Following a thrilling finale to the Elite Eight, the Women’s NCAA basketball tournament is down to its final four title hopefuls. Given the bracket’s construction, fans could hardly have hoped for a more intriguing Final Four.
UConn is back in the mix, which has been the norm under head coach Geno Auriemma, following Monday’s win over USC. Top-seeded South Carolina marched on with a decisive victory over Texas on Sunday, while NC State bested Texas to set up an unenviable matchup with the Gamecocks.
The highlight of the tournament thus far, though, was Monday’s showdown between defending champion LSU and Iowa. The sequel to last year’s title game pitted stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark against one another for perhaps the final time, and the showdown did not disappoint.
Clark and the Hawkeyes advanced and will UConn for a spot in the final round.
Here, we’ll dive into the remaining schedule, latest odds and upcoming matchups for the 2024 Final Four.
Friday, April 5
3. NC State vs. 1. South Carolina
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Odds and Over/Under: South Carolina -11.5, 139.5 Points
3. UConn vs. 1. Iowa
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Odds and Over/Under: Iowa -2.5, 163 Points
Sunday, April 7
National Championship
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
*Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
The Gamecocks are heavily favored here, and that’s not a surprise. South Carolina remains undefeated and is the overwhelming favorite to win the entire tournament at -225 (bet $225 to win $100).
This doesn’t mean that the Gamecocks are in for an easy matchup. NC State has played the role of scrappy underdog during its first run to the Final Four since 1998. Led by standout guard Aziaha James—who has scored 22 or more points in each of the last three games—the Wolfpack cannot be discounted.
If NC State is to pull the outright upset, though, it will have to lean heavily on a defense that ranks 12th in opposing field goal percentage. Against Kamilla Cardoso, Te-Hina Paopao, MiLaysia Fulwiley and an offensively potent South Carolina team (85.6 points per game) that’ll be easier in theory than in practice.
The Gamecocks’ depth could also be an issue for NC State, as South Carolina has a roster built for tournament time. Head coach Dawn Staley has built the Gamecocks into a powerhouse, and it would be a shock to see them lose at this stage.
Still, fans should expect a more competitive game than the line might suggest.
Getting past LSU was big for the Hawkeyes, but the Final Four is not their endgame.
“Job’s not finished,” Clark told ESPN after Monday’s win (h/t Jill Martin of CNN).
Getting to the next round, though, will involve getting past a UConn squad that has played some of the best team basketball in the tournament. Injuries have been an issue for the Huskies, but the stellar play of star guard Paige Bueckers has helped them overcome.
Bueckers has scored no fewer than 24 points over the last five games.
While the matchup between Clark and Bueckers might not draw as much attention as Monday’s Clark-Reese showdown, it’s still a thrilling one. Bueckers and UConn ended Clark’s first tournament run in the Sweet 16.
However, the more important matchup might be between Clark and UConn’s perimeter defense. The Huskies have some size, but they’ve been much more effective inside—ranking 13th in opposing two-point percentage and 36th in opposing three-point percentage.
Clark’s scoring and range have carried the Hawkeyes and may do so again on Friday. However, UConn is very accustomed to big games, and Auriemma always seems to have a plan.
This is going to be a fun one.
*Stats via Sports Reference.
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