Sweet 16 update: Who does UNC women’s basketball play next in 2025 NCAA Tournament?

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament continues to unfold, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels have made their mark, advancing to the Sweet 16. It’s been an exciting and challenging road for the team, but the Heels’ relentless play, strategic game plans, and rising stars have set them up for a deep run in March Madness. Now, as the tournament enters its next phase, all eyes are on the Sweet 16 matchups, and UNC’s next opponent promises to be a challenging test for the storied program.

In this article, we will dive into the state of the UNC women’s basketball team as they prepare for their next contest in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. We’ll analyze the team’s journey so far, assess their Sweet 16 opponent, and explore what it will take for the Tar Heels to move one step closer to a Final Four appearance.

A Strong Start to the Tournament: UNC’s Path to the Sweet 16

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has been an exciting rollercoaster for fans of the UNC women’s basketball team. Head coach Courtney Banghart, now in her fifth season with the Tar Heels, has established a competitive program that is known for its balance of skilled shooting, tenacious defense, and unselfish play. The Heels entered the tournament as a high seed and have delivered, defeating their opponents convincingly to reach the coveted Sweet 16 stage.

The first round of the tournament saw the Tar Heels dominate their opponent, showcasing their depth and skill across the board. UNC’s offense, led by standout players such as Deja Kelly, who has been playing at an All-American level, and Alyssa Ustby, a defensive force with incredible versatility, helped the team cruise to an easy win. The Heels’ fast-paced offense and strong defensive pressure overwhelmed their first-round adversary, sending a clear message that they were ready to compete with the nation’s best.

In the second round, UNC faced a stiffer challenge from a talented team, but the Heels were able to prevail thanks to clutch performances from their stars and contributions from their role players. Kelly, in particular, stepped up in crucial moments, draining key shots and making plays that helped her team seal the victory. Coach Banghart’s ability to adjust her game plans based on her team’s strengths and the opponents’ weaknesses has been one of the key factors in UNC’s success so far.

After navigating through the first two rounds of the tournament, the Tar Heels have earned their place in the Sweet 16 and now have their sights set on advancing even further. As with every team still alive in March Madness, the competition only gets tougher from here, and the road to the Final Four will not be easy. But with the momentum on their side, UNC is poised to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

UNC’s Sweet 16 Opponent: A Tough Test Ahead

As the Sweet 16 looms, the burning question on every UNC fan’s mind is: Who will the Tar Heels play next? The answer is crucial because every matchup in the NCAA Tournament has the potential to alter the course of a team’s season. In the case of the 2025 UNC women’s basketball team, their next opponent is one of the most formidable teams left in the field: the Stanford Cardinal.

Stanford, under the leadership of head coach Tara VanDerveer, is a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The Cardinal are a balanced team, with a strong emphasis on defense, rebounding, and fast break execution. Stanford’s combination of elite-level athletes, experience in high-pressure games, and a well-coached system makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Coming off a dominant season in the Pac-12, Stanford has been a consistent top contender for the NCAA Tournament’s national title, making them a tough Sweet 16 opponent for any team.

Stanford’s strengths include their star player, Cameron Brink, who has been one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. Brink, known for her shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and versatile scoring, presents a unique challenge for any team. She’s a player who can change the game both offensively and defensively, and the Tar Heels will need to find ways to neutralize her impact on both ends of the floor.

Alongside Brink, Stanford features a talented roster that includes Haley Jones, a guard/forward who can shoot the ball from the perimeter and create mismatches with her size and skill. Jones has been a key contributor to Stanford’s success this season, and UNC will need to focus on limiting her opportunities and preventing her from getting into a rhythm. Stanford is also deep, with multiple players who can make an impact on any given night. The depth and versatility of their roster make them a team that’s hard to predict and even harder to defend.

Keys to Success for UNC Against Stanford

As UNC looks ahead to its Sweet 16 matchup against Stanford, several key factors will determine their success or failure. Let’s break down some of the important aspects of the game that will influence the outcome of this critical contest.

1. Limiting Cameron Brink’s Impact

One of the most important aspects of this matchup will be how UNC handles Cameron Brink. Brink has the ability to take over games, whether it’s blocking shots, finishing in the post, or grabbing critical rebounds. UNC will need to find a way to neutralize her impact on both sides of the ball. This could mean double-teaming her in the post or using physical defenders like Alyssa Ustby to challenge her at the rim. If the Tar Heels can keep Brink from dominating in the paint, they will have a better chance of limiting Stanford’s offense.

2. Taking Advantage of Transition Opportunities

Both teams are known for their fast-paced play, but UNC has an opportunity to exploit Stanford’s transition defense. The Tar Heels are a team that thrives in open-floor situations, with Deja Kelly pushing the ball up the court and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. If UNC can generate turnovers and push the ball in transition, they’ll be able to take advantage of Stanford’s sometimes vulnerable defense in these situations. Quick outlets and fast-break points will be crucial for UNC to get an edge over a strong Stanford defense.

3. Rebounding and Inside Play

Rebounding will be another crucial factor in this game. Stanford is an elite rebounding team, but UNC has also shown the ability to crash the boards effectively, especially with players like Janelle Bailey and Alyssa Ustby anchoring the post. The Tar Heels will need to control the glass on both ends of the floor, limiting Stanford’s second-chance opportunities while generating their own. If UNC can establish a presence in the paint and maintain strong rebounding, it will put pressure on Stanford and limit their offensive efficiency.

4. Maintaining Offensive Balance

While Deja Kelly will be relied upon to provide scoring, UNC must also ensure that their offense remains balanced. Players like Ustby, Janelle Bailey, and Destiny Adams need to step up and contribute offensively, particularly in the half-court sets. While Kelly is the star, it’s crucial that the Heels play an unselfish brand of basketball and keep the floor spaced properly to give themselves open looks at the basket. This offensive balance will keep Stanford’s defense honest and prevent them from keying in on Kelly.

5. Defense and Containing Haley Jones

Stanford’s Haley Jones is another potential game-changer for the Cardinal. The 6-foot-1 guard/forward has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and create problems with her ability to drive to the basket. UNC’s defense will need to focus on keeping Jones out of the paint while also contesting her jump shots. Having defenders like Khamari McDaniel and Alyssa Ustby take turns on Jones could help keep her in check and force Stanford to rely on other players.

What’s at Stake: The Road to the Final Four

The stakes could not be higher for both teams as they square off in this Sweet 16 matchup. For UNC, advancing to the Elite Eight would mark another milestone in their growth as a program under Coach Courtney Banghart. While the Tar Heels have enjoyed success in recent years, the Final Four remains a distant goal that they’ve been striving to reach. Beating a powerhouse like Stanford would put them one step closer to achieving that dream.

For Stanford, the expectation is clear: another run to the Final Four, and potentially the national championship, is within reach. As a program that has been a consistent contender, they will have no intention of letting an upstart team like UNC stand in their way. The winner of this matchup will move one step closer to glory, with only two games separating them from a national championship.