The women’s NCAA Tournament is heating up, and all eyes are on Paige Bueckers as she leads the No. 2 UConn Huskies into battle against the No. 15 Arkansas State Red Wolves on March 22, 2025.
After an electrifying first day of March Madness—where powerhouses like South Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, and UCLA flexed their muscles to advance—UConn is ready to make its own statement.
Will Bueckers and her squad keep their championship dreams alive, or will Arkansas State pull off a stunning upset? Here’s everything you need to know about this must-watch matchup, from tip-off time to streaming options!
A March Madness Showdown You Can’t Miss
The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament is already delivering thrills, and Saturday’s clash between UConn and Arkansas State promises to keep the excitement rolling. UConn, the five-time defending Big East champs, is on a mission to claim its first national title since 2016.
Led by superstar Paige Bueckers, the Huskies have shown they can hang with the best, even knocking off top-ranked South Carolina earlier this season. But as every hoops fan knows, March is the season of surprises—any team can rise, and any team can fall.
Arkansas State, the underdog in this matchup, isn’t here to just make up the numbers. The Red Wolves earned their spot with grit and heart, and they’ll be leaning on their dynamic trio of Zyion Shannon, Kennedie Montue, and Crislyn Rose to challenge UConn’s dominance.
For the Huskies, this game is a chance to keep their incredible early-round streak alive—under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, they haven’t stumbled before the second weekend since 1993. Buckle up, because this one’s going to be a ride!
When Does Paige Bueckers Play? Game Time Details
- Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Connecticut
Mark your calendars and set your alarms—Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies tip off at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time against Arkansas State. The game will take place at UConn’s home turf, the iconic Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, where the Huskies faithful will be out in full force. As the No. 2 seed in the Spokane 4 Region, UConn is looking to kick off their tournament run with a bang. Whether you’re rooting for the favorites or hoping for a Cinderella story, this afternoon showdown is the perfect way to dive into your Saturday!
Where to Watch: Channel and Streaming Options
- TV Channel: ABC
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
Wondering where you can catch Paige Bueckers in action? The UConn vs. Arkansas State game will air live on ABC, part of the Disney network family that’s bringing you every moment of the women’s NCAA Tournament alongside ESPN. It’s a great option for anyone with a traditional TV setup—just flip to ABC and settle in for the show.
No cable? No problem! Cord-cutters can stream the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. It’s an easy way to watch without committing right away—just sign up, tune in, and cancel if it’s not your thing. With tip-off just hours away (it’s 11:05 a.m. PDT as I write this on March 22), you’ve got plenty of time to get set up and join the madness!
The Stars to Watch: Bueckers and Beyond
Paige Bueckers: UConn’s Shining Star
Paige Bueckers isn’t just a player—she’s a phenomenon. Averaging 19.1 points per game in just 28.6 minutes, she’s the heartbeat of this UConn team. But her game is more than scoring; she dishes out 4.8 assists and grabs 4.7 rebounds per contest, showing off her all-around brilliance. After missing time due to injury in past seasons, Bueckers is back and better than ever, hungry to lead the Huskies to their 12th national championship. Could this be her defining March Madness moment?
UConn’s Supporting Cast
Bueckers isn’t alone out there. Freshman sensation Sarah Strong is lighting it up with 16 points per game, while sharpshooter Azzi Fudd adds 12.8 points to the mix. Together, this trio forms a powerhouse offense that’s tough to stop. Under Geno Auriemma’s masterful coaching, UConn has been a well-oiled machine, reaching the Final Four in 16 of the last 17 seasons. Arkansas State will need to bring their A-game to crack this lineup!
Arkansas State’s Upset Hopes
The Red Wolves may be the No. 15 seed, but they’re not here to roll over. Zyion Shannon leads the charge with her scoring punch, while Kennedie Montue’s outside shooting and Crislyn Rose’s playmaking give Arkansas State a fighting chance. Fresh off a thrilling Sun Belt Tournament run, this team has momentum and belief. Can they channel that energy into a historic upset?
