The 2025 Women’s NCAA Final Four in Tampa, Florida, is set to be an unforgettable event, featuring two thrilling matchups between the nation’s top teams. In the first semifinal, No. 1 Texas (35-3) takes on No. 1 South Carolina (34-3) in their fourth matchup of the season. The Gamecocks have had the upper hand in their previous encounters, winning two out of three games, including the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
For Texas to have a chance at upsetting South Carolina, they’ll need standout performances from their key players. Madison Booker, the First-Team All-American, has struggled with her shooting (14-54 FG) in the three previous matchups against South Carolina. She’ll need to regain her form and provide a scoring boost for the Longhorns. Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre will be crucial in controlling the paint, using their size, physicality, and talent to outmuscle the Gamecocks. Shay Holle’s outside shooting will also be vital, as her ability to drain three-pointers will help stretch the defense and create space for her teammates.
On the other side, South Carolina will rely on their own set of talented players to secure a spot in the championship game. Chloe Kitts, the MVP of the SEC Tournament and the NCAA regional, will need to continue her outstanding play. Tessa Johnson, also known as “Tournament Tessa,” has a reputation for rising to the occasion in big games. She’ll need to bring her A-game to help the Gamecocks overcome the Longhorns. Milaysia Fulwiley’s lightning-quick speed and ability to make incredible plays will be essential in creating scoring opportunities for South Carolina.
In the second semifinal, No. 2 UConn (35-3) takes on No. 1 UCLA (34-2), with the Huskies seeking to return to championship glory. Paige Bueckers has been on an incredible run in the NCAA Women’s Tournament, scoring 34, 40, and 31 points in her last three games. She’ll need to maintain her hot shooting streak to lead the Huskies past the top-seeded Bruins. Azzi Fudd will be crucial in providing support for Bueckers, helping to stretch the defense and create space for her teammate. Freshman Sarah Strong will face a tough test, likely matched up against UCLA’s Lauren Betts, the Naismith Defense Player of the Year.
UCLA, making their first-ever Final Four appearance, will rely on their talented roster to upset the experienced Huskies. Lauren Betts, the First-Team All-American, will need to dominate the paint, using her size and skill to outmuscle UConn’s defenders. Kiki Rice, the point guard, will be responsible for leading the team, finding open shooters, scoring inside and out, and feeding Betts down low. The Bruins’ outside shooting trio of Gabriela Jaquez, Londynn Jones, and Timea Gardiner will need to continue their strong form, taking turns to provide a scoring boost for UCLA.
The stage is set for an unforgettable Final Four, with two thrilling matchups that promise to deliver high-level basketball. The winners of these semifinals will advance to the championship game, where they’ll face off for the ultimate prize in women’s college basketball.
As the teams take to the court in Tampa, the atmosphere will be electric, with fans from across the country cheering on their favorite teams. The 2025 Women’s NCAA Final Four is shaping up to be an event for the ages, and basketball fans everywhere will be eagerly anticipating the tip-off of these highly anticipated matchups.
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