2025 Women's Final Four Preview: UConn vs. UCLA & South Carolina vs. Texas Predictions

Semifinal Matchups: (1) South Carolina vs. (1) Texas (Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN); (2) UConn vs. (1) UCLA (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN).

UConn Huskies: Led by Paige Bueckers, who is averaging over 25 points per game in the tournament. Freshman Sarah Strong provides a versatile offensive threat. Key challenge: Handling UCLA's size in the post.

UCLA Bruins: Feature the dominant 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts inside, complemented by guards Kiki Rice and sharpshooters Timea Gardiner and Gabriela Jaquez. Reached their first NCAA-era Final Four. Key challenge: Containing the Bueckers-Strong duo.

South Carolina Gamecocks: Defending champions boast the nation's top defense and program depth. Rely on veterans and emerging stars like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards. Key challenge: Consistent offensive production, especially from younger players.

Texas Longhorns: Possess an elite, high-pressure defense that stifled opponents en route to Tampa. Led by Madison Booker and Rori Harmon. Key challenge: Scoring enough points against South Carolina's formidable defense (averaged just 53.7 points in three prior meetings this season).

Why This Matters: A national championship berth is on the line. For players like Paige Bueckers, it's potentially a final chance at a college title. UCLA aims to make history in its first NCAA Final Four, while South Carolina seeks to continue its dynasty and Texas looks to overcome its SEC rival.

UConn vs. UCLA: This matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles. UConn brings perimeter firepower led by the seemingly unstoppable Paige Bueckers and the versatile freshman Sarah Strong. Their late-game Bueckers-Strong pick-and-roll is a potent weapon. However, UCLA possesses the size and athleticism to potentially counter. Lauren Betts is a force in the paint offensively and defensively (Big Ten DPOY). Guards like Kiki Rice have the speed to challenge Bueckers, and the Bruins showed depth with Gardiner and Jaquez stepping up offensively when needed in their Elite Eight win over LSU. While UConn holds the edge in Final Four experience, Cori Close's UCLA team has overcome significant hurdles, including avenging last year's Elite Eight loss to LSU, and seems prepared for the moment. Expert predictions are split, anticipating a close contest.

South Carolina vs. Texas: Expect a defensive grind. These SEC rivals, meeting for the fourth time this season (South Carolina leads 2-1), boast the top two defenses nationally. South Carolina won the SEC tournament matchup convincingly (64-45), largely by shutting down Texas star Madison Booker. The Longhorns' path relies on their suffocating defense creating opportunities and finding ways to score against the Gamecocks – something they struggled with previously. Booker needs a bounce-back game, and contributions from Rori Harmon and others will be critical. South Carolina, while unanimously favored by ESPN experts, hasn't been blowing teams out, winning tighter games in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Coach Dawn Staley emphasizes the need for better production from young stars like Fulwiley and Edwards to complement her reliable veterans. The Gamecocks' ability to execute and make fewer mistakes under pressure has been key, but Texas's defense poses a significant threat.

Q: When and where are the Women's Final Four games?

A: The semifinals are Friday, April 5th (based on context) in Tampa, Florida. South Carolina vs. Texas is at 7 p.m. ET, and UConn vs. UCLA is at 9 p.m. ET. Both games are on ESPN.

Q: Who are the key players to watch?

A: Paige Bueckers (UConn), Lauren Betts (UCLA), Madison Booker (Texas), Rori Harmon (Texas), Sarah Strong (UConn), MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina), and Chloe Kitts (South Carolina).

Q: Which teams are favored?

A: Expert predictions are split for the UConn vs. UCLA game, suggesting a toss-up. South Carolina is the unanimous favorite among ESPN experts to defeat Texas and advance.

Two intense battles will decide the national championship matchup.

Defense is paramount, especially in the South Carolina vs. Texas game, which features the nation's top two defensive teams.

Star Power: Watch how Paige Bueckers (UConn) and Lauren Betts (UCLA) impact their game, and whether Madison Booker (Texas) can solve the South Carolina defense.

Depth and Youth: South Carolina's success may hinge on contributions from their talented underclassmen.

Experience vs. Momentum: UConn brings vast Final Four experience, while UCLA rides the momentum of its first NCAA-era trip.

ESPN: Women's Final Four predictions: A unanimous favorite (South Carolina-Texas) and a split decision (UConn-UCLA) target="_blank"

The Ringer: Five Observations Heading Into the NCAA Women’s Final Four target="_blank"