FT. WORTH, Texas (TXAN 24) — The stage is set for an epic showdown as the Rice Owls take on the South Florida Bulls in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Women’s Basketball Championship. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Defending AAC champions Rice entered the tournament as the ninth seed, defying expectations and mounting an impressive run to the finals. In their semifinal matchup, the Owls showcased a dominant performance, dispatching fourth-seeded Temple with a convincing 67-49 victory. Malia Fisher was a standout on the court, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Aniah Alexis provided a significant boost with 14 points. This victory not only secured Rice’s spot in the championship game but also set the stage for another opportunity at extending their legacy, with a win potentially paving the way for a second consecutive NCAA Women’s Tournament bid.
The South Florida Bulls, seeded third in the tournament, also had a noteworthy path to the title game. In a tightly contested semifinal battle, USF overcame second-seeded North Texas with a 58-48 win. The Bulls have been in fine form, winning 11 of their last 13 games—a testament to their resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season.
This championship clash marks the third encounter between these two teams during the season. South Florida holds the upper hand in their previous meetings, having won both regular-season contests. The first meeting saw the Bulls secure a 74-64 victory on December 29 in Houston, and they followed that up with an unforgettable 82-77 win in a triple-overtime thriller on February 12. These hard-fought games have added extra layers of rivalry and anticipation heading into the championship showdown.
With the championship on the line, both teams are set to leave everything on the court. Rice is looking to defend their title and cement their status as one of the conference’s elite programs, while South Florida aims to cap off an impressive season with a tournament win and further bolster their NCAA tournament credentials.
Fans won’t miss a moment of the action, as the game will be broadcast live on ESPNU and streamed on Bulls Unlimited. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a neutral observer, this contest promises high drama, strategic basketball, and a celebration of athletic excellence.
As the teams prepare for battle at Dickies Arena, all eyes will be on the unfolding drama of AAC women’s basketball—a contest where every play counts and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable championship game.
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