The Women's Final Four is set to feature a familiar lineup, as the top-seeded teams from each region secured their spots to compete in Phoenix. Texas, South Carolina, UConn, and UCLA are the four contenders, mirroring the exact group that reached the final weekend of the tournament last year.

This configuration sets up two highly anticipated rematches. One is a repeat of the 2025 championship game, and the other recalls a significant early-season contest from November. These matchups promise compelling basketball as the tournament culminates.

Clash of Titans: UConn vs. South Carolina

Rematch of the 2025 Championship

The first semifinal pits UConn against South Carolina, directly echoing last year's title game, which the Huskies won decisively with a score of 82–59. Paige Bueckers played a key role in that championship run before departing for the WNBA.

However, current stars Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led UConn's shooting effort that night, each contributing 24 points. That victory marked UConn's 16th consecutive win, and the team has since extended that streak to 38 games without a loss.

Pursuit of Perfection

If UConn can secure two more victories to reach an undefeated 40–0 season, many analysts will consider this iteration one of the greatest teams in the program's storied history. Their dominance this season is evident, as only Notre Dame managed to keep the margin under 20 points in their recent matchup, losing by 18.

South Carolina's Game Plan

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley outlined her strategy for facing the undefeated Huskies in an interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. She emphasized the need to keep the game close and maintain consistent scoring.

Staley stated, “You’ve just got to try to go pound-for-pound and be unafraid of playing against an undefeated team. You might get them on a bad night, and we’re hoping Friday is a bad night for them.” Last year, South Carolina struggled to execute this, trailing by 10 points at halftime and 20 by the fourth quarter.

The Gamecocks possess significant offensive depth, with five different players averaging double-digit points. For them to succeed this time, they must establish their rhythm quickly on Friday.

The Battle for the Other Final Spot: Texas vs. UCLA

A Season-Defining Early Matchup Revisited

The second semifinal features Texas taking on UCLA. Both teams suffered losses in their respective Final Four matchups last year, but this year, one will advance to play for the national title.

UCLA enters the game having lost only one contest all season, currently riding a 29-game winning streak. Their sole defeat this year came against Texas back in November, in a game the Longhorns won 76–65.

UCLA's Keys to Victory

To avoid a repeat of their season's only loss, UCLA must drastically improve their ball security. They committed 18 turnovers against Texas in November, which was more than in any other game this season.

Furthermore, the Bruins will need to contain Texas guard Lori Harmon, who scored a season-high 26 points in their previous meeting. Containing her scoring will be crucial for UCLA's chances.

Texas's Offensive Anchor

Texas relies heavily on star player Madison Booker, who contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists during the earlier victory, despite having a relatively poor shooting night by her standards. The presence of Booker and Harmon provides a dual threat that UCLA must neutralize.

While having all four one-seeds reach the Final Four is unusual, this year's field represents the four strongest teams in women's college basketball. The eventual champion will undoubtedly have earned the title by outlasting this elite competition.