LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The 2025 NCAA Bowling Championship began on Friday, where three out of four teams were from Conference USA in the Four-Team final.
 
Taking both traditional (1,021-973) and Baker total pinfall points (1,116-1,006), No. 3 Youngstown State swept No. 2 Nebraska in an upset to start the day.
 
No. 1 Jacksonville State and No. 4 Wichita State renewed their rivalry in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, echoing their battle in the CUSA Championship. Wichita State earned the first point in traditional games (1,052-1,018). Jax State obtained the Baker total pinfall point (1,074-1,033), which sent Match 1 into a best-of-seven battle.
 
Much like the CUSA Championship showdown, the Gamecocks and Shockers went back and forth in a nail-biting Baker best-of-seven. However, Jax State secured the victory over WSU 4-3, 2-1, clinching a matchup with No. 3 Youngstown State in Match 3. After dropping the opening match, Wichita State will look to stay alive in Match 4 against No. 2 Nebraska.
 
After a thrilling toe-to-toe fight, the Shockers fell to the Huskers, eliminating WSU from the championship tournament Friday afternoon, 2-0. Jax State claimed the traditional point against Youngstown State (1,051-1,045). The Penguins took the Baker total pinfall point by four pins (1,123-1,127), sending the two CUSA affiliate foes into a Baker best-of-seven.
 
Jax State took down Youngstown State, 4-1, 2-1, securing the spot in the championship final and looking to defend their national title.

How To Keep Up
Fighting for a spot in the championship match, No. 2 Nebraska and No. 3 Youngstown State’s matchup will be streamed on NCAA.com at 11 a.m. CT. The championship final will be decided in one Baker best-of-seven match and will air at 8 p.m. CT, Saturday, April 12 on ESPN+.