Why This Game Matters
For UConn, this isn’t just another game—it’s the start of a journey. The Huskies have a legacy to uphold, and anything less than a deep tournament run feels like a letdown. Bueckers, potentially in her final college season before heading to the WNBA, has extra motivation to make it a memorable one. Meanwhile, Arkansas State is playing with house money. It’s their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, and a win over UConn would be the kind of Cinderella story that defines March Madness.
History favors the Huskies here. UConn’s early-round dominance is legendary, and Auriemma’s teams rarely slip up before the stakes get higher. But every tournament has its surprises, and Arkansas State has the talent to make things interesting. Will the Red Wolves shock the world, or will UConn roll on?
Betting Odds: What the Numbers Say
Here’s a quick peek at the betting lines as of Saturday, March 22 (courtesy of Bet MGM):
- Spread: UConn (-44.5)
- Over/Under: 148.5
- Moneyline: Not available
UConn is a massive favorite, with a 44.5-point spread reflecting their dominance and Arkansas State’s underdog status. The over/under sits at 148.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair if the Huskies get rolling. Betting isn’t for everyone, but these numbers give you a sense of just how lopsided this matchup looks on paper. Of course, March Madness loves to rip up the script—will Arkansas State defy the odds?
Note: Gambling carries risks, so only play with what you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.
UConn’s Recent Run: Hot and Unstoppable
The Huskies are entering the tournament on fire. Here’s a look at their last five games:
- March 2: UConn 97, Marquette 52 – A total blowout.
- March 8: UConn 71, St. John’s 40 – Another easy██* victory.
- March 9: UConn 82, Villanova 54 – Big East semifinal domination.
- March 10: UConn 70, Creighton 50 – Big East title sealed.
- March 22: vs. Arkansas State, 1 p.m. ET – The journey begins!
UConn’s 31-3 record and perfect 21-0 Big East run show why they’re a top seed. They’ve been crushing opponents left and right, and their postseason form is impeccable.
Arkansas State’s Road to March Madness
The Red Wolves are riding a wave of momentum. Check out their last five:
- Feb. 26: Arkansas State 56, Southern Miss 54 – A gritty win.
- Feb. 28: Arkansas State 89, Troy 85 – High-scoring thriller.
- March 9: Arkansas State 81, Troy 66 – Sun Belt semifinal statement.
- March 10: Arkansas State 86, James Madison 79 – OT championship glory.
- March 22: vs. UConn, 1 p.m. ET – The big test!
With a 21-10 record, Arkansas State punched their first-ever NCAA ticket by taking down top-seeded James Madison in an overtime classic. They’re fearless and ready to take on the giants.
What’s Next for the Winner?
The victor of this game advances to face the winner of No. 7 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 South Dakota State on Monday, March 24. For UConn, it’s another step toward the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, set for April 4-6. For Arkansas State, it’s a chance to keep their Cinderella story alive. Either way, the road only gets tougher from here!
How to Join the Fun
Can’t get enough of March Madness? Follow all the action with live scores, schedules, and more online. Want to chat about the game with fellow fans? Hop on social media—X is buzzing with tournament talk. And if you’re near Storrs, grab a ticket if you can—though Gampel Pavilion is sure to be packed!
Read Also: Trump’s Shocking Move: Education Department to Be Dismantled – But It’s Not Going Away Completely!
Final Thoughts: Who’s Got This?
UConn has the edge with their talent, experience, and home crowd. Bueckers is a game-changer, and Auriemma’s track record speaks for itself. But Arkansas State has nothing to lose and everything to gain. One big run, a few hot shooters, and who knows? That’s the magic of March—expect the unexpected!
So, grab your snacks, find your spot on the couch, and get ready for Paige Bueckers and UConn to take on Arkansas State at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. Whether you’re cheering for the Huskies or rooting for the Red Wolves, this game is your ticket to March Madness fun. Let’s go!
