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NCAA Women’s Tournament 2025: Elite 8 Schedule, Scores, Updated Bracket

ByCoach

The NCAA Women’s Tournament is heating up as we head into the Elite Eight. Two crucial games are set for Monday night that will determine the final teams advancing to the Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Sunday’s matchups saw historic victories and intense competition. UCLA made history by advancing to its first Final Four ever. Meanwhile, defending champion South Carolina continues its quest to repeat, a feat never before achieved in the program’s history. This article will break down the latest results, upcoming matchups, and key players to watch as the tournament progresses.

UCLA Makes History

Sunday was a momentous day for UCLA Women’s Basketball. The Bruins secured their first-ever Final Four appearance by defeating LSU. They did this despite facing challenges such as star player Lauren Betts dealing with foul trouble in the first half. This victory marks a significant milestone for the program and sets them up for a potential championship run.

Key Highlights from UCLA vs. LSU

UCLA’s win over LSU was characterized by strategic plays and resilience. Despite Lauren Betts’ early foul trouble, the team managed to stay focused and execute their game plan effectively. This historic win is a testament to the team’s depth and determination.

  • Lauren Betts: Overcame foul trouble to contribute significantly in the second half.
  • Team Effort: Collective performance led to a balanced scoring attack.
  • Historical Milestone: First Final Four appearance in program history.

South Carolina’s Quest for a Repeat

South Carolina is on a mission to make history by repeating as NCAA champions for the first time. Under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have had a stellar season. Their only losses came against top-tier teams like UCLA, Texas, and Connecticut. Their latest victory against Duke was a hard-fought battle, showcasing their championship pedigree.

South Carolina vs. Duke Recap

The Gamecocks’ victory over Duke was a defensive showcase, with South Carolina holding Duke to just 50 points. This win highlights the team’s defensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure, essential traits for a championship contender.

  • Defensive Mastery: Limited Duke to 50 points.
  • Star Power: Key performances from seasoned players.
  • Championship Drive: Focused on making history with a repeat title.

Monday’s Elite Eight Matchups

Monday night features two highly anticipated games that will round out the Final Four bracket. Texas will face TCU, and Connecticut will take on Southern California. Both games are expected to be thrilling, with star players and high stakes adding to the excitement.

Texas vs. TCU

The first game of the night will see Texas going up against TCU at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Texas, led by guard Hailey Van Lith, is looking to make it to the Final Four for the third time in school history. Van Lith’s leadership and scoring ability will be crucial for Texas in this matchup.

  • Hailey Van Lith: Aiming to lead a third school to the Final Four.
  • Texas’ Strategy: Focus on leveraging Van Lith’s skills and team cohesion.
  • TCU’s Challenge: Counter Texas’ offensive threats and maintain defensive discipline.

Connecticut vs. Southern California

The second game at 9 p.m. on ESPN features Connecticut, headlined by star guard Paige Bueckers, who is coming off a remarkable 40-point game. They will face Southern California, which has been hampered by the absence of injured guard JuJu Watkins. Despite this setback, USC remains a formidable opponent.

  • Paige Bueckers: Coming off a 40-point performance, key to UConn’s success.
  • USC’s Resilience: Playing without JuJu Watkins, but still a strong team.
  • Game Dynamics: UConn favored but USC’s depth could make it competitive.

Looking Ahead to the Final Four

As we look forward to the Final Four in Tampa, the stage is set for some of the most exciting basketball of the season. With historic achievements, defending champions, and star-studded lineups, the remaining games are sure to captivate fans and showcase the best of women’s college basketball.

Potential Matchups and Storylines

The potential matchups in the Final Four promise to be thrilling. Whether it’s UCLA continuing their historic run, South Carolina aiming to repeat, or stars like Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers leading their teams, each game will be packed with storylines and high stakes.

  • UCLA’s Historic Run: Can they continue their momentum?
  • South Carolina’s Repeat Bid: Will they make history?
  • Star Performances: Players like Van Lith and Bueckers in the spotlight.

For more detailed coverage and updates, visit the official tournament page on Syracuse.com.

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