03/29/2025
With just six days to go until the 2025 Women's Final Four in Tampa, Florida, set for the weekend of April 4 and 6, excitement is building for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Out of the initial 64 teams selected for this year's competition, there are now only 12 teams remaining. While the defending champions, South Carolina, are once again the favorites, they face stiff competition.
Teams like UCLA, Texas, and UConn, who have all managed to beat the defending champions at some point this season, are not to be underestimated. Their potential to pose a serious challenge if they clash again adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament. Meanwhile, contenders like TCU, LSU, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, who all fell to South Carolina earlier, will be eager for a shot at redemption, making their matchups equally compelling. The underdogs' potential to upset the favorites brings a sense of hope and anticipation to the tournament.
Yesterday's matchups were full of anticipation and potential for redemption. North Carolina was looking to turn the tables against Duke at 2:30 PM on ESPN, but Duke's defense held North Carolina to only 37 points. Fresh off a thrilling double-overtime victory over Alabama, Maryland took on the defending champion South Carolina at 5 PM and gave the Gamecock quite a challenge.
But in the end, the defending champs found a way to advance to their fifth straight elite eight. The LSU and NC State game was an instant classic, but LSU found a way to prevail. Ole Miss missed their chance for an upset, losing against the overall #1 seed, UCLA.
The LSU and NC State game was an instant classic, with both teams displaying exceptional skills and determination. In the end, LSU found a way to prevail, but the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams.
According to multiple sources, South Carolina had a 95% probability of winning against Maryland, based on their strong performance throughout the season, while Maryland had just 5%. Duke had a 70% chance of beating UNC, leaving the Tar Heels with 30%. LSU came in at 60% against NC State's 40%, based on their head-to-head record, and UCLA favored at 79% over Ole Miss, who stands at 21% and did not play around.
In Today's games, fans can expect Notre Dame, with a 70% win probability, to seek revenge against TCU, who has a 30% chance of winning. Earlier this season, Notre Dame fell to TCU, fueling their desire for retribution. Texas boasts a 78% likelihood of defeating Tennessee, who is at 24%, having already claimed victory in their regular season matchup. UConn stands strong at 90% against Oklahoma's 10%.
However, with Juju Watkins out for the season due to injury, USC finds themselves at a 55% chance against Kansas State, who has a 45% probability of pulling off the upset, potentially shaking up the tournament. The potential for upsets adds an intriguing element to the tournament, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Journalist Okon Agano