Women's Final Four 2024: Can NC State, UConn or Iowa give South Carolina its first loss?

Women’s Final Four 2024: In-depth Analysis of the Contenders

The Women’s Final Four 2024 is shaping up to be a historic event, featuring four teams each with unique strengths, key players, and pathways to victory. Here’s a closer look at what each team brings to the table and what fans can expect as the tournament heads to Cleveland.

Women's Final Four 2024 Can NC State UConn or Iowa give South Carolina its first loss — Women’s Final Four 2024 Can NC State UConn or Iowa give South Carolina its first loss

South Carolina Gamecocks: Unbeaten Titans on a Historic Quest

Record and Seed: No. 1 Seed | Albany Regional

Path to the Final Four:

Round of 64: Defeated No. 16 Presbyterian 91-39
Round of 32: Defeated No. 8 North Carolina 88-41
Sweet 16: Defeated No. 4 Indiana 79-75
Elite Eight: Defeated No. 3 Oregon State 70-58

Why They’re Exciting: The Gamecocks are on the brink of completing an undefeated season, a feat last accomplished by the 2016 UConn Huskies. With a defense that smothers opponents and a balanced offensive attack, they’re the team to beat.

Key Player: Kamilla Cardoso (14.1 PPG, 2.5 blocks per game) – Her presence in the paint is unmatched, making her a cornerstone of both the defense and the offense.

Biggest Challenge: Maintaining composure and closing out games has been a recent concern, especially in high-pressure situations.

Winning Formula: Lean on their depth, defensive prowess, and Cardoso’s dominance inside. With the ability to shoot well from beyond the arc (39.4% as a team), they can stretch any defense they face.

NC State Wolfpack: The Dark Horse with a Deadly Perimeter Game

Record and Seed: No. 3 Seed | Portland Regional

Path to the Final Four:

Round of 64: Defeated No. 14 Chattanooga 64-45
Round of 32: Defeated No. 6 Tennessee 79-72
Sweet 16: Defeated No. 2 Stanford 77-67
Elite Eight: Defeated No. 1 Texas 76-66

Why They’re Exciting: NC State has emerged as a formidable force, boasting a guard-driven offense that has outplayed higher-seeded teams with precise perimeter shooting.

Key Player: Aziaha James (24.3 PPG in the NCAA tournament) – James has elevated her game when it matters most, becoming the scoring leader NC State needs.

Biggest Challenge: Facing South Carolina’s depth and height will test NC State’s reliance on perimeter shooting and limited bench depth.

Winning Formula: Continue to excel from three-point range and utilize James’s hot hand, while hoping the defensive effort can counter South Carolina’s size advantage.

UConn Huskies: The Legacy Program Aiming for Redemption

Record and Seed: No. 3 Seed | Seattle Regional

Path to the Final Four:

Round of 64: Defeated No. 14 Jackson State 86-64
Round of 32: Defeated No. 6 Syracuse 72-64
Sweet 16: Defeated No. 7 Duke 53-45
Elite Eight: Defeated No. 1 USC

Why They’re Exciting: UConn’s return to the Final Four is a testament to their enduring excellence. Paige Bueckers’s comeback season has been nothing short of inspirational, leading the Huskies with her scoring and playmaking.

Key Player: Paige Bueckers (22.3 PPG, 5.2 rebounds in the tournament) – Her ability to take over games is a critical asset for UConn.

Biggest Challenge: The Huskies’ limited rotation could be their Achilles’ heel, especially if the game becomes a battle of attrition.

Winning Formula: Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards must continue to dominate, and the team needs to manage its bench effectively to keep its stars fresh and out of foul trouble.

Iowa Hawkeyes: Offensive Juggernaut Led by a Collegiate Legend

Record and Seed: No. 1 Seed | Greenville Regional

Path to the Final Four:

Round of 64: Defeated No. 16 Holy Cross 91-65
Round of 32: Defeated No. 8 West Virginia 64-54
Sweet 16: Defeated No. 5 Colorado 89-68
Elite Eight: Defeated No. 3 LSU 94-87

Why They’re Exciting: Iowa’s offense, powered by Caitlin Clark, is a spectacle. Clark’s record-breaking performances have made the Hawkeyes a must-watch team.

Key Player: Caitlin Clark (29.3 PPG in the NCAA tournament) – Her

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