
Before we look ahead to their Sweet 16 matchup, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey the Lady Vols have had to this point in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Round of 64: A Statement Win
Tennessee entered the tournament with high expectations after a successful regular season, and they lived up to the hype in their first game. As a high seed, the Lady Vols faced a relatively lower-ranked opponent in the opening round. The game was expected to be a formality, and Tennessee delivered with a dominant victory, showcasing their depth, balanced scoring, and lockdown defense.
Round of 32: An Emotional Victory Over Ohio State
After their solid win in the opening round, Tennessee faced Ohio State in the Round of 32. The Buckeyes, known for their physicality and strong play in the Big Ten, posed a serious challenge. Ohio State had home-court advantage, but the Lady Vols showed their mettle, battling through a tough environment and securing a hard-fought victory. This win was particularly impressive because of how it demonstrated Tennessee’s ability to perform under pressure—especially in a hostile setting. With key performances from Rickea Jackson, Tamari Key, and Jordan Horston, Tennessee advanced with confidence.
Sweet 16 Bracket: Who Do the Lady Vols Face Next?
As of now, the Tennessee Lady Vols are one of 16 teams remaining in the tournament, and the competition will only get fiercer from here. So, who do the Lady Vols play next in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16?
The Matchup: Tennessee Lady Vols vs. LSU Lady Tigers
In the Sweet 16, the Tennessee Lady Vols will face the LSU Lady Tigers in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and closely contested games of the round. LSU, a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball, has had an outstanding season and has the talent to compete with the best teams in the nation. This matchup will bring together two top-tier programs, both of whom have a strong chance of advancing to the Final Four.
LSU’s Tournament Journey So Far
LSU enters the Sweet 16 with an undefeated record in the tournament thus far. In their opening-round game, the Tigers made quick work of their first opponent, cruising to a dominant win and setting the tone for the rest of their tournament run. In the Round of 32, they faced a stronger challenge but ultimately proved their resilience with a well-rounded performance that sent them through to the Sweet 16.
Led by their head coach, Kim Mulkey, LSU has built a reputation for tough, aggressive basketball. Known for their excellent defense and high-scoring offense, LSU has been one of the most consistent teams in women’s college basketball this season.
Key Players for LSU
LSU is loaded with talent, and their roster features several standout players who will be critical to their success in the Sweet 16.
- Angel Reese: Reese has been a force to be reckoned with all season long. A dominant forward with excellent rebounding and scoring ability, Reese has the potential to take over games and will undoubtedly be a key focus for the Lady Vols’ defense. Her inside presence, paired with her ability to score in transition, makes her one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
- Alexis Morris: As LSU’s starting point guard, Morris has been instrumental in running the offense. Her leadership, ball-handling, and scoring ability will make her a player to watch in this matchup. Morris has the ability to dictate the pace of the game and set up her teammates for easy looks.
- Flau’jae Johnson: A dynamic guard, Johnson has emerged as one of LSU’s top offensive weapons this season. Her scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc, adds a versatile element to LSU’s offense that makes them difficult to defend. Tennessee will need to account for her on the perimeter, as she has the ability to stretch defenses and open up lanes for her teammates.
How LSU Plays
LSU’s style of play revolves around its aggressive defense and high-octane offense. They have a well-balanced team that can play both inside and out, and their ability to control the tempo is a major factor in their success. Tennessee will need to be mindful of LSU’s pressure defense, which often leads to fast-break opportunities and easy baskets. LSU is particularly strong in transition, so limiting turnovers and getting back on defense will be crucial for the Lady Vols.
On offense, LSU excels at feeding their star players in the post while also spreading the floor with shooters on the perimeter. Their inside-out game has been difficult for opponents to defend, and Tennessee will need to stay disciplined to prevent LSU from getting easy baskets.
What Will the Lady Vols Need to Do to Win?
While Tennessee has proven itself as one of the top teams in women’s basketball, LSU will undoubtedly be a tough test. To secure the victory and advance to the Elite Eight, the Lady Vols will need to execute on both ends of the court. Here’s what Tennessee will need to focus on in their Sweet 16 matchup with LSU:
1. Contain Angel Reese
One of the biggest challenges for Tennessee will be containing LSU’s star forward, Angel Reese. Reese has the ability to dominate in the paint and on the glass, so the Lady Vols must limit her second-chance opportunities and prevent her from scoring easy baskets inside. Tamari Key, Tennessee’s dominant shot-blocker and rim protector, will be crucial in this matchup. Her ability to challenge shots and defend the paint will be critical to slowing down Reese and making it difficult for LSU to capitalize on their inside game.
2. Control the Pace
LSU thrives when the game is played at a fast pace, so Tennessee will need to control the tempo to prevent the Tigers from getting easy transition baskets. The Lady Vols are more than capable of playing a fast-paced game themselves, but they will need to be disciplined with their ball movement and decision-making. Limiting turnovers and taking smart shots will be key to slowing down LSU’s transition offense.
3. Guard the Perimeter
Flau’jae Johnson’s ability to shoot from the outside adds an extra layer of complexity to LSU’s offense. Tennessee’s perimeter defense will need to be tight, especially against LSU’s shooters. Players like Jordan Horston and Rickea Jackson will need to stay active on the defensive end, contesting shots and preventing LSU from getting open looks from beyond the arc. If Tennessee can force LSU to take contested jump shots rather than easy looks in the paint, it will significantly increase their chances of winning.
4. Leverage Rickea Jackson and Tamari Key’s Experience
Rickea Jackson has been one of the best players in college basketball this season, and her leadership will be key in this Sweet 16 matchup. Jackson’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it’s attacking the rim or knocking down mid-range jumpers—will be essential in breaking down LSU’s defense. Tamari Key, as mentioned earlier, is another player who could be a difference-maker. Her shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint will help Tennessee stay competitive in the inside battle against LSU’s bigs.
Additionally, the leadership of these two veterans, along with the experience of players like Jordan Horston, will be crucial in handling the pressure and intensity of this high-stakes matchup.
The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake for the Lady Vols?
The stakes are high for the Lady Vols as they enter the Sweet 16 against LSU. A win would put Tennessee in the Elite Eight, just two victories away from securing a Final Four berth and potentially making another run at a national championship. The team has the talent and the experience to go all the way, but they will have to continue playing with focus, determination, and intensity.
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament continues to unfold, the Lady Vols are poised to make a deep run. But to advance further, they’ll need to beat LSU and then take on even tougher competition. The Sweet 16 is just the beginning, but for Tennessee, it represents a chance to prove that they are back among the elite programs in women’s basketball.
