In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, who will the Lady Vols basketball team play next? bracket update for the second round

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament rolls into the second round, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Lady Vols) are poised for another strong tournament run. With a powerful blend of experienced veterans and dynamic newcomers, Tennessee has been a force to be reckoned with, and their path to a potential championship is getting clearer. Following a dominant first-round victory, the Lady Vols are set to face their next opponent in a matchup that promises high stakes, intense action, and the promise of further postseason glory.

In this article, we’ll provide an update on the second-round matchups for the Lady Vols, break down the key factors that will play into their upcoming game, and discuss what makes this year’s team so special. Along the way, we’ll take a closer look at their bracket placement, how the team has navigated the tournament so far, and what challenges lie ahead.

Recapping the Lady Vols’ First-Round Victory

Before looking ahead to their second-round opponent, it’s important to first recap how the Lady Vols have gotten to this point. The team entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a high seed, built on an impressive regular-season record and a conference championship run in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With Jordan Horston, Rickea Jackson, and Tamari Key leading the charge, the Lady Vols came into the tournament with high expectations and a goal to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of women’s college basketball.

In the first round, Tennessee faced off against a well-organized but overmatched opponent. The Lady Vols’ dominance was on full display as they cruised to a commanding victory. They won decisively, 85-58, in a game that saw stellar performances across the board. Horston contributed a near triple-double with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Jackson showcased her scoring prowess, dropping 23 points to lead all scorers. Key controlled the paint, adding 15 points and 10 rebounds, and her presence on defense was a game-changer for Tennessee.

This first-round performance not only gave the Lady Vols confidence heading into the next round but also underscored the team’s balance. Their offensive efficiency, coupled with their suffocating defense, ensured they would be a tough opponent for any team.

The Road Ahead: Second-Round Matchup

After their strong first-round victory, the Lady Vols are set to face off against their second-round opponent. Their bracket update reveals that the Lady Vols will be matched up against the 7th-seeded team in their region, which is the Iowa State Cyclones. Iowa State enters the second round after a closely contested first-round victory, overcoming a strong opponent with an impressive late-game rally.

Breaking Down the Second-Round Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State is no stranger to NCAA Tournament play, having made multiple deep runs in recent years. Under head coach Bill Fennelly, the Cyclones have become known for their up-tempo style of play, three-point shooting, and solid defensive fundamentals. With players like Ashley Joens and Lexi Donarski, Iowa State brings a balanced, dynamic team to the table that can present challenges for even the most talented squads.

Key Players to Watch:

1. Ashley Joens (Forward) – Iowa State’s standout player, Joens is one of the most versatile and dangerous offensive threats in the country. A preseason All-American, Joens can score from anywhere on the floor — whether it’s attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers. She is the centerpiece of the Cyclones’ offense and can take over a game in the blink of an eye. For the Lady Vols, containing Joens will be one of the primary focuses in this matchup.
2. Lexi Donarski (Guard) – Donarski is another key contributor for Iowa State. Known for her scoring ability and perimeter shooting, she can stretch the floor and create opportunities for her teammates. Her three-point shooting will be a focal point for Tennessee’s defense, which will need to limit her open looks from beyond the arc.
3. Emily Ryan (Guard) – Ryan is an experienced floor general who runs the Cyclones’ offense with precision. She has the ability to create for others while also knocking down timely shots. Her leadership and ability to distribute the ball make her a player to watch in this contest.

