The stage is set in Cleveland, Ohio, for the culmination of an electrifying season! The Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament arrives tonight, brimming with captivating storylines.
On one side, the undefeated juggernaut, the South Carolina Gamecocks, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, seeks redemption after last year’s heartbreaking loss. Will they finally claim their long-awaited championship title?
Opposing them are the Cinderella story of the tournament – the NC State Wolfpack. Aziaha James’ lights-out shooting and a relentless team spirit have propelled them to their second-ever Final Four appearance. Can they pull off a historic upset against the seemingly unstoppable Gamecocks?
The other half of the bracket pulsates with a different kind of energy. The mighty UConn Huskies, boasting the indomitable Paige Bueckers, are back with a vengeance, aiming to reclaim their throne after an uncharacteristic early exit last year.
Their path to glory, however, runs through the dynamic Iowa Hawkeyes. Led by the sensational sophomore Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes have captivated audiences with their high-octane offense. Will Clark’s dazzling play continue to propel Iowa, or will UConn’s championship pedigree prevail?
With contrasting styles, passionate players, and coaches with championship aspirations, this Final Four promises an unforgettable weekend of women’s basketball. Buckle up, because these next two nights will be a thrilling display of athleticism, grit, and the pursuit of glory!
Format 2024 Women’s Final Four
The Final Four tips off on Friday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland. No. 1 seeds lowa and South Carolina and No. 3 seeds UConn and Nc State will compete for the national championship. Here are key facts about the Women’s Final Four.
- Two Semi-Final Games: Today, April 5th, features two games:
- Game 1: #1 seed South Carolina faces #3 seed NC State.
- Game 2: #1 seed Iowa takes on #3 seed UConn.
- National Championship: The winners of each semi-final game will advance to the National Championship game on Sunday, April 7th. This is a single game to determine the national champion.
- Seeding: Seeding is based on the team’s performance throughout the season and conference tournaments. Higher seeds get to play lower seeds, offering an advantage.
- No Consolation Bracket: There is no consolation bracket in the Final Four. Teams that lose their semi-final games are eliminated from the tournament.
Who are the top players to watch?
Get ready for an electrifying Final Four showdown, packed with star power that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The highly anticipated clash between Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers is set to be must-watch television, showcasing two of the brightest talents in women’s college basketball.
Clark has solidified her status as a household name, setting records and captivating audiences with her exceptional skills on the court. Her recent performance in Iowa’s victory over LSU in the Elite Eight was nothing short of sensational, as she delivered a jaw-dropping display of scoring, passing, and rebounding, tallying an impressive 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. Throughout the NCAA tournament, Clark has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging an astonishing 32.3 points, 10 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, while maintaining remarkable shooting percentages of 45.7% from the field, 37% from beyond the arc, and 89.3% from the free-throw line.
On the other side, Bueckers has been a standout star since her arrival at UConn, earning accolades and recognition for her exceptional talent. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Bueckers has bounced back stronger than ever, showcasing her prowess as one of the game’s elite players. With career highs in points, rebounds, and steals during the regular season, Bueckers has continued to shine on the big stage of March Madness, averaging an impressive 28 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3.3 steals per game through four tournament matchups.
Adding to the excitement is South Carolina’s formidable presence led by Kamilla Cardoso, whose dominance in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking poses a significant challenge for any opponent. With her imposing 6-foot-7 frame, Cardoso commands attention on both ends of the court, making her a formidable force in the paint. With a wealth of experience, including a national title win in 2022, Cardoso is no stranger to the pressure of the Final Four stage, further elevating the stakes of the competition.
Meanwhile, NC State boasts a well-rounded lineup featuring five players averaging double digits in points during the regular season, with Aziaha James leading the charge. James’ versatility and scoring prowess have been instrumental for NC State’s success, as she continues to deliver standout performances in the tournament, showcasing her ability to light up the scoreboard with efficiency from all areas of the court.
As these elite athletes prepare to battle it out for a shot at glory, the stage is set for an unforgettable Final Four showdown that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on basketball fans everywhere.
How can I watch the Final Four?
NC State faces South Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+
Iowa takes on UConn at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
Coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN with “NCAA Women’s Final Four Special” (Presented by Capital One). “The Bird & Taurasi Show” (Presented by AT&T) will air on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET.
Preview of 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four
The stage is set for the grand finale of the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, as four powerhouse teams prepare to clash in the highly anticipated Final Four showdown. With an electrifying mix of talent, skill, and determination, this year’s tournament has captivated fans across the nation, and the Final Four promises to deliver basketball at its finest.
Matchup 1: Iowa vs. UConn
In the first semifinal matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes will take on the UConn Huskies in what is sure to be a thrilling showdown. All eyes will be on the superstar duel between Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers, two of the most dynamic players in college basketball. Clark, the record-breaking scorer, has been lighting up the tournament with her scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, while Bueckers, a former Player of the Year, has been dazzling audiences with her all-around excellence. Expect sparks to fly as these two titans go head-to-head for a chance to lead their team to the championship game.
Matchup 2: South Carolina vs. NC State
In the second semifinal clash, the South Carolina Gamecocks will square off against the NC State Wolfpack in a battle of two formidable contenders. South Carolina, led by the imposing presence of Kamilla Cardoso, boasts a dominant inside game and suffocating defense that has propelled them to the Final Four once again. Meanwhile, NC State brings a balanced attack and depth, with Aziaha James leading the charge on offense. With both teams hungry for a shot at the title, expect a fierce and closely contested battle as they vie for a spot in the championship game.
Key Storylines
- Star Power: The Final Four features some of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball, from record-setting scorers to dynamic playmakers. The individual matchups between players like Clark and Bueckers will be must-see television and could ultimately determine the outcome of the games.
- Experience vs. Youth: While teams like South Carolina bring championship pedigree and veteran leadership to the table, others like NC State are fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of a younger squad. The clash of experience versus youth adds an intriguing dynamic to the Final Four matchups.
- Championship Aspirations: Each team enters the Final Four with dreams of hoisting the championship trophy, and the intensity and determination on display will be palpable. With a shot at glory within reach, expect nothing less than maximum effort and heart-stopping action from all four teams.
As the excitement builds and anticipation reaches a fever pitch, basketball fans everywhere are gearing up for a Final Four extravaganza that promises to be unforgettable. Who will emerge victorious and punch their ticket to the championship game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four is set to be a showcase of the best that college basketball has to offer.
