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Top Players to Watch in Women’s March Madness Elite Eight

ByCoach

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament has delivered thrilling matchups and standout performances. All four No. 1 seeds — UCLA, South Carolina, USC, and Texas — have advanced to the Elite Eight.

As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming games and the potential for historic achievements. This blog post will break down the key matchups, star players, and storylines to watch as the tournament heads into the Elite Eight.

Elite Eight Matchups and Key Storylines

The Elite Eight of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament features four exciting matchups, each with its own unique storylines and star players. Let’s dive into the details of each game and what fans can expect.

South Carolina vs. Duke: A Rematch with High Stakes

South Carolina, the defending champions, will face off against Duke in what promises to be a thrilling rematch of their regular-season game in December. In that game, South Carolina emerged victorious with an 81-70 win, thanks to a standout performance by Chloe Kitts, who tied her career high with 21 points.

Both teams have had their struggles in the tournament so far. South Carolina trailed at halftime in both the second-round game against Indiana and the Sweet 16 matchup against Maryland. However, they managed to secure a 71-67 win over Maryland with a go-ahead layup by MiLaysia Fulwiley.

On the other hand, Duke struggled offensively in their Sweet 16 game against North Carolina, scoring only 47 points and relying heavily on their bench players.

Key players to watch in this matchup include:

  • South Carolina G MiLaysia Fulwiley (12.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 spg)
  • Duke G Oluchi Okananwa (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.8 apg)
  • South Carolina F Chloe Kitts (10.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg)
  • Duke G Ashlon Jackson (12.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.0 apg)

UCLA vs. LSU: Battle of the Dominant Post Players

UCLA and LSU will face off in a matchup that features two of the most dominant post players in the nation: UCLA’s Lauren Betts and LSU’s Aneesah Morrow. Both players have been on a tear in the tournament.

Betts recorded a historic 31-point, 10-rebound performance in UCLA’s win over Ole Miss, and Morrow put up 30 points and 19 rebounds in LSU’s victory over NC State.

LSU, a No. 3 seed, has a history of success in the tournament, having won their first national championship in 2023 as a No. 3 seed. The Bruins, on the other hand, are in search of their first Final Four appearance.

Players to watch in this matchup include:

  • UCLA C Lauren Betts (19.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg)
  • LSU F Aneesah Morrow (18.5 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 2.5 spg)
  • UCLA G Kiki Rice (13.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.0 apg)
  • LSU G Flau’Jae Johnson (18.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Texas vs. TCU: Lone Star Showdown

Texas and TCU will face off in an all-Texas showdown. Texas, led by SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker, has been dominant on both ends of the floor. They outlasted Tennessee in the Sweet 16, forcing 18 turnovers from the nation’s top-scoring offense.

TCU, on the other hand, is riding a 13-game win streak and is making its first Elite Eight appearance. Veteran guard Hailey Van Lith has been the driving force behind TCU’s success, scoring a game-high 26 points in their win over Notre Dame.

Key players to watch in this matchup include:

  • TCU G Hailey Van Lith (17.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.5 apg)
  • Texas F Madison Booker (16 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 apg)
  • TCU C Sedona Prince (17.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.4 apg)
  • Texas F Taylor Jones (12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.8 bpg)

USC vs. UConn: Clash of the Titans

One of the most anticipated matchups of the Elite Eight is the game between USC and UConn. This game features two powerhouse programs and a highly anticipated rematch between JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers.

Unfortunately, Watkins suffered a season-ending injury, but USC has proven they can win without her, thanks to strong performances from players like Kennedy Smith.

UConn’s Paige Bueckers has been on a legendary streak, scoring a career-high 40 points in their blowout win over Oklahoma. Bueckers is now No. 4 on UConn’s all-time scoring list and is just 27 points away from passing Napheesa Collier.

Players to watch in this matchup include:

  • UConn G Paige Bueckers (19.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.8 apg)
  • USC F Kiki Iriafen (18.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.9 apg)
  • UConn F Sarah Strong (16.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)
  • USC G Kennedy Smith (9.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg)

Historical Context and Tournament Trends

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament has continued to highlight the dominance of No. 1 seeds, with all four advancing to the Elite Eight. Historically, No. 1 seeds have won 32 national championships in the tournament’s 42-year history.

No. 2 seeds have won the tournament seven times, while the lowest seed to ever win a title has been a No. 3 seed, which has happened three times.

Despite the growing parity in women’s college basketball, big upsets remain rare. This trend has continued in the 2025 tournament, with the lowest seed to advance to the regional finals being No. 3 LSU.

Conclusion: What to Watch For

As the Elite Eight tips off, fans should keep an eye on the key matchups and star players highlighted in this blog post.

Each game offers its own unique storylines and the potential for historic achievements.

Will South Carolina continue their title defense?

Can UCLA make their first Final Four appearance?

Will Texas or TCU emerge as the top team in the Lone Star State?

And how will UConn fare without JuJu Watkins in their highly anticipated rematch with USC?

For more detailed information and to stay updated on the latest developments in the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament, visit the USA Today Sports page.

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