The 2025 NCAA women’s tournament is marching on.
Among the afternoon second-round games Monday will be a bout between Texas and Illinois.
Texas women’s basketball (32-3) earned a No. 1 seed in the 2025 women’s March Madness bracket after a dominant regular season and runner-up finish to South Carolina in the 2025 SEC tournament. The Longhorns’ opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini (22-9), advanced after beating Creighton 66-57 on Saturday. Texas beat William & Mary 105-61 in its opener, one of the record six games with a team scoring 100 points in the women’s first round.
Texas, host of the Austin Regional, is undefeated at home this season. Illinois is 6-4 on the road.
FOLLOW THE MADNESS NCAA women’s basketball scores, schedules, teams and more.
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA women’s basketball scores, schedules, teams and more.
Here’s how our experts see Monday’s Round of 32 game playing out. Be sure to check out USA TODAY’s complete March Madness bracket breakdown for in-depth analysis. While you’re at it, don’t forget to read our tournament upset picks and players who could make a splash.
Without further ado, here are our Texas vs. Illinois picks and predictions:
Texas women’s basketball vs Illinois picks and predictions
Our experts from across the USA TODAY Network are unanimous: Texas will win. Take a look at their full bracket predictions.
Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: Texas
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Texas
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: Texas
Meg L. Hall, For The Win: Texas
Cora Hall, Knoxville News: Texas
Texas vs Illinois time, TV channel, how to watch
- Game Day: Monday, March 24, 2025
- Game Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Moody Center in Austin, Texas
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: Fubo – Watch Now!
Watch Texas vs. Illinois on Fubo (free trial)
Texas vs. Illinois odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Sunday, March 23.
- Spread: Texas -18.5
- Moneyline Favorite: Texas -5000
- Moneyline Underdog: Illinois +1400
- Total: 133.5
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