The stage is set for an exciting Women’s Final Four, with four powerhouse programs vying for a spot in the national championship. As the games approach on Friday, our experts break down the matchups and offer their predictions.
South Carolina vs. Texas: A Battle of Physicality and Defense
Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Top-seeded South Carolina takes on No. 1 Texas in a highly anticipated rematch from the SEC Tournament Championship just three weeks ago. In that meeting, the Gamecocks dominated, winning 64-45. The two teams have already faced off three times this season, with South Carolina holding a 2-1 edge in the series.
Both teams rely on aggressive defense and efficient offense, though their styles differ. Texas, which excels in the paint, scores over 60% of its points in the paint. Meanwhile, South Carolina, while also formidable inside, has a slight advantage in 3-point shooting.
In their earlier matchups, South Carolina’s defensive pressure was key. The Gamecocks forced Texas into a 21-6 scoring disadvantage in the second quarter during the SEC Championship, which turned out to be the deciding period. Texas struggled with turnovers and missed shots, giving South Carolina a significant edge.
Controlling the paint will be crucial for both teams. In their February meeting, Texas dominated inside, scoring 40 paint points and grabbing 15 offensive rebounds. However, South Carolina has shown it can stifle key players like Texas’ Madison Booker, limiting her scoring significantly. While Texas’ star player will look to break free, South Carolina’s depth and variety of defensive options make it tough for opponents to focus on one player.
Prediction: South Carolina
Experts: Chantel Jennings, Ben Pickman, Grace Raynor, and Sabreena Merchant predict South Carolina to advance, while Cameron Teague Robinson opts for Texas.
UCLA vs. UConn: A Star-Studded Showdown
Friday, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The second semifinal pits No. 1 UCLA against No. 2 UConn, with both teams featuring some of the most dynamic players in college basketball. UCLA’s Lauren Betts and UConn’s Paige Bueckers headline this battle, each bringing their unique skill set to the table. Betts, a 6-foot-7 center, will challenge UConn’s defense, while Bueckers, a proven playmaker and scorer, will look to lead the Huskies to victory in her final season.
UConn will likely need a team effort to contain Betts, who has been nearly unstoppable this season. The Huskies’ defense will rely on multiple players, but they’ll need to limit Betts’ impact in the paint and force her into uncomfortable situations.
On the other side, UCLA’s balanced attack will rely on its depth. While Betts is the focal point, players like Kiki Rice, Timea Gardiner, and Londynn Jones will provide support. UCLA’s depth could give it an edge, especially with UConn’s lack of a dominant paint presence to challenge Betts.
In addition to the stars, UConn’s supporting cast, including freshman Sarah Strong and sharpshooter Azzi Fudd, could be the difference. Fudd struggled in the Elite Eight, but if she finds her rhythm from beyond the arc, UConn’s three-headed monster of Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong could be hard to stop.
Prediction: UCLA
Experts: Chantel Jennings and Sabreena Merchant pick UCLA, while Ben Pickman, Grace Raynor, and Cameron Teague Robinson opt for UConn.
The Final Verdict
The Women’s Final Four promises two thrilling matchups with high stakes. While South Carolina’s depth and defensive prowess may prove too much for Texas, UCLA’s balanced roster could edge out UConn, even with Bueckers’ star power. The road to the national championship will be anything but easy, but these four teams have shown they’re worthy of the spotlight.
