Women's Final Four Repeats with Same Elite Teams in Phoenix Showdown
The women's Final Four is set for a historic repeat, as the top-seeded teams from last season—UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina—have all advanced to the sport's pinnacle weekend once again. This marks only the second occurrence in NCAA history where the same four programs have reached consecutive Final Fours, with the previous instance dating back to 1995-96 when UConn, Tennessee, Stanford, and Georgia achieved the feat.
UConn vs. South Carolina: A Championship Rematch
Reigning national champion UConn will clash with South Carolina on Friday in Phoenix, in a highly anticipated rematch of last year's title game. Under the legendary leadership of coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have established themselves as the gold standard in women's college basketball, boasting an impressive record of 12 national championships, 25 Final Four appearances, and 1,288 victories over 41 seasons.
This season, UConn has been nothing short of dominant, maintaining an undefeated record of 38-0 and extending their winning streak to 54 games across two seasons. They have outscored opponents by an average of 37.8 points per game this year, showcasing a deep and talented roster. Led by first-team All-Americans Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, the Huskies feature eight players averaging at least 6.8 points per game, providing unparalleled bench strength.
South Carolina, under coach Dawn Staley, is no stranger to Final Four pressure, having reached this stage in seven of the past nine seasons, including six consecutive appearances. The Gamecocks have secured three national championships during this period and enter the matchup with a 35-3 record. Their balanced offense includes five players scoring in double figures, spearheaded by second-team All-American Joyce Edwards at 19.6 points per game. Defensively, South Carolina holds opponents to an average of 57.6 points, exemplified by their 17-steal performance in a recent NCAA Tournament victory.
UCLA vs. Texas: A Desert Duel with High Stakes
In the other semi-final, UCLA will face Texas, setting up a compelling duel in the desert. UCLA, under coach Cori Close, is making its second consecutive Final Four appearance, having reached the program's first last season. The Bruins, with a 35-1 record, are led by the formidable 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, a two-time All-American who averages 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.1% from the field. Betts' dominance was on full display in the Elite Eight, where she propelled UCLA to a comeback victory over Duke with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
Texas, with a 36-3 record, is the only team to have defeated UCLA this season, securing a 76-65 win in Las Vegas back in November. The Longhorns have been a force in the NCAA Tournament, steamrolling their first four opponents by an average of 35.5 points per game. Led by fifth-year guard Rori Harmon and All-American forward Madison Booker, Texas earned their second consecutive Final Four berth with a resounding 77-41 victory over Michigan in the Elite Eight.
Historical Context and Coaching Insights
Texas coach Vic Schaefer emphasized the difficulty of reaching consecutive Final Fours, noting, "I don't think people understand how hard it is to do it. I think it bodes well for all of us, but there's four or five more teams right there nipping at your heels." Meanwhile, South Carolina's Dawn Staley highlighted the challenge of facing an undefeated UConn team, stating, "I think you've just got to go pound for pound with them, just be unafraid of running against an undefeated team. The pressures of playing undefeated, if you keep it close, you might – might – get them on a bad night and that's what we're hoping for on Friday."
As the Final Four unfolds in Phoenix, all eyes will be on these elite teams as they battle for supremacy, with UConn aiming for their 13th national championship and the others seeking to dethrone the reigning champions in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of college basketball.
