Texas Takes on South Carolina and UConn Plays UCLA in Women’s Final Four: A Deep Dive into the Teams, Players, and Storylines

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four is an exciting and highly anticipated event, one that brings together the best teams in the nation in a battle for supremacy. This year, the road to the national championship has led to a thrilling matchup between four powerhouse programs: Texas, South Carolina, UConn, and UCLA. With so much at stake, there’s no shortage of storylines to explore in these matchups. In this article, we will break down the key players, team dynamics, and what to expect from the games.

Texas vs. South Carolina: A Clash of Titans

The first of the two matchups features the University of Texas Longhorns taking on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Both teams have proven themselves to be elite throughout the season, but their paths to the Final Four have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Texas has shown tremendous growth under head coach Vic Schaefer, while South Carolina, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, has been a dominant force in women’s college basketball for years. Let’s break down what makes this game so compelling.

Texas Longhorns: The Resilient Contender

Texas enters the Final Four with a chip on its shoulder. The Longhorns have been on a mission all season to prove themselves as one of the elite teams in the nation, and they’ve done just that. With an impressive roster of players and a strong team dynamic, Texas has been able to battle through adversity, overcoming tough opponents in the tournament to secure its place in the Final Four.

One of the standout players for Texas has been Rorye Epps, a dynamic guard who has emerged as a scoring threat throughout the season. Epps has shown she can take over games, scoring at will from beyond the arc, but also having the ability to attack the basket and finish in traffic. Her leadership and clutch performances have been key in guiding Texas to this point.

The Longhorns also boast an exceptional defense, led by DeYona Gaston, who has been a force in the paint, altering shots and providing the team with a much-needed presence in the post. Gaston’s ability to anchor the defense allows Texas to play an aggressive, fast-paced style that often catches opponents off guard.

Texas’ offensive style relies on ball movement and creating opportunities through quick transitions. The Longhorns are at their best when they can force turnovers and convert on fast breaks, using their athleticism to overwhelm slower teams. However, against South Carolina, Texas will need to be more disciplined. South Carolina’s defensive prowess is one of its trademarks, so Texas must be careful not to play too recklessly and allow the Gamecocks to dictate the pace.

South Carolina Gamecocks: The Defending Champions

The defending national champions, South Carolina, are once again one of the most dominant teams in the nation. Head coach Dawn Staley has built a program that is consistently a national contender, and her coaching acumen is evident in the Gamecocks’ play. South Carolina is known for its tenacious defense, high-scoring offense, and overall physicality. The Gamecocks play a disciplined brand of basketball that emphasizes toughness, grit, and execution.

At the heart of the South Carolina offense is Aliyah Boston, one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Boston’s skill set is remarkable—she’s a versatile forward who can dominate inside, hit mid-range jump shots, and even stretch the floor with her ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Her size and strength make her a mismatch for virtually every opponent, and her leadership on both ends of the floor is crucial to South Carolina’s success.

In addition to Boston, South Carolina has an impressive cast of supporting players, including Zia Cooke and Brea Beal. Cooke, a dynamic guard, has the ability to take over a game with her scoring. Whether it’s driving to the basket or hitting clutch shots from deep, Cooke is a key player for the Gamecocks. Beal, on the other hand, provides elite defense, often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s best scorer. Her versatility allows Staley to be flexible with her lineup and create mismatches on both ends of the floor.

South Carolina’s strength lies in its defense. The Gamecocks are known for their ability to stifle opponents’ offensive sets, using their size and athleticism to control the game. They’re also exceptional in rebounding, where players like Boston and Beal often dominate. Texas will have to find a way to neutralize South Carolina’s defense and limit second-chance opportunities if they want to have a shot at the upset.

The Key Matchup: Aliyah Boston vs. DeYona Gaston

The most crucial individual matchup in this game will be in the paint, where South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston and Texas’ DeYona Gaston will go head-to-head. Boston has proven time and again that she is one of the best players in the country, and Gaston will need to bring her A-game to contain the Gamecocks’ star. Boston’s ability to dominate the post and stretch the floor will test Gaston’s defensive versatility, and how she handles this matchup will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.

Texas will also need to focus on minimizing turnovers and running an efficient offense. If the Longhorns can limit South Carolina’s transition opportunities and make the Gamecocks work for every point, they will have a better chance of pulling off an upset.

