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, it’s clear that the top seeds are holding strong, with UConn, TCU, UCLA, and South Carolina leading the charge. Let’s dive into the performances that have brought these teams to the forefront and what we can expect as the tournament progresses.
First up, we have the UConn Huskies, who have been nothing short of dominant. With Paige Bueckers at the helm, the Huskies have been unstoppable. Bueckers has had an incredible two-game stretch, setting a career-high with 34 points against South Dakota State and then surpassing that with 40 points against Oklahoma. Her performance has been historic, as no UConn player had ever scored 40 points in an NCAA tournament game before. The Huskies have won their three NCAA tournament games by an average of 42 points, securing their spot as the top-ranked team heading into the Elite Eight.
Next, the UCLA Bruins have also been impressive, with Lauren Betts leading the charge. Betts has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring 31 points on 15-of-16 shooting against Ole Miss. Her performance has placed her in elite company, joining the likes of Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner as one of the few players to record back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound performances in the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s focus on getting Betts the ball in isolated matchups has paid off, and the Bruins are now just one step away from their first NCAA Final Four.
The South Carolina Gamecocks have relied on their defense to carry them through the tournament. MiLaysia Fulwiley has been a standout player, scoring 23 points against Maryland to help secure the win. Despite her inconsistency throughout the season, Fulwiley delivered when it mattered most. South Carolina will face Duke in a rematch of the SEC/ACC Challenge, and they’ll need Fulwiley to bring her A-game once again.
The Texas Longhorns have also leaned heavily on their defense, holding Tennessee to 27.6 points below their average. Coach Vic Schaefer’s strategic lineup changes have paid off, with freshmen Bryanna Preston and Jordan Lee stepping up to deliver key performances. Texas is now aiming for their first Final Four appearance since 1987, and they’ll need to bring their defensive prowess against TCU.
- UConn Huskies: Dominant performances by Paige Bueckers, averaging 42-point wins.
- UCLA Bruins: Lauren Betts’ back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound games.
- South Carolina Gamecocks: MiLaysia Fulwiley’s clutch performance against Maryland.
- Texas Longhorns: Defensive strategy and standout freshmen performances.
Meanwhile, the TCU Horned Frogs continue their magical season, with Hailey Van Lith leading the way. Van Lith’s 26-point performance against Notre Dame was crucial in overcoming a nine-point deficit. TCU’s defense was also stellar, blocking eight shots in the second half. This marks TCU’s first Elite Eight appearance, and Van Lith’s fifth, making her the first player in at least 25 years to appear in five regional finals.
The LSU Tigers have found an unlikely hero in Sa’Myah Smith, who has stepped up with back-to-back double-doubles. Her performance has been crucial, especially with Flau’Jae Johnson struggling. LSU’s depth will be tested as they face UCLA in the next round.
The USC Trojans have overcome the loss of star player JuJu Watkins, with freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell stepping up to fill the void. Their performances have been key in USC’s journey to the Elite Eight, and they’ll need to continue their strong play against UConn.
Finally, the Duke Blue Devils have relied on their defense to reach their first regional final since 2013. Despite their offensive struggles, Duke’s defense has been suffocating, allowing just 38.7 points per game. They’ll face a tough challenge against South Carolina, but their defensive prowess gives them a fighting chance.
As we look ahead to the Elite Eight matchups, it’s clear that defense and standout individual performances will be key. With so much talent on display, fans can expect more thrilling games as the tournament continues.
Originally Written by: Charlie Creme