Tactical Analysis:

Iowa State’s Strengths:

• Perimeter Shooting: Iowa State excels at shooting the three-ball. Their offense is built around spacing the floor and taking advantage of open looks from beyond the arc. The Cyclones often stretch opposing defenses, forcing them to scramble on the perimeter. This style of play has allowed Iowa State to remain competitive in high-scoring games, and they’ve been particularly dangerous when Joens and Donarski are both hot from deep.
• Fast Pace: The Cyclones like to push the tempo, turning defense into offense through quick transitions. Their ability to get easy baskets in the open court puts pressure on opposing teams, particularly those who prefer a slower, more methodical pace. Iowa State will look to speed the game up and disrupt Tennessee’s defensive rhythm.
• Balanced Scoring: With Joens as their primary offensive weapon, Iowa State has been able to diversify their scoring attack. Donarski’s perimeter shooting, Ryan’s playmaking, and contributions from role players give the Cyclones multiple ways to attack. This balance allows them to keep defenses guessing.

Tennessee’s Counterstrategy:

• Suffocating Defense: Tennessee’s calling card all season has been their stifling defense, and they’ll need it more than ever against a team like Iowa State that can score in bunches. Tamari Key will be crucial in protecting the rim, while the Lady Vols’ perimeter defenders will need to lock down shooters like Donarski. Tennessee has the length and athleticism to disrupt Iowa State’s three-point shooting and force them into tough shots.
• Control the Tempo: While Iowa State thrives on pushing the pace, Tennessee excels when they dictate the game’s tempo. The Lady Vols will need to slow things down at times and make Iowa State play at a pace that works in their favor. The key will be using Jordan Horston’s basketball IQ to slow the Cyclones’ transition game and force them to play a half-court style.
• Dominating the Paint: With Tamari Key and the inside presence she brings, Tennessee can exploit Iowa State’s lack of size in the paint. Key’s ability to both score and dominate the boards will be a significant advantage for Tennessee. The Lady Vols should look to feed the ball to Key and establish their interior game early, forcing Iowa State to collapse and open up opportunities on the perimeter for Rickea Jackson and Sara Puckett.
• Limiting Turnovers: Iowa State thrives on creating turnovers and turning them into quick points. Tennessee must be disciplined with the basketball, making sure to minimize mistakes and give the Cyclones fewer opportunities in transition.

X-Factor Players:

Jordan Horston: Horston’s ability to control the game is crucial for Tennessee. As the team’s leader, Horston must be the primary facilitator on offense, getting others involved while also scoring when necessary. Her ability to handle pressure and step up in clutch moments will be key to navigating Iowa State’s defense.

Rickea Jackson: Jackson’s scoring will be vital in this matchup, particularly in one-on-one situations where she can exploit mismatches. Jackson’s ability to create her own shot and finish in the paint or from mid-range will make her a constant threat for Iowa State.

Tamari Key: As mentioned, Key’s presence in the paint will be crucial. Whether it’s blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or finishing inside, she will be Tennessee’s anchor on both ends of the floor. Her performance could very well be the difference-maker in this contest.

Game Prediction and Key Takeaways

In this high-stakes second-round matchup, the Lady Vols will face one of their toughest challenges yet. Iowa State’s offensive firepower, combined with their ability to play at a fast pace, will test Tennessee’s defense and composure. However, the Lady Vols are well-equipped to handle this challenge. Their suffocating defense, leadership, and dominant post play give them the upper hand.

If Tennessee can execute their game plan — limiting Iowa State’s three-point shooting, controlling the tempo, and exploiting their size advantage inside — they should be able to secure the win and advance to the next round. The game will likely be competitive, but with the likes of Horston, Jackson, and Key leading the way, the Lady Vols should have the tools to emerge victorious.

Key to Tennessee’s Success:

• Establishing dominance in the paint, both offensively and defensively.
• Limiting Iowa State’s perimeter shooting and forcing them to take contested shots.
• Managing the tempo of the game and minimizing turnovers.

The Lady Vols are well-positioned to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and this second-round matchup will be a crucial step on their path toward a potential championship. With their defense, depth, and experienced players, Tennessee has what it takes to overcome Iowa State and move one step closer to their ultimate goal.

As the second round approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. Fans of Tennessee and college basketball alike will be watching closely to see if the Lady Vols can live up to their championship potential and add another victory to their tournament journey.