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The USC Trojans are gearing up to kick off their 2025 NCAA Tournament journey with a showdown against the UNC Greensboro Spartans on Saturday, March 22nd, at 3 pm.
The match will take place at the Galen Center, with viewers able to catch all the action on ABC or stream it through TruTV.
The Trojans, entering the tournament as heavy favorites, are eyeing a return to the Elite Eight after their impressive run last year.
Meanwhile, the Spartans, making their second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, will be aiming for a monumental upset. Their first appearance dates back to 1998 when they fell to Alabama in the first round with a crushing 94-46 defeat.
Key USC Trojans vs UNC Greensboro Details
- Date: Saturday, March 22
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Galen Center
- TV Broadcast: ABC
- Streaming Platform: TruTV
- USC Record: 28-3
- UNCG Record: 25-6
USC's success this season has been largely attributed to their star sophomore guard, Juju Watkins, who is leading the team in scoring with an impressive 24.6 points per game, along with contributing 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks. Watkins' dynamic playstyle has made her a standout throughout the season.
ing her efforts is Kiki Iriafen, who has been a powerhouse in scoring with 18.2 points per game and dominates the boards, averaging 8.3 rebounds. Rayah Marshall, the senior center, is also a force to be reckoned with, matching Watkins with 1.9 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, UNC Greensboro will rely heavily on their top scorer, Jayde Gamble, who averages 11.8 points per game. Junior guard Jaila Lee, who boasts an impressive 39.1% from beyond the arc, will also need to be on top of her game if the Spartans are to keep up with the high-flying Trojans.
A Tale of Two Teams
UNCG earned its place in the tournament by clinching the Southern Conference (SoCon) Championship with a hard-fought 64-57 overtime win against Chattanooga. With a 25-6 overall record and a remarkable 13-1 record in the SoCon, the Spartans are in top form, riding a 14-game winning streak-the longest in their Division I era.
However, the Trojans present a much tougher challenge. Their dominant record of 28-3, bolstered by a formidable lineup and tactical prowess, makes them a daunting opponent for the Spartans.
Their elite defensive skills, led by Watkins and Marshall, will undoubtedly test UNCG's ability to execute their game plan.
While UNCG has been impressive within their conference, keeping up with USC's firepower will be an immense challenge.
The Trojans' experience, depth, and high-caliber talent place them as clear favorites heading into this first-round clash. However, the Spartans have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout their season. If they can put forth a perfect performance, a March Madness upset could be on the cards.
Basketball fans can expect a thrilling matchup, and regardless of the outcome, both teams will undoubtedly put on an entertaining show for the viewers.