Why Raegan Beers and Oklahoma present UConn women’s basketball with a fresh challenge in the March Madness Sweet 16

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament heads into the Sweet 16, excitement is building over potential matchups, one of the most anticipated being the game between the UConn Huskies and the Oklahoma Sooners. While UConn remains one of the most dominant programs in the history of women’s college basketball, boasting a wealth of talent and a storied tradition, the Sooners have quickly emerged as a serious contender, led by standout freshman Raegan Beers. For UConn, facing an up-and-coming powerhouse like Oklahoma presents a unique set of challenges—especially when they must contend with Beers’ versatile skill set and the Sooners’ balanced, high-powered offense.

The Sweet 16 is always a time when teams find themselves at the crossroads of their season, with only a handful of games standing between them and a spot in the Final Four. For UConn, this game marks a critical juncture in their quest to extend their dominance in women’s college basketball. On the other hand, Oklahoma’s emergence as a top contender represents a formidable threat, and Beers’ impact on the game makes the matchup particularly compelling.

UConn’s Legacy and the Road to the Sweet 16

UConn’s women’s basketball program is synonymous with excellence. Head coach Geno Auriemma has built the Huskies into a powerhouse that has won 11 national titles, more than any other program in NCAA women’s basketball history. With players like Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore having graced the court for UConn, the program has set a high bar for success. This legacy of winning, combined with the program’s consistent ability to develop top-tier talent, has made UConn a perennial favorite in the NCAA Tournament.

However, the 2025 season has presented some challenges for the Huskies, as they have faced tougher competition than in years past. The rise of other programs, particularly in the SEC and Big 12, has narrowed the gap between UConn and the rest of the field. While UConn is still a top contender with players like Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards leading the charge, the Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma represents a real test.

In the tournament so far, UConn has displayed its usual prowess—efficient ball movement, suffocating defense, and clutch playmaking. But the challenge posed by Oklahoma is different. The Sooners have been dynamic in all facets of the game, combining offensive firepower with an increasingly stout defense. And at the heart of their rise is Raegan Beers, a freshman who has already proven to be one of the most exciting young players in college basketball.

Raegan Beers: The Freshman Phenomenon

Raegan Beers is one of the standout newcomers to the college basketball scene. Standing at 6-foot-4, Beers possesses a unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill that makes her a difficult matchup for any opponent. While many top recruits are known for their ability to score, Beers’ game goes beyond just putting the ball in the basket. She’s an all-around player, excelling in multiple facets of the game.

Beers’ versatility allows her to play multiple positions on the floor. She can dominate in the paint with her strength and size, yet also stretch the defense with her ability to knock down mid-range shots and even step outside for three-pointers. This ability to affect the game in a variety of ways gives her the potential to challenge UConn’s defense, which has often relied on its ability to lock down specific players rather than having to worry about the type of dynamic player Beers is.

Beyond her scoring ability, Beers is also an exceptional passer, often creating opportunities for her teammates with her vision and basketball IQ. She can control the flow of the game, using her court awareness to find open players and create fast-break opportunities. Defensively, Beers is just as impactful. Her length and agility make her a disruptive force on the boards and in shot-blocking situations, while her ability to guard multiple positions allows Oklahoma to switch seamlessly on defense without losing effectiveness.

What makes Beers even more dangerous is her poise in high-pressure situations. As a freshman, she has shown a maturity that belies her age, particularly in key moments during the tournament. Her ability to stay composed and perform under pressure will be crucial as Oklahoma looks to knock off a giant like UConn.

Oklahoma’s Balanced Attack

While Beers is undoubtedly the star of the show, Oklahoma’s success is not dependent on any one player. Head coach Jennie Baranczyk has built a team that is balanced in every sense of the word. The Sooners excel both offensively and defensively, with a deep roster that offers a variety of weapons to attack opponents.

Oklahoma’s offense is fast-paced and versatile. Along with Beers, players like Taylor Robertson and Madi Williams have been key contributors to the Sooners’ success. Robertson is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, while Williams provides an offensive spark with her driving ability and playmaking. Together, they form a formidable offensive trio that has the ability to create scoring opportunities in transition or through half-court sets.

The Sooners have embraced a team-first mentality, with each player contributing to the success of the team. This depth is crucial in a tournament like the NCAA Tournament, where teams face higher levels of competition and need contributions from every player on the roster. Oklahoma’s ability to rely on multiple scoring options makes them unpredictable and tough to defend, as they can adapt to any style of play.

Defensively, Oklahoma has been a tough out for opponents. The Sooners are strong in one-on-one situations, and their ability to pressure the ball and force turnovers has been one of their trademarks throughout the season. With Beers anchoring their defense in the paint, they can limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities and disrupt passing lanes, forcing teams into uncomfortable situations.

UConn’s Defensive Strength and Vulnerabilities

UConn’s defense has long been one of the cornerstones of the program’s success. Auriemma has always placed a premium on stopping the opposing team, and this year’s squad is no different. Players like Aaliyah Edwards and Lou Lopez Senechal are capable of locking down the best offensive players in the country. The Huskies’ ability to switch between various defensive schemes, including man-to-man and zone, has made them one of the toughest teams to score against in the country.

However, UConn has shown vulnerabilities in certain areas. One of the biggest concerns for the Huskies has been defending players with the ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket. Beers fits this profile perfectly—her ability to both shoot from the outside and finish around the rim could force UConn into difficult defensive matchups.

Additionally, UConn’s tendency to rely heavily on Fudd’s perimeter shooting and Edwards’ post play can sometimes lead to one-dimensional offensive sets. Against a team like Oklahoma, which can score in multiple ways and switch defensive assignments with ease, UConn may find it difficult to execute its typical game plan. Moreover, the pressure of defending Beers, along with the rest of Oklahoma’s offensive threats, could expose some of UConn’s defensive lapses.

A Clash of Styles

The matchup between UConn and Oklahoma presents a fascinating clash of styles. UConn’s strength lies in its defense and disciplined offensive sets, while Oklahoma thrives on versatility and depth, with the ability to attack in multiple ways. UConn’s experience and talent, combined with Auriemma’s postseason pedigree, make them a dangerous opponent for anyone, but the Sooners are hungry to prove they belong on the same stage as the game’s elite programs.

Oklahoma’s fast pace and dynamic offensive sets could put UConn on its heels, especially if Beers is able to exploit matchups and dominate in the paint. For UConn to succeed, they will need to control tempo, limit Beers’ ability to get easy looks, and force the Sooners into more half-court offense. They must also limit turnovers, as Oklahoma’s transition game is lethal, and capitalize on any defensive breakdowns that occur.