Get a full preview of the Iowa women vs. Oklahoma NCAA Tournament matchup, including key players, betting odds, stats and expert predictions. The second-round showdown of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament pits the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners against the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes in Norman, Oklahoma, with a Sweet 16 berth on the line. Both teams impressed in the first round. Oklahoma powered past 14-seed FGCU 81-58, dominating the fourth quarter behind a monster outing from Raegan Beers (25 points, 18 rebounds) and a record 72 team rebounds.
Iowa, meanwhile, lit up the scoreboard in a 91-65 rout of 11-seed Murray State – the Hawkeyes’ highest point total of the season. They hit 12 three-pointers, assisted on 24 of 35 made baskets, and shot 51% from the field. Freshman center Ava Heiden posted a career-high 15 points, and Lucy Olsen tallied a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists in the blowout. First-year head coach Jan Jensen, elevated after the retirement of Lisa Bluder, notched her first NCAA Tournament win in dominant fashion. This sets up a high-stakes, high-tempo battle between one of the Big Ten’s top programs and a Big 12 powerhouse.
Before you check our preview of Iowa vs. Oklahoma make sure to check the best betting promos for March Madness.
Where To Watch Iowa Women vs Oklahoma?
Date/Time: Monday, March 25, 2025 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
Games in the women’s NCAA Tournament are broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, and ESPNews. You can also stream select matchups through ESPN+. If you don’t have cable, no problem—several live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, and Sling TV offer access to the tournament games.
Key Players to Watch 🔑
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Lucy Olsen (G) – The senior point guard leads Iowa with 18.0 points and 4.9 assists per game. She controlled the pace against Murray State and dished a career-high 12 assists. Her ability to handle Oklahoma’s pressure and facilitate Iowa’s ball movement will be critical.
- Hannah Stuelke (F) – Averaging 13 points and 7.9 rebounds, Stuelke provides inside presence and toughness. She had 13 points and 8 rebounds in the first round and will be key in containing Oklahoma’s physical frontcourt.
- Sydney Affolter (G/F) – Iowa’s top rebounder at 8.1 RPG and a versatile defender. She added 11 points and 7 rebounds vs. Murray State and often takes on the toughest defensive assignment.
Oklahoma Sooners
- Raegan Beers (C) – The 6’4” sophomore dominated in round one with 25 points and 18 rebounds. She’s the Sooners’ anchor inside, averaging 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds on 66% shooting.
- Payton Verhulst (G/F) – A dynamic scorer and passer, Verhulst averages 14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. She makes Oklahoma’s offense hum.
- Skylar Vann (F) – Sparked the team with 24 points off the bench in round one. She provides veteran poise and instant offense from multiple spots on the floor.
Betting Odds 📊
- Spread: Oklahoma -8.5
- Moneyline: Oklahoma -320 | Iowa +250
- Total: 159.5 points
Team Strengths and Weaknesses 📈
Iowa Strengths
- Ball movement (24 assists in round one)
- Shooting efficiency (51% FG, 12 threes vs. Murray State)
- Balanced scoring with 4 players in double figures
Iowa Weaknesses
- Undersized frontcourt vs. elite rebounders
- Vulnerability in transition defense
- Inconsistent three-point defense
Oklahoma Strengths
- Rebounding dominance (72 rebounds vs. FGCU)
- Interior scoring with Beers
- High tempo and offensive depth
Oklahoma Weaknesses
- High turnover rate (~18.8 per game)
- Inconsistent three-point shooting
- Occasional offensive droughts when pressured
Advanced Metrics 🔬
- Iowa: Offensive Efficiency ~100, Defensive Efficiency ~90, Tempo: Moderate (70–75 possessions/game)
- Oklahoma: Offensive Efficiency ~93, Defensive Efficiency ~85, Tempo: Fast (80+ possessions/game)
Head-to-Head Comparison Table 📋
| Team | Points Per Game | Opponent PPG | Field Goal % | Rebounds Per Game | Turnovers Per Game | Off. Efficiency | Def. Efficiency |
| Iowa | 74.3 | 65.1 | 46% | 38.0 | 15.3 | ~100 | ~90 |
| Oklahoma | 85.1 | 68.7 | 46% | 47.5 | 18.8 | ~93 | ~85 |
Final Score Prediction and Best Bets ⚠️
Prediction: Oklahoma 84, Iowa 75
Oklahoma’s rebounding and interior scoring tilt the balance in their favor, especially at home. Iowa will compete and score, but the Sooners’ second-chance points and fast pace will help them pull away late.
Best Bets:
- Over 159.5 Total Points – Two efficient offenses, fast tempo, and recent scoring bursts make the over appealing.
- Oklahoma -8.5 Spread – Expect the Sooners to win by 9–12 points.
- Raegan Beers Double-Double – Beers is dominant in the paint and should hit this mark again against Iowa’s front line.
This matchup promises high-energy action and plenty of fireworks. Both teams are peaking, but Oklahoma’s dominance inside and depth make them the pick to advance. 🏀🔥
