The 2025 women's Final Four lineup is complete! With an electrifying slate of games leading to the climax of March Madness, No. 1 seeds UCLA and South Carolina secured their spots yesterday, and UConn and Texas followed suit with impressive victories.

Game Recap: UConn vs. USC

The Huskies started strong, building an impressive 19-point lead early in the third quarter. Despite a valiant effort from USC to close the gap to just five points heading into the final quarter, UConn regained control. A crucial three-pointer by Azzi Fudd early in the fourth signaled UConn's intent to pull away once again, and USC couldn’t manage to recover, finishing the game no closer than nine points behind.

Paige Bueckers, the standout guard for UConn, delivered a stellar performance with 31 points on 9-of-18 shooting and four three-pointers. Her co-star, freshman Sarah Strong, also shone brightly, securing a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds. The Huskies' defensive efforts were formidable, restricting the Trojans to just 33% shooting and limiting active scorer Kiki Iriafen to 10 points on 15 attempts.

Bueckers' recent surge has been pivotal for UConn. After three average performances during the regular season, she has found her rhythm in March Madness, scoring above 25 points in three straight games. This performance has placed her in the spotlight as one of the most notable players of the tournament, potentially leading her team to its first championship since 2016.

UConn’s Strategy for the Final Four

As they prepare for the Final Four, UConn's key will be effectively countering the physical and deep frontcourts of their upcoming opponents. With two freshmen in the post, the pressure will be on Strong and Jana El Alfy, who face a daunting match against UCLA's 6-foot-7 standout, Lauren Betts. If the Huskies can balance their inside game with their prolific perimeter shooting led by Bueckers and Fudd, they may very well extend their tournament run.

Game Recap: Texas vs. TCU

In another Elite Eight clash, the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns overcame TCU with a 58-47 victory, cementing their own place in the Final Four—their first since 2003. The hallmark of Texas's success was their relentless defense, forcing TCU into committing 21 turnovers and holding them to a mere 26.7% shooting from the field.

Offensively, Texas didn’t have their best night shooting; however, key players Madison Booker and Rori Harmon stepped up with timely baskets, scoring 18 and 11 points respectively when it mattered most. Their ability to remain composed under pressure was crucial, especially since they were the favored team coming into the matchup.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The Final Four promises to be a thrilling showdown with UConn and Texas poised for a fierce battle. Fans can expect high-stakes action as these teams vie for a spot in the championship. Who will emerge victorious and claim glory in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament? It's a question that’s sure to ignite excitement among basketball enthusiasts everywhere!