Women’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight: A Closer Look at the Top Teams
The 2025 women’s NCAA tournament has been nothing short of thrilling, with each game bringing more excitement and competition. As we move into the Elite Eight, the tournament has largely followed the expected path, with the top seeds advancing. The chalk remains the writing utensil of choice, as they say, with UConn, TCU, UCLA, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, USC, and LSU all making it through to the next round. Let’s dive into the performances that have brought these teams to the forefront and what we can expect as the tournament progresses.
UConn Huskies: Dominance Personified
UConn has been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball for years, and this tournament is no exception. Led by the phenomenal Paige Bueckers, the Huskies have been on a tear. Bueckers has had the greatest two-game stretch in her career, setting a career-high 34 points against South Dakota State and then surpassing that with 40 points against Oklahoma. Her performance has been nothing short of historic, as no UConn player had ever scored 40 points in an NCAA tournament game before. With an average winning margin of 42 points in their three tournament games, UConn is the team to beat.
Up next: USC (Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
UCLA Bruins: Betts Leads the Charge
The UCLA Bruins have been riding high on the back of Lauren Betts. Her ability to dominate in the paint has been crucial for the Bruins, especially against an aggressive Ole Miss defense. Betts’ 31 points and 10 rebounds against Ole Miss put her in elite company, joining the likes of Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner. UCLA’s focus on getting Betts the ball in one-on-one matchups has paid off, and her performances have been pivotal in their journey to the Elite Eight.
Up next: LSU (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC)
South Carolina Gamecocks: Consistency and Clutch Performances
South Carolina has been a model of consistency, and their reliance on MiLaysia Fulwiley in crucial moments has been a game-changer. Fulwiley’s 23 points against Maryland, including eight in the final minutes, were instrumental in securing their spot in the Elite Eight. The Gamecocks will face Duke next, a team they defeated earlier in the season. Fulwiley’s ability to deliver in clutch situations will be key to their success.
Up next: Duke (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)
Texas Longhorns: Defensive Prowess
The Texas Longhorns have been a defensive juggernaut, holding Tennessee to 27.6 points below their average. Coach Vic Schaefer’s strategic adjustments have paid off, with freshmen Bryanna Preston and Jordan Lee stepping up in crucial moments. Texas’ depth and defensive strength will be tested against TCU, but their ability to adapt and overcome challenges has been impressive.
Up next: TCU (Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
TCU Horned Frogs: Van Lith’s Leadership
TCU‘s magical season continues, thanks in large part to Hailey Van Lith. Her 26 points against Notre Dame were crucial in overcoming a nine-point deficit. Van Lith’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure have been key to TCU’s success, and her experience in reaching five regional finals is unmatched.
Up next: Texas (Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
LSU Tigers: Unlikely Heroes
LSU has found success through unexpected contributions, with Sa’Myah Smith stepping up in crucial moments. Her double-double against NC State was vital, especially with Flau’Jae Johnson struggling. Smith’s ability to rise to the occasion has been a significant factor in LSU’s journey to the Elite Eight.
Up next: UCLA (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC)
USC Trojans: Rising to the Challenge
Despite losing star player JuJu Watkins to injury, the USC Trojans have shown resilience. Freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell have stepped up, delivering crucial performances to secure their spot in the Elite Eight. USC’s ability to adapt and rely on their young talent has been impressive.
Up next: UConn (Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Duke Blue Devils: Defensive Mastery
The Duke Blue Devils have been a defensive force, holding their opponents to an average of 38.7 points per game. Their ability to stifle offenses has been key to their success, but their own offensive struggles could be a concern against South Carolina. Duke’s defense will need to be at its best to overcome the Gamecocks.
Up next: South Carolina (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)
- UConn’s Paige Bueckers sets a new record with 40 points in a single NCAA tournament game.
- Lauren Betts of UCLA joins elite company with back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound performances.
- TCU’s Hailey Van Lith reaches her fifth regional final, a record in college basketball.
Originally Written by: Charlie Creme
