Women’s Final Four Set for April 3 in Phoenix

With the slots for the women’s Final Four now locked in, teams are gearing up to clash in Phoenix on Friday, April 3, all in hopes of advancing to the 2026 National Championship Game. Interestingly, all remaining teams this year are No. 1 seeds. The last time this occurred was during the 2018 NCAA Tournament when Notre Dame emerged victorious.

The first semifinal features UConn facing off against South Carolina, with the game starting at 7 p.m. ET. Later, UCLA will take on Texas at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both games will be shown on ESPN.

South Carolina is aiming to turn the tables after a tough 82-59 loss to UConn in last year’s national championship game in Tampa, Florida.

While these teams have gone head-to-head several times in the regular season, this match marks the first meeting of the season between South Carolina and UConn.

Fifth-year defender Raven Johnson reflected on the distinct feel of this year’s squad as compared to last year’s championship game. He shared some fond but bittersweet memories from that experience.

“Honestly, all I remember is losing by 20 points,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some new players this time, and this will be their first Final Four. Coach Staley and the rest of the coaching staff are zeroing in on what’s essential and getting us ready for key moments.”

South Carolina will have the challenge of facing two Player of the Year finalists—Sarah Strong and Azee Fudd.

“When you think of UConn, you think of their rich history. It’s hard to quantify their championships,” Johnson stated. “And I find inspiration in athletes like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, as well as the young talent in Sarah Strong.”

This season, Fudd and Strong have combined for an impressive 1,352 points. For South Carolina to succeed Friday night, they’ll need to manage the talent of the College Con. That said, the Huskies possess depth and have shown strong performances throughout the NCAA Tournament. Freshman forward Blanca Quiñones has emerged as a postseason asset, scoring in double figures in every game so far. The big question for South Carolina is how to contain UConn’s star players while preventing others from stepping up significantly.

As Johnson noted, the Huskies will contend with a different team this year. Fudd echoed this idea, commenting on the improved dynamics and performance of South Carolina.

“This South Carolina team has real talent. They are clicking not just individually, but also as a cohesive unit,” Fudd remarked. “Their transition game is impressive—they’re playing more confidently. It’s going to be a tough matchup.”

A key factor for South Carolina is the addition of senior guard Tanya Latson, who transferred from Florida State last season.

“Latson is a very skilled guard, quite difficult to defend,” Fudd commented. “She does a little bit of everything, which really opens up their game and complicates our defensive strategy. She presents us with a lot to contend with.”

In general, South Carolina boasts a balanced attack, with at least five players scoring in double digits this season. They also hold a height advantage over the Huskies, making rebounding and avoiding foul trouble crucial for their chances.

“This South Carolina team is different from the one we faced last year,” UW head coach Geno Auriemma noted. “Our past wins bear no weight going into Friday… They’ve brought in key components that strengthen their team. It’s quite challenging to prepare against a squad that’s improved both in size and shooting efficiency.”

Historically, UConn leads the rivalry with an 11-5 record. Still, South Carolina comes with depth and talent, promising an intriguing match.

Texas, making its second consecutive Final Four appearance, is seeking a different outcome this year after falling to South Carolina during last season’s semifinals.

The Longhorns previously defeated UCLA 76-65 back in November, managing to control star player Lauren Betts.

Since a loss to Vanderbilt on February 12, Texas has secured 12 consecutive wins. Star players Madison Booker and Rory Harmon emphasized the importance of preparation during their media day, especially regarding how to limit Betts’s impact, a key focus for all teams facing UCLA.

“We’ve discussed the need to guard her even 30 feet away from the basket, emphasizing team defense instead of relying solely on individual matchups,” Harmon stated.

To counter Betts, Texas will lean on center Kyla Oldacre and forward Breya Cunningham to disrupt her play. They’ll also have to remain smart to avoid foul issues.

“It’s not just about Betts. UCLA has a great overall roster, which is what makes them a tough competitor and a No. 1 seed. The pressure needs to be on their guards to increase our chances of success,” Harmon noted. “They’re strong offensively, while our defense has been solid. So, it’s really about applying pressure on their attack.”

Harmon and teammates discussed how they’ve shifted their mindset compared to last season, aiming to be more prepared for crucial moments.

“This time of year, the focus is on building team energy and ensuring everyone is engaged,” Booker shared, laughing. “I think we’re feeling hot and energetic this year.”

UCLA knows well the disappointment of narrowly missing a shot at the national championship, having lost 85-51 to eventual champion UConn last year.

“I believe what we experienced last year has been a motivating force for us throughout the season,” senior guard Gabriela Jaquez expressed. “This experience is shaping us, making it feel quite different this time around. I’m more calm and ready for what lies ahead.”

As for Betts, she’ll be aiming for a stronger performance, having been limited to eight points and seven rebounds during their previous matchup against Texas.

“Looking back at the film, I think we just need to create better opportunities to get the ball,” Betts reflected. “It’s a team effort against Texas; it’s not just one person’s job. We all have to be involved.”

One thing is clear: the game’s caliber and athleticism on Friday night in Arizona will be at an exceptionally high level. With the growth of the sport and rising viewership, this 2026 Final Four could become a historic and memorable event for various reasons.