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.

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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