The NCAA Women's Final Four brings together four No 1 seeds in Phoenix for two semifinal games at Mortgage Matchup Center, matching South Carolina against UConn and Texas against UCLA, with all teams carrying national pedigree and deep rosters into the next round.
UConn arrives unbeaten at 38-0 and has won by an average of 37.8 points, a margin the program said is on pace to rank behind two of its historic seasons, while South Carolina stands at 35-3 and has averaged 40.3-point victories in the NCAA Tournament.
Coaches and players from the four programs said they have prepared for tight moments despite many lopsided results, using practice simulations and attention to situational details. Coach Dawn Staley said her staff simulated inbounds plays and other late-game scenarios to keep players comfortable in tense moments.
Guard Raven Johnson said practices shifted after early-season losses, with higher intensity and a reminder of program standards that she said helped younger players develop the habits needed for big games.
Matchups And Preparedness
Texas enters at 35-3 after a rugged schedule that included 14-3 versus nationally ranked opponents before the NCAA Tournament, and the Longhorns carry a 12-game winning streak highlighted by a 78-61 win over South Carolina in the SEC Tournament and a 77-41 Elite Eight victory over Michigan.
Coach Vic Schaefer said he stopped worrying about his group weeks ago, noting veteran leadership and players who have been "in those games and those wars." The Longhorns have averaged 29.1 points this season and 35.5 points per game in the tournament.
UConn players also emphasized practice habits as the foundation for performing under pressure. Guard Azzi Fudd said coaches have simulated late-game situations all year and that built habits would keep the Huskies calm and together if a tight fourth quarter arises.
UCLA, at 35-1, cited its comeback against Duke in the Elite Eight as a learning moment. Senior guard Gabriela Jaquez said responding quickly to adversity matters and that the Final Four will test half-court execution, rebounding, and toughness, themes also highlighted by commentators covering the event.
Broadcasters scheduled the South Carolina versus UConn semifinal on ESPN and ESPN2 at 7 p.m., followed by Texas against UCLA at 9:30 p.m., with winners advancing to the national championship game on Sunday.
