The energy in Pittsburgh was different. You could feel it. When the dust finally settled at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse on March 28, the scoreboard told a story that many saw coming, yet few could stop. Grand Valley State reclaimed their throne, securing a 70–58 victory over a resilient Cal State Dominguez Hills squad to capture the ncaa division 2 women's basketball tournament 2025. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The Lakers didn't just play through the bracket—they owned it.
Honestly, this tournament felt like a changing of the guard in some ways and a reinforced dynasty in others. While the blue bloods of D2 basketball usually hog the spotlight, 2025 gave us some wild storylines. We saw Pittsburg State make their first-ever Final Four. We watched Union (TN) remind everyone why the South region is a gauntlet. But most of all, we saw a Grand Valley State defense that looked like it was playing a different sport.
The Path to Pittsburgh: A Regional Recap
Getting to the Elite Eight in the ncaa division 2 women's basketball tournament 2025 was a literal marathon. The regionals, held from March 14 to 17, were packed with the kind of high-stakes drama that makes March Madness actually mad.
In the Midwest Regional, Grand Valley State was a buzzsaw. They opened up with a massive 108–72 win over Quincy, basically telling the rest of the field to "get on our level." Meanwhile, over in the Central Regional, Pittsburg State was busy rewriting their own history. They took down Harding and eventually fought through a tough bracket to secure their first Final Four berth. It was the kind of underdog story that fans live for.
Regional Winners and Surprises
The Atlantic region saw Edinboro flex their muscles early on with an 80–68 win over Virginia State. But look at the West—Cal State Dominguez Hills was the real deal. They weren't just happy to be there; they played with a chip on their shoulder that carried them all the way to the national title game.
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- Midwest: Grand Valley State (Dominant as expected)
- West: Cal State Dominguez Hills (The breakout stars)
- Central: Pittsburg State (The history makers)
- South: Union (TN) (The veteran presence)
Breaking Down the Championship Game
If you missed the final on March 28, you missed a defensive masterclass. Cal State Dominguez Hills stayed scrappy. They really did. But Grand Valley State’s length and depth eventually just wore them down. The final score of 70–58 doesn't quite capture how suffocating the Lakers' defense felt in the second half.
The Toros from Dominguez Hills struggled to find clean looks. Their star players were hounded from the moment they crossed half-court. GVSU's ability to transition from a missed shot into a fast break is basically a work of art at this point. It’s their second national title, and the way they’re recruiting, it might not be their last for long.
Key Stats from the Final
The shooting percentages weren't pretty for the Toros, and that was by design. GVSU forced turnovers and turned them into points before the defense could even set up.
- GVSU Scoring: Balanced attack with four players in double digits.
- Defensive Pressure: Forced 18 turnovers in the championship game.
- Rebounding: A +12 margin for the Lakers, which basically killed any chance of a Toros comeback.
What Most People Get Wrong About D2 Basketball
There’s this weird misconception that Division 2 is just "Division 1 lite." That’s just not true. The ncaa division 2 women's basketball tournament 2025 proved that the gap in talent is closing, especially with the way the transfer portal is working these days. You have players who could easily start for mid-major D1 programs choosing to be superstars in D2.
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The intensity in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse was every bit as high as what you see in the DI tournament. The coaching is elite. The sets they run are complex. Honestly, if you aren't watching the D2 tournament, you're missing out on some of the purest basketball being played today.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Landscape
So, where do we go from here? Grand Valley State is the defending champ, and they aren't losing much of their core. Teams like Minnesota State and Texas Woman's University are already reloading. The WBCA Coaches Poll for the following season (the 2025-26 campaign) already has GVSU sitting at the top, and for good reason. They are 12-0 to start their title defense.
Texas Woman's is another one to watch. They’ve been consistently deep in the tournament and are currently ranked 3rd nationally. They play a style that's very different from GVSU—more perimeter-oriented and fast-paced. It’s a fun contrast.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you’re a fan or a student-athlete looking at the D2 level, here’s the reality of the situation:
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- Watch the Regionals: The most exciting games usually happen here. The pressure of playing on campus sites is unmatched.
- Follow the Coaches Poll: The WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) poll is the gold standard. It’s updated weekly and gives you the best pulse on who's actually "real."
- Defense Wins D2 Titles: Just look at Grand Valley State. If you can't stop the ball, you won't survive the Elite Eight.
- The South and Central Regions are Gauntlets: If a team comes out of these regions, they are battle-tested and ready for a deep run.
The ncaa division 2 women's basketball tournament 2025 reminded us why we love this game. It wasn't about the NIL deals or the TV contracts—it was about 64 teams playing for the love of the sport and the chance to hoist a trophy in Pittsburgh. Grand Valley State has the hardware now, but the rest of the field is already planning their revenge for 2026.
Keep an eye on the NSIC and GLIAC conferences this year. They are consistently producing the top-tier talent that ends up deep in the bracket. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start watching the regional rankings as they come out in February. That’s where the real road to the championship begins.
Next Steps for the 2026 Season:
- Check the Rankings: Follow the latest WBCA Division II Top 25 Poll to see if GVSU remains at #1.
- Mark Your Calendar: Selection Sunday for the 2026 tournament will happen in early March.
- Follow Individual Stars: Keep an eye on players from Texas Woman's and Gannon, as they are predicted to be the biggest challengers to the throne.