Women’s NCAA Tournament: Texas Rises in Power Rankings for Elite Eight Contenders
The 2024 Final Four is drawing closer, and with each passing game, the excitement of college basketball fans grows. The second weekend of the NCAA Tournament showcased some of the best games of March Madness, with star freshmen making their mark and eight teams advancing to the Elite Eight.
Incredibly enticing matchups await in the Elite Eight, featuring teams with clashing styles and systems. On Sunday, South Carolina will take on Oregon State, while NC State will face off against Texas. On Monday evening, LSU will go head-to-head with Iowa, and USC will battle UConn.
As we approach the final weekend of the tournament, it’s time to analyze how the remaining teams stack up against each other.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Responding in Crunch Time
The Gamecocks survived a close call against Indiana, with an uncharacteristic third quarter allowing their opponents to close the gap. However, South Carolina proved their ability to respond in crunch time and redefined the importance of establishing Kamilla Cardoso’s presence on the court. When Cardoso was involved in the offense, the Gamecocks were unstoppable. However, when she didn’t get enough touches, the offense stagnated. South Carolina can’t afford to repeat their subpar performance in the Elite Eight.
Texas Longhorns: Dominating Defense
Texas displayed a dominant performance against Gonzaga, completely shutting down their opponents from start to finish. The Longhorns excelled in one-on-one matchups and applied relentless ball pressure. Even when Gonzaga attempted to generate offense through pick-and-roll plays, Texas quickly shut them down. What stood out was the strong performance from Texas’ supporting cast, with multiple players scoring in double figures and contributing assists. The Longhorns’ upcoming matchup against NC State will be a fascinating clash of philosophies.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Caitlin Clark’s Brilliance
The Hawkeyes secured a fantastic win over Colorado, thanks in large part to the brilliance of star guard Caitlin Clark. Clark recorded 15 assists and made every decision count. Her aggressive and fast-paced play kept Iowa on top, and her ability to create easy baskets for her teammates was crucial. Iowa’s offensive strength lies in playing at their own pace, and it will be interesting to see how they handle LSU, a dominant transition team.
USC Trojans: Finding a Way to Win
The Trojans earned their first trip to the Elite Eight since 1994 by finding a way to win against Baylor. Despite struggling to hit shots, USC relied on their strong defensive backbone and showcased their prowess in the paint. The defensive efforts of JuJu Watkins, Rayah Marshall, and Kaitlyn Davis were key to their victory. However, USC will need to improve their efficiency if they hope to make it to the Final Four. Their matchup against UConn is one of the most intriguing of the Elite Eight.
Oregon State Beavers: Dominance in the Frontcourt
Oregon State’s frontcourt was instrumental in their journey to the Elite Eight. Raegan Beers and Timea Gardiner dominated the interior, combining for impressive scoring and rebounding numbers. The Beavers’ remarkable shooting efficiency allowed them to overcome turnovers and secure a spot in the Elite Eight. Their upcoming matchup against top-seeded South Carolina will test their versatility and provide an exciting showdown.
LSU Lady Tigers: Rising Star Power
The Tigers pulled off a tight win against UCLA, with Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson shining bright. Reese showcased her skills in transition and pick-and-roll defense, while Johnson proved to be an absolute star with her length and quickness. Johnson’s offensive prowess, combined with her defensive tenacity, made a significant impact on the game. LSU will face a tough challenge against Iowa in the Elite Eight.
Connecticut Huskies: Controlling the Game
UConn largely controlled their matchup against Duke, forcing turnovers and limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Freshman guard KK Arnold played a crucial role with her defensive contributions, while Paige Bueckers displayed her scoring ability and lockdown defense. Aaliyah Edwards’ defensive efforts were also pivotal in holding Duke to just 20 points in the paint. The Huskies’ strong defensive performance propelled them to the Elite Eight.
North Carolina State Wolfpack: Seasoned Guard Play
The Wolfpack’s deep tournament run can be attributed to their seasoned guard play. NC State effectively kept Stanford’s guards out of the paint, making it difficult for them to generate offense. Aziaha James continued her impressive performance, averaging over 20 points per game since the start of the ACC tournament. The Wolfpack’s upcoming matchup against Texas will test their ability to handle pressure.
As we approach the Elite Eight, the remaining teams are ready to battle it out for a spot in the Final Four. Each team brings unique strengths and strategies, making for thrilling matchups. Stay tuned for more exciting action in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
Note: This article is part of the Bracket Central Series, providing analysis and insights during the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence, and partners have no control or input into the reporting or editing process.