Two Powerhouses, Two Challengers: Breaking Down the 2025 Women’s Final Four
The 2025 Women’s Final Four tells a tale of contrasts — historic dominance versus breakthrough glory.
On one side are the seasoned titans: South Carolina and UConn, two elite programs that have defined women’s college basketball for the past decade and beyond. With their rosters stacked full of McDonald’s All-Americans and guided by legendary coaches Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma, these teams are no strangers to the sport’s biggest stage.
“They’re the best of the best, every single year,” a commentator remarked. “It’s like they reload, not rebuild.”
Opposing them are the rising stars: UCLA, making its first-ever Final Four appearance, and Texas, who hasn’t reached this far since 2003 and is in just its third Final Four in program history.
UCLA, under Cori Close, has transformed into a legitimate powerhouse. The Bruins now boast a well-balanced, fluid offense anchored by their do-it-all post presence Lauren Betts.
Texas, led by defensive-minded Vic Schaefer, has built its identity on toughness. His squad grinds out wins with elite rebounding, suffocating defense, and the steady midrange scoring of Madison Booker.
So, what happens when legacy meets hunger? Let’s break down the matchups:
UCLA vs. UConn
The Huskies have the most lethal offense in college basketball, powered by their elite trio: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and freshman phenom Sarah Strong. However, they’re thin in the paint and often rely on a five-guard lineup, making them vulnerable to dominant post players.
UCLA thrives through Lauren Betts, who can pass out of double teams, crash the glass, and anchor the Bruins’ inside-out attack. They’ve got sharp shooters and fast slashing guards, but their inexperience and tendency to collapse in the second quarter could prove costly.
Pick: UCLA. Betts is a mismatch nightmare for UConn’s smaller lineup. Her ability to stretch the floor and make plays inside gives the Bruins the edge. Expect her to shine as UCLA shocks the Huskies and ends Bueckers’ college career without a championship.
South Carolina vs. Texas
South Carolina is chasing its third national title in five years, having reached the Final Four five straight times. This year’s squad is deeper and more balanced, but they’ve also lost to each of the other Final Four teams this season, raising some eyebrows.
Still, Dawn Staley knows how to adapt. “We’ve been here before. We know how to win when it’s messy, and we’ll do it again,” she said.
Meanwhile, Texas is all grit. Madison Booker is surgical in the midrange, and the Longhorns thrive on defensive pressure and second-chance points. But their refusal to shoot threes limits their comeback potential.
Pick: South Carolina. While this Gamecocks squad may not be invincible, they’ve proven time and again they know how to win when it matters. Staley will coach her team to keep Texas from setting the tone — and advance to yet another title game.
Will the legends reign once more — or will the underdogs finally have their day? Either way, history’s waiting to be made in Cleveland.
