The collegiate women's basketball scene is buzzing as the NCAA Tournament enters its exhilarating Elite Eight phase, with teams vying for highly coveted spots in the Final Four. Experts have meticulously analyzed each upcoming game, offering their insights and predictions on whether the top-seeded teams will continue their dominant run or if unexpected upsets will redefine the tournament's narrative.
Elite Eight Showdowns Set to Electrify
In a highly anticipated clash in Fort Worth on a bright Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, the formidable No. 1 seed UConn faced off against the resilient No. 6 Notre Dame. Their previous encounter in January saw UConn decisively claim victory with an 85-47 score. UConn, the tournament's overall top seed, boasts an impressive 53-game winning streak. Despite a somewhat measured start to their offense in the Sweet Sixteen, no team has managed to come within 20 points of the Huskies in the postseason. Notre Dame's coach, Niