Women’s Final Four: Who Will Triumph in Tampa?

Women’s Final Four: A Blend of Tradition and Newcomers

As we gear up for the Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four, it’s fascinating to see how nearly half a million brackets in the Women’s Tournament Challenge correctly predicted the teams that would make it to Tampa, Florida. The teams in question? The seasoned powerhouses of UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and UConn. While many expected these teams to reach this stage, the mix of old and new narratives makes this Final Four particularly intriguing.

Let’s start with the familiar faces. UConn, under the legendary Geno Auriemma, has been a staple in the Final Four, making it 16 of the past 17 years and 24 times overall. Despite being the only No. 2 seed left, they enter the Final Four as the favorite, according to ESPN BET. South Carolina, on the other hand, is making its fifth consecutive appearance at the final weekend and is aiming to become the first back-to-back champion since UConn’s streak from 2013 to 2016.

Now, onto the newcomers. Vic Schaefer, who previously led Mississippi State to the Final Four in 2017 and 2018, has brought Texas to its first national semifinal since 2003. Meanwhile, UCLA is breaking new ground, having never played this deep into the season in the NCAA era.

For just the sixth time in the history of the AP Top 25, four teams were ranked No. 1 during the season. Three of those teams—South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA—will be in Tampa. This sets the stage for an open race to the championship. UCLA and UConn will face off for the first time this season, while Texas and South Carolina will meet for the fourth time.

How Each Team Could Win the Championship

• UConn: With a rich history and a strong lineup, UConn’s experience and skill make them a formidable opponent. Their offensive prowess, led by Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, is unmatched.
• South Carolina: The Gamecocks’ depth and versatility are their strengths. With multiple players capable of stepping up, they have the tools to adapt to any situation.
• Texas: Defense is Texas’ calling card. With a strong defensive lineup, they have the potential to stifle their opponents and control the game.
• UCLA: The Bruins boast a unique talent in Lauren Betts, whose size and skill set her apart. Their ability to spread the floor and create opportunities makes them a dangerous team.

UCLA Bruins: A New Contender

UCLA enters the Final Four as the No. 1 overall seed from the Spokane Regional. Their journey to this point has been impressive, with victories over Southern, Richmond, Ole Miss, and LSU. The Bruins are aiming for their first NCAA championship and the Big Ten’s first national title since 1999.

Lauren Betts is a standout player for UCLA, averaging 20.0 points on 64.9% shooting. Her ability to dominate inside and pass out of double-teams makes her a key player for the Bruins. However, UCLA’s lack of Final Four experience could be a challenge. No player or coach on the team has been to a Final Four, which could impact their performance under pressure.

South Carolina Gamecocks: The Defending Champions

South Carolina is on a quest for a second straight national championship and their third title in four years. The Gamecocks’ depth is their strength, with multiple players capable of leading the team. However, their vulnerability has been exposed this season, with losses to Texas, UCLA, and UConn. To succeed, they must focus on execution and avoid mistakes.

Texas Longhorns: A Defensive Powerhouse

Texas is known for its strong defense, which has been a key factor in their success. With a lineup that emphasizes physicality and positioning, they have the potential to shut down their opponents. However, their lack of 3-point shooting could be a weakness, making it difficult to play from behind.

UConn Huskies: The Experienced Contenders

UConn’s offensive efficiency and experience make them a top contender. With players like Paige Bueckers leading the charge, they have the potential to outscore any opponent. However, their lack of size could be a challenge, especially against teams with strong post players like UCLA.

Final Four Predictions

As we look ahead to the matchups, the predictions are as follows:

• Texas vs. South Carolina: Charlie Creme predicts South Carolina 62, Texas 59. Alexa Philippou predicts South Carolina 63, Texas 52. Michael Voepel predicts South Carolina 65, Texas 60.
• UConn vs. UCLA: Charlie Creme predicts UConn 82, UCLA 78. Alexa Philippou predicts UConn 72, UCLA 70. Michael Voepel predicts UCLA 75, UConn 73.

With such a mix of seasoned teams and fresh faces, this year’s Women’s Final Four promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and it will be fascinating to see who rises to the occasion and claims the championship in Tampa.