UConn vs. UCLA: A Battle of Storied Programs

The second Final Four matchup features two of the most iconic programs in NCAA women’s basketball history: UConn and UCLA. UConn, under the legendary Geno Auriemma, has been a fixture at the top of women’s college basketball for decades. UCLA, meanwhile, has been building a program capable of competing for championships under head coach Cori Close. Both teams have a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, making this a fascinating matchup.

UConn Huskies: A Legacy of Excellence

UConn enters the Final Four as one of the most successful programs in women’s basketball history. With a deep and talented roster, the Huskies are always contenders for the national championship. This season, UConn has had to overcome some challenges, but their resolve and experience have helped them reach the Final Four yet again.

A key player for UConn is Paige Bueckers, a dynamic guard who has been instrumental in leading the Huskies’ offense. Bueckers, a former NCAA Player of the Year, is known for her scoring, playmaking, and ability to take over games. Whether it’s creating her own shot or setting up teammates, Bueckers is a matchup nightmare for opponents. Her vision and basketball IQ are off the charts, and her ability to elevate in clutch moments is something UConn fans have come to expect.

Alongside Bueckers, UConn has Azzi Fudd, a sharp-shooting guard who can heat up quickly from beyond the arc. Fudd’s shooting ability is one of the best in the country, and she provides UConn with another offensive weapon that defenses have to account for. The combination of Bueckers and Fudd makes UConn one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

UConn’s defense is also a strength. The Huskies excel in forcing turnovers, and their ability to contest shots and limit offensive rebounds gives them an edge. UCLA will need to find a way to break through UConn’s suffocating defense if they hope to keep the game competitive.

UCLA Bruins: Rising to the Challenge

UCLA has quietly built a program that can compete with the best in the country. Under head coach Cori Close, the Bruins have become one of the top teams in women’s basketball, with a balanced roster that features both experienced players and emerging stars. UCLA is not only talented but also tough, and their ability to play with intensity has made them a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.

At the forefront of UCLA’s success is Charisma Osborne, a talented guard who can score in a variety of ways. Osborne’s ability to attack the basket, hit the three-point shot, and play solid defense makes her a versatile threat. She’s one of the most exciting players in the country, and her performance will be key for the Bruins if they want to upset UConn.

In addition to Osborne, UCLA has Kiki Rice, a freshman guard who has made an immediate impact. Rice is a dynamic playmaker, capable of setting up teammates and scoring when needed. Her ability to run the offense and control the pace of the game will be crucial in UCLA’s efforts to keep up with UConn’s high-powered offense.

UCLA’s defense will also be tested by UConn’s explosive scoring duo of Bueckers and Fudd. UCLA is known for its ability to lock down opposing offenses, but the Bruins will need to be especially sharp against UConn’s prolific shooters. If they can slow down Bueckers and Fudd while limiting UConn’s ability to score in transition, UCLA could have a chance to pull off the upset.

The Key Matchup: Paige Bueckers vs. Charisma Osborne

The individual matchup between Paige Bueckers of UConn and Charisma Osborne of UCLA will be one of the most exciting storylines of the game. Both players are capable of taking over a game, and whichever player can impose her will on the game will likely tilt the balance in favor of her team. Bueckers’ experience and playmaking ability make her the favorite in this matchup, but Osborne’s versatility and scoring ability mean that she’s more than capable of keeping pace.

UCLA’s defense will also play a major role. The Bruins must find ways to contest Bueckers’ shots without overcommitting, while also limiting Fudd’s impact from the outside. If they can contain UConn’s star duo and get solid contributions from their own players, UCLA could spring the upset.

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Texas vs. South Carolina and UConn vs. UCLA represent two incredibly intriguing matchups, each featuring high-level basketball and compelling storylines. Whether it’s the defensive clash between Texas and South Carolina or the offensive showdown between UConn and UCLA, there’s no shortage of excitement heading into the Final Four.

In the end, it will come down to which team can execute their game plan, control the tempo, and rise to the occasion. Will South Carolina continue its dominance and defend its title? Will UConn add another championship to its storied legacy? Or will Texas or UCLA prove the doubters wrong and claim the national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the 2025 Women’s Final Four will be an unforgettable spectacle.