The Women’s Final Four basketball tournament showcases the best talent in college basketball. This year, the atmosphere in Tampa, Florida was electric as four teams faced off for a chance to compete for the title.
After securing the 2024 national championship, South Carolina Gamecocks entered the Final Four with an impressive season. In the first game, the Gamecocks, took on Texas Longhorns on Friday, April 4th. Both teams had high energy going into the game and both wanted to secure a spot in the next round. The top scorers on the Gamecocks were Te-Hina Paopao with 14 points, and Joyce Edward’s with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. On the Longhorns team, Jordan Lee had a tremendous effort with 16 points and Madison Bookers had 11 points even when in foul trouble.
In the end, South Carolina pulled through with the win, with the score being 74-57. Junior, Hope Kashansky said, “I was confident in the South Carolina team throughout the tournament because of my favorite player, number 21 Chloe Kitts.” The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, have proven once again why they are the team to beat because now they will be advancing to the championship game for the second year in a row.
The University of Connecticut was up against the University of California, Los Angeles on Friday, April 4th. UConn was dominant throughout the game with Sarah Strong leading the team of 22 points and eight rebounds. Azzi Fudd also contributed with 19 points, and Paige Bueckers put up 16 points and she played a big role defensively. UCLA played hard with their star player, Lauren Betts scored 26 points but, in the end, the team struggled, with committing 19 turnovers. UConn out scored UCLA with the score being 85-51 and moving into the champion chip game against the South Carolina gamecocks. Senior Emily Nicklow said, “I had high hopes that UConn would win because their amazing defense.”
On Sunday April 6th, the championship game was held in Amalie Arena. The legendary coaches Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Geno Auriemma (UConn) went head-to-head with their teams. In the start of the game the score was close but by halftime UConn got a lead of 10 and it only got bigger in the second half. UConn players, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong were significant scoring 24 points. It was Paige Bueckers last college game, and she finished strong with 17 points. The final score of the game was 82-59 leading UConn with the win. Freshman, Qantu Ward said, “I was so happy because I’m a big fan of the whole team and how they do things and I’m an especially big fan of Paige Bueckers and I believe they deserved that win.” This became Geno Auriemma’s 12th NCWAA win. The MVP of the game was Azzi Fudd for her outstanding performance.
Teams are looking forward for next season to hopefully be successful.
