Women’s March Madness 2025: Final Four Teams Set for Tampa

The excitement of Women’s March Madness 2025 has reached its peak as the Final Four teams are set to battle it out in Tampa, Florida. This year’s lineup features South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and UConn, each bringing unique stories and strengths to the court.

From South Carolina’s defensive prowess to UCLA’s first-ever Final Four appearance, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.

Let’s dive into the details of each team’s journey and what to expect as they vie for the national championship.

South Carolina: The Defensive Titans

South Carolina has established itself as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, making its fifth straight Final Four appearance.

Known for their stifling defense, the Gamecocks advanced to the Final Four with a hard-fought 54-50 victory over Duke. The Gamecocks held the Blue Devils to just 31.7% shooting, showcasing their defensive capabilities once again.

However, their offense remains a concern as no South Carolina guard reached double digits in scoring during the Elite Eight matchup.

Key Players and Strategies

South Carolina’s success can be attributed to their defensive strategies and standout players. The team’s ability to shut down opponents has been a hallmark of their game, and they’ll need to maintain this intensity as they face Texas in the Final Four.

Key players to watch include:

• Madison Booker: Known for her defensive skills, Booker tallied 18 points, six rebounds, and two steals in the Elite Eight win over TCU.
• Sedona Prince: Despite struggling in the Elite Eight, Prince’s presence in the paint is crucial for South Carolina’s defense.

UCLA: A Historic First

UCLA is making history with its first-ever trip to the Final Four. The Bruins advanced by outlasting a tough LSU team, overcoming a 28-point performance from Flau’jae Johnson.

Led by star center Lauren Betts, who recorded six blocks in the 72-65 win over the Tigers, UCLA has proven they belong on this grand stage.

Lauren Betts: The Defensive Anchor

Lauren Betts has been a cornerstone of UCLA’s defense, consistently delivering outstanding performances. Her ability to dominate the paint and block shots has been instrumental in the Bruins’ success.

As they prepare to face UConn, Betts’ defensive prowess will be crucial in countering the Huskies’ offensive threats.

Texas: A Long-Awaited Return

For Texas, the journey to the Final Four has been a long time coming. This marks their first appearance since 2003 and their fourth overall.

The Longhorns secured their spot with a defensive-oriented win over TCU, where they held Hailey Van Lith to just 3 of 15 from the field and forced seven turnovers.

Texas will rely on their strong defense and key players to make an impact in Tampa.

Madison Booker and Co.

Madison Booker has been a standout for Texas, leading the team with 18 points, six rebounds, and two steals in the Elite Eight.

Her defensive skills and ability to score will be vital as Texas faces South Carolina in the Final Four. The Longhorns will need to maintain their defensive intensity to overcome the Gamecocks’ formidable lineup.

UConn: The Winningest Program

UConn, the winningest program in women’s basketball history with 11 national titles, is no stranger to the Final Four. This year marks their 24th appearance, and although they haven’t won a national title since 2016, the Huskies remain a formidable force.

They advanced to the Final Four by defeating No. 1 seed USC 78-64, with a standout performance from Paige Bueckers, who scored 31 points.

Paige Bueckers: The Offensive Dynamo

Paige Bueckers has been a key player for UConn, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. Her 31 points against USC were instrumental in securing the Huskies’ spot in the Final Four.

As they prepare to face UCLA, Bueckers’ offensive skills and leadership will be crucial in guiding UConn to another national title.

The Matchups: What to Expect

The Final Four matchups promise to be thrilling, with South Carolina facing Texas and UCLA taking on UConn. Each team brings unique strengths and strategies to the court, making for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

South Carolina vs. Texas

This matchup will be a battle of defenses, with both teams known for their ability to shut down opponents.

South Carolina’s defensive prowess will be tested against Texas’ disciplined approach.

Key players like Madison Booker and Sedona Prince will need to step up for the Gamecocks, while Texas will rely on its defensive intensity to counter South Carolina’s threats.

UCLA vs. UConn

UCLA’s historic run will be put to the test against UConn, a team with a storied history in women’s basketball.

Lauren Betts’ defensive skills will be crucial in countering UConn’s offensive threats, particularly Paige Bueckers.

The Bruins will need to maintain their composure and execute their game plan to overcome the Huskies’ experience and talent.

Conclusion

As we eagerly await the Final Four matchups, the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament has already delivered unforgettable moments and standout performances.

South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and UConn have each earned their place in Tampa. Fans can expect intense, high-stakes basketball as these teams vie for the national championship.

For more detailed coverage and updates, be sure to check out the latest news on CBS Sports.