Women’s College Basketball: The 2025 WCC Tournament Begins
With the 2024-2025 regular season officially in the books, women’s college basketball teams across the nation are gearing up for the high-stakes conference tournaments. For the West Coast Conference (WCC), the stage is set at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, where all 11 teams will battle it out to claim the title of WCC tournament champion. This tournament not only holds the promise of glory but also a crucial spot in the NCAA Tournament, making every game a do-or-die affair. Fans and players alike are abuzz with anticipation, as the competition is expected to be fierce and filled with unexpected twists.
Gonzaga Leads the Charge
Top-seeded Gonzaga, the formidable Bulldogs, enter the tournament with a stellar 22-9 overall record and a commanding 17-3 in the conference. The Bulldogs are on a two-game win streak, bringing a wave of momentum and confidence into each matchup. Their strong performance throughout the regular season has them poised to defend their top spot. However, the path to the championship is never easy, and Gonzaga will face tough competition from the other seeded teams. Their first game in the semifinal round on Monday, March 10, will be a crucial test of their mettle. Gonzaga’s blend of skill, leadership, and experience makes them a team to watch, but the pressure will be on to maintain their form and secure their place in the NCAA Tournament.
The Top Four Seeds
Joining Gonzaga in the upper echelon of the WCC tournament are Portland, Washington State, and Oregon State. Portland, with a 28-3 overall record and an impressive 17-3 in conference play, is slotted as the second seed. The Pilots have been a consistent force throughout the season, showcasing a balanced attack and solid defense. Washington State, the third seed, boasts a 19-12 overall record and a 14-6 mark in the WCC. The Cougars’ strength lies in their depth and resilience, making them formidable opponents in any setting. Rounding out the top four is Oregon State, with a 16-15 overall record and a 12-8 conference record. The Beavers have shown flashes of brilliance and will be looking to capitalize on their strengths to advance deep into the tournament.
Tournament Schedule and Venues
The WCC women’s basketball tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 6, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The preliminary round features the lowest-seeded teams, with No. 11 San Diego taking on No. 10 Pepperdine, and the action continues to intensify over the following days. Friday, March 7, sees No. 9 Loyola Marymount (LMU) facing off against No. 8 Santa Clara, and No. 7 Pacific taking on the winner of Game 1. Saturday, March 8, brings No. 5 San Francisco against the winner of Game 2, and No. 6 Saint Mary’s facing the winner of Game 3. Sunday, March 9, features No. 4 Oregon State playing the winner of Game 4, and No. 3 Washington State meeting the winner of Game 5. The semifinals on Monday, March 10, will see No. 1 Gonzaga and the winner of Game 6, as well as No. 2 Portland and the winner of Game 7, battling for a spot in the championship. The final showdown is set for Tuesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET, with the championship game airing on ESPN2 and available to stream on Sling.
How to Watch the WCC Tournament
For fans eager to catch every moment of the 2025 WCC women’s basketball tournament, there are multiple options to stay connected. The championship game will be broadcast on ESPN2 on Tuesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET and can also be streamed on Sling. For those who want to follow the earlier rounds, ESPN+ is the go-to platform, offering live streams of all the preliminary and semifinal games. An ESPN+ subscription costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually, with the latter option providing a $24 savings. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, an ESPN+ subscription ensures you won’t miss a single play of the action. The platform also provides access to a wide array of other sports, making it a valuable investment for any sports enthusiast.
The Full Seeding and Bracket
The full seeding and bracket for the 2025 WCC women’s tournament are as follows:
- Gonzaga (22-6, 17-3)
- Portland (28-3, 17-3)
- Washington State (19-12, 14-6)
- Oregon State (16-15, 12-8)
- San Francisco (14-15, 11-9)
- Saint Mary’s (14-15, 10-10)
- Pacific (13-17, 9-11)
- Santa Clara (14-16, 8-12)
- LMU (13-15, 7-13)
- Pepperdine (8-21, 3-17)
- San Diego (6-23, 2-18)
Each team brings its unique style and strengths to the tournament, and the matchups promise to be compelling. From the underdog stories of teams like San Diego and Pepperdine to the powerhouse clashes between Gonzaga and Portland, the WCC tournament has something for every basketball fan. The tournament’s format, with single-elimination games, adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, as any team can pull off an upset on any given day.
Preparing for the NCAA Tournament
The stakes are high for all teams, with the WCC tournament serving as a vital stepping stone to the NCAA Tournament. For Gonzaga, securing the championship would solidify their standing and bolster their chances for a favorable seed in the NCAA brackets. Similarly, Portland, Washington State, and Oregon State are all eyeing a strong tournament run to boost their profiles and enhance their prospects in the national tournament. The lower-seeded teams, while facing an uphill battle, are driven by the dream of an underdog victory that could change the course of their seasons. As the tournament unfolds, each game will be a testament to the skill, determination, and passion of these young athletes, making the WCC women’s basketball tournament a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts everywhere.
