The final weekend of the Women’s NCAA tournament is nearly here, featuring a familiar Final Four lineup: UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina. All four teams competed in last year’s Final Four, but this year they all enter as No. 1 seeds. Will the top seeds prevail, or will an upset shake things up in Phoenix?

Standout Moments from the Tournament

Virginia’s Dramatic Win

A remarkable shot by UVA’s Camryn Taylor sent a game into overtime, ultimately leading to a program-changing victory. Taylor’s performance, including hitting the game-tying three-pointer, was particularly impressive as she played all 50 minutes of the game and is a local recruit pivotal to the program’s success.

Booker’s Record-Breaking Performance

Texas’s Aaliyah Booker set a new program record for single-game NCAA tournament scoring. She is described as an elite playmaker, efficient shooter, and a generational talent who is shining on the biggest stage.

Ole Miss-Minnesota Thriller

The Ole Miss–Minnesota contest delivered a classic March Madness experience, featuring a spirited crowd, a resilient local roster, and a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback culminating in a game-winning shot by Battle. This moment exemplifies the excitement of the Big Dance.

Hidalgo’s Brilliant Assist

UConn’s Hannah Hidalgo showcased her basketball IQ with a stunning assist against Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16. Her wrap-around bounce pass to Cassandre Prosper demonstrated her ability to create opportunities for her teammates.

Players to Watch

Madina Okot (South Carolina)

South Carolina’s Madina Okot, a 6’6” Kenyan native, has established herself as a consistent double-double threat. In her first year with the Gamecocks, she’s been a key contributor with her mobility and versatility.

Blanca Quiñonez (UConn)

UConn freshman Blanca Quiñonez provided a significant spark off the bench against Notre Dame, scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Her physicality and athleticism add depth to the Huskies’ roster.

Allie Ziebell (UConn)

Allie Ziebell demonstrated her shooting prowess against Xavier, making 10 of 14 three-point attempts. She represents the potential for UConn to find scoring from unexpected sources.

Agot Makeer (South Carolina)

Agot Makeer is averaging 14.8 points per game in the NCAA tournament, shooting efficiently at 55% since the start of the SEC tournament. Her performance could be crucial in the UConn–South Carolina semifinal.

Predictions and Insights

Experts predict a strong performance from Texas center Kyla Oldacre against UCLA’s Lauren Betts, anticipating her physicality will be key. Dawn Staley is expected to continue her stylish appearances, potentially sporting a matching garnet Louis Vuitton set.

Final Four Predictions

Several experts are predicting a Texas victory over UCLA, citing the Bruins’ shakiness and Texas’s strong defense. UConn is favored in matchups against both UCLA and South Carolina, with their depth and talent being key factors. The consensus leans towards a UConn championship, though South Carolina and Texas are also considered strong contenders.

Ultimately, the experts believe UConn has the most complete team and the best chance of winning the national championship, continuing their dominant run in women’s college basketball.