The Road to Tampa: Final Four Preview

The 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four in Tampa features a powerhouse lineup of championship contenders. Defending champion South Carolina, Big 12 champion Texas, Pac-12 powerhouse UCLA, and perennial favorite UConn have all punched their tickets for a chance at the national title.

Marquee Matchups Set for Friday Night

1. #1 South Carolina vs #1 Texas (7 PM ET, ESPN)

   • Fourth meeting this season between SEC rivals
   • Defensive battle expected (both allow <60 PPG in tournament)
   • Texas seeks revenge after 64-45 SEC title game loss

2. #1 UCLA vs #2 UConn (9 PM ET, ESPN)

   • Contrast of styles: UCLA's size vs UConn's perimeter game
   • Paige Bueckers vs Lauren Betts - superstar showdown
   • UCLA's first Final Four since 1979 vs UConn's 16th in 17 years

Team Breakdowns

1 South Carolina Gamecocks

• Tournament Trend: Allowing just 50.8 PPG (best in field)
• X-Factor: Veteran leadership (Paopao, Johnson, Kitts)
• Key Stat: 38-0 when holding opponents under 60 points

1 Texas Longhorns

• Tournament Trend: Winning ugly (58-47 Elite Eight win)
• X-Factor: Madison Booker (18.5 PPG in tournament)
• Key Stat: 0-2 vs SC when scoring <60 points

1 UCLA Bruins

• Tournament Trend: Lauren Betts averaging 26/10 on 75% FG
• X-Factor: Frontcourt depth (Betts + 6'4'' Londynn Jones)
• Key Stat: Leader in assists (20.4 per game)

2 UConn Huskies

• Tournament Trend: Bueckers averaging 28.5 PPG
• X-Factor: Tournament experience (4th straight Final Four)
• Key Stat: 9-0 when scoring 80+ points

Expert Predictions

Championship Pedigree:

• South Carolina going for back-to-back titles
• UConn seeking first championship since 2016
• UCLA chasing first NCAA-era title
• Texas aiming for first crown since 1986

Players to Watch

1. Paige Bueckers (UConn) - 8 career 25+ point NCAA games
2. Lauren Betts (UCLA) - Two 30-10 games this tournament
3. Madison Booker (Texas) - Big 12 Player of the Year
4. Te-Hina Paopao (SC) - 45% from three-point range

All games broadcast live on ESPN from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida