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Women’s March Madness 2025: Final Four Schedule and Key Matchups

ByCoach

The stage is set for the 2025 Women’s March Madness Final Four. The nation’s top teams will battle it out for the coveted national championship. This year’s tournament has been nothing short of spectacular, with intense matchups and standout performances.

The Final Four features three No. 1 seeds—UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas—and a No. 2 seed in UConn, which many argue deserved a top seed. As we approach the climax of this thrilling season, let’s dive into the details of the upcoming games, key players to watch, and what makes this year’s tournament one for the history books.

Final Four Showdowns

The Final Four kicks off on Friday night in Tampa, Florida, with two highly anticipated matchups. The first game will see the South Carolina Gamecocks face off against the Texas Longhorns for the fourth time this season. The second game will feature the UCLA Bruins taking on the UConn Huskies. Both games promise to deliver high-octane basketball, showcasing some of the best talents in women’s college basketball.

South Carolina vs. Texas

South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is aiming for back-to-back championships after an undefeated season last year. The Gamecocks have been dominant, with only three losses this season—one of which was a regular-season upset by Texas. The Longhorns will look to replicate that success on the biggest stage.

Key players to watch include:

  • Aliyah Boston – South Carolina’s star forward, known for her defensive prowess and scoring ability.
  • Rori Harmon – Texas’ dynamic guard, who has been a crucial playmaker throughout the season.

UCLA vs. UConn

The second semifinal will feature a clash between the No. 1 overall seed UCLA and the perennial powerhouse UConn. UCLA’s Lauren Betts has been a force to reckon with, while UConn’s Paige Bueckers has had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the sport. Bueckers, who has battled injuries throughout her career, is now just one win away from reaching the national championship game.

Key players to watch include:

  • Lauren Betts – UCLA’s dominant center, known for her scoring and rebounding.
  • Paige Bueckers – UConn’s star guard, who has been on fire throughout the tournament.

Path to the Final Four

Let’s take a closer look at how each team made it to the Final Four, highlighting key games and standout performances along the way. Each team’s journey has been filled with thrilling moments and hard-fought victories.

South Carolina

  • Defeated Duke 54-50 in the Elite Eight.
  • Overcame Maryland 71-67 in the Sweet Sixteen.
  • Started their tournament run with a dominant 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech.

Texas

  • Beat TCU 58-47 in the Elite Eight.
  • Defeated Tennessee 67-59 in the Sweet Sixteen.
  • Opened their campaign with a 65-48 victory over Illinois.

UCLA

  • Triumphed over LSU 72-65 in the Elite Eight.
  • Secured a 76-62 win against Ole Miss in the Sweet Sixteen.
  • Started strong with an 84-46 win over Southern.

UConn

  • Defeated USC 78-64 in the Elite Eight.
  • Overpowered Oklahoma 82-59 in the Sweet Sixteen.
  • Opened their tournament with a 91-57 win over South Dakota State.

Key Players to Watch

The Final Four is packed with star players who have the potential to make game-changing plays. Here are some of the key players to keep an eye on:

Aliyah Boston (South Carolina)

Aliyah Boston has been a cornerstone for South Carolina, known for her defensive skills and ability to dominate the paint. Her performance will be crucial for the Gamecocks as they aim for another championship.

Rori Harmon (Texas)

Rori Harmon has been a standout for Texas, providing leadership and playmaking ability. Her contributions on both ends of the court will be vital for the Longhorns.

Lauren Betts (UCLA)

Lauren Betts has been a dominant force for UCLA, known for her scoring and rebounding. Her presence in the paint will be key for the Bruins as they face UConn.

Paige Bueckers (UConn)

Paige Bueckers has had an incredible season, showcasing her scoring ability and basketball IQ. Her performance in the Final Four will be crucial for UConn’s success.

Coaching Strategies

The Final Four will also be a showcase of coaching excellence, with each team led by experienced and successful coaches. Their strategies and adjustments will play a significant role in determining the outcomes of these high-stakes games.

Dawn Staley (South Carolina)

Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse program at South Carolina, known for its defensive intensity and disciplined play. Her ability to make in-game adjustments will be crucial for the Gamecocks.

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Vic Schaefer has transformed Texas into a formidable team, emphasizing defense and physicality. His game plan will be key in countering South Carolina’s strengths.

Cori Close (UCLA)

Cori Close has led UCLA to the No. 1 overall seed, with a balanced approach that emphasizes both offense and defense. Her ability to manage the game and make strategic decisions will be crucial for the Bruins.

Geno Auriemma (UConn)

Geno Auriemma is a legendary coach with multiple championships to his name. His experience and tactical acumen will be vital for UConn as they aim for another title.

Conclusion

The 2025 Women’s March Madness Final Four promises to be an unforgettable event. It will be filled with high-stakes drama, exceptional talent, and strategic brilliance.

Make sure to stay updated on all the action by checking out the full schedule and scores on CBS Sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this year’s Final Four is sure to provide plenty of excitement and memorable moments. Get ready for some incredible basketball!

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