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Women’s Final Four 2025: Team Breakdown and Schedule

ByCoach

The excitement of March Madness reaches its peak as the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament narrows down to the Final Four teams. This year, the competition has been fierce, with top-tier teams battling it out for a chance to be crowned national champions.

As we approach the national semifinals on Friday, April 4, let’s take a closer look at how each of these exceptional teams made it to the Final Four and what to expect in the upcoming matchups.

South Carolina’s Dominant Journey

South Carolina has been a powerhouse throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance from the very first round. The Gamecocks started their campaign with a resounding 108-48 victory over No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech.

They continued their impressive run by defeating No. 9 seed Indiana 64-53 in the second round. In the Sweet 16, South Carolina faced a tough challenge from No. 4 seed Maryland but emerged victorious with a 71-67 win.

Their most recent triumph came in the Elite Eight, where they edged out No. 2 seed Duke in a closely contested 54-50 game.

Key Players to Watch

South Carolina’s success has been driven by their star players, who have consistently delivered standout performances. Keep an eye on:

  • A’ja Wilson: A dominant force in the paint, Wilson’s scoring and rebounding have been crucial for the Gamecocks.
  • Aliyah Boston: Known for her defensive prowess and ability to control the boards.
  • Destanni Henderson: The floor general who orchestrates the offense with precision.

UCLA’s Road to the Final Four

UCLA has also impressed with their journey to the Final Four, starting with an 84-46 win over No. 16 seed Southern. The Bruins then took down No. 8 seed Richmond 84-67 in the second round.

In the Sweet 16, they faced No. 5 seed Ole Miss and secured a 76-62 victory. The Elite Eight saw UCLA overcome No. 3 seed LSU with a 72-65 win, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Standout Performers

UCLA’s success can be attributed to several key players who have stepped up when it mattered most:

  • Charisma Osborne: A scoring machine who can take over games with her offensive prowess.
  • Emily Bessoir: Known for her versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
  • Gina Conti: The steady hand at point guard who keeps the team composed under pressure.

Texas’ Impressive Run

Texas has been a formidable force in the tournament, starting with a commanding 105-61 victory over No. 16 seed William & Mary. They continued their dominance by defeating No. 8 seed Illinois 65-48 in the second round.

In the regional semifinals, Texas overcame No. 5 seed Tennessee with a 67-59 win. Their most recent victory came in the regional final, where they defeated No. 2 seed TCU 58-47 to secure their spot in the Final Four.

Players to Watch

Texas has a roster filled with talent, but a few players have been particularly instrumental in their success:

  • Rori Harmon: A dynamic scorer and playmaker who can change the course of a game.
  • Lauren Ebo: A dominant presence in the paint, known for her rebounding and shot-blocking.
  • Joanne Allen-Taylor: A versatile guard who can score, defend, and facilitate.

UConn’s Path to the Semifinals

UConn has been a perennial contender in women’s college basketball, and this year is no different. They began their tournament journey with a 103-34 win over No. 15 seed Arkansas State.

The Huskies then defeated No. 10 seed South Dakota State 91-57 in the second round. In the regional semifinals, UConn faced No. 3 seed Oklahoma and emerged with an 82-59 victory.

Their most significant win came in the regional final, where they took down No. 1 seed USC 78-64 to advance to the Final Four.

Key Contributors

UConn’s success is built on the contributions of several standout players:

  • Paige Bueckers: A sensational guard who can score from anywhere on the court.
  • Azzi Fudd: Known for her sharpshooting and ability to stretch the defense.
  • Olivia Nelson-Ododa: A dominant force in the paint who controls the boards and protects the rim.

Upcoming Matchups: What to Expect

The Final Four matchups promise to be thrilling, with each team bringing their unique strengths to the court. Here’s a preview of what to expect in the semifinals:

Texas vs. South Carolina

This game will be a clash of titans, with both teams boasting strong defenses and explosive offenses.

Key factors to watch include:

  • Defensive Battle: Both teams are known for their defensive prowess, so expect a low-scoring, hard-fought game.
  • Star Power: The performances of A’ja Wilson and Rori Harmon will be crucial in determining the outcome.
  • Coaching Strategies: How each coach adjusts their game plan will play a significant role in the final result.

UConn vs. UCLA

This matchup features two high-powered offenses, and it could come down to which team can execute better under pressure.

Key factors to watch include:

  • Three-Point Shooting: Both teams have excellent shooters, so expect a lot of action from beyond the arc.
  • Guard Play: The battle between Paige Bueckers and Charisma Osborne will be a highlight to watch.
  • Rebounding: Controlling the boards will be crucial, as second-chance points could make the difference.

Conclusion

As the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament reaches its climax, the Final Four promises to deliver unforgettable moments and thrilling basketball action.

South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and UConn are all vying for the national championship. Fans can expect high-stakes games filled with intensity and excitement.

Be sure to tune in and witness the culmination of this incredible journey. These elite teams will battle it out for college basketball supremacy.

For more details and updates on the tournament, visit azcentral.com.

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