Women’s NCAA Tournament: South Carolina and UCLA Secure Final Four Spots

Women’s NCAA Tournament: South Carolina and UCLA Secure Final Four Spots

As the excitement of March Madness continues to unfold, half of the Final Four lineup is now confirmed. On Sunday, the No. 1 seeds, South Carolina and UCLA, clinched their spots in the national semifinals, set to take place in Tampa, Florida. The remaining two spots will be determined on Monday, with TCU facing Texas at 7 p.m. ET, followed by UConn against USC at 9 p.m. ET, both games airing on ESPN.

Sunday’s action saw the Gamecocks triumph over No. 2 seed Duke, while the Bruins overcame third-seeded LSU. The games were a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination, with each team fighting hard for their place in the Final Four.

For those who missed the live action, don’t worry! We’re tracking every moment of Sunday’s doubleheader with live updates and analysis from courtside. You can follow along as we break down every game of the Elite Eight. For a detailed recap, check out our live updates and full results and analysis.

In the first game, UCLA’s victory over LSU was a testament to their depth, shooting, and defense. Despite challenges, such as Lauren Betts being limited to just six first-half minutes due to foul trouble, and star guard Kiki Rice struggling with her shooting, the Bruins managed to secure their first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era. Key contributions came from role players like Timea Gardiner and Gabriela Jaquez, who combined for nine 3-pointers, helping UCLA to a 72-65 win over LSU.

On the defensive end, the Bruins held the Tigers to a combined 10-of-28 shooting and forced as many turnovers as field goals in the second and third quarters. Although Flau’Jae Johnson led a late push for LSU, UCLA’s resilience saw them through to victory.

Meanwhile, South Carolina’s win over Duke was a display of guts, grit, and veteran execution. Coach Dawn Staley relied on her experienced players to navigate the challenges posed by Duke’s defense. The Gamecocks’ depth was crucial, with post players Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin combining for 26 points and 12 rebounds. Kitts, the SEC tournament MVP, sealed the 54-50 win with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.

Staley’s leadership and ability to adapt to her team’s needs have been instrumental in South Carolina’s success. Her focus on playing to the buzzer and minimizing mistakes has been a hallmark of the Gamecocks’ journey to their fifth consecutive Final Four.

As we look ahead to the Final Four, both UCLA and South Carolina will need to continue their strong performances. For UCLA, maintaining their “going 1-0” mindset will be key, especially if they face a familiar opponent in USC or the experienced UConn team. South Carolina, on the other hand, will need more contributions from their younger players to secure two wins in Tampa.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the women’s NCAA tournament continues to captivate fans across the nation. For more insights, check out our coverage on Van Lith’s response to doubters and what’s next for Duke and NC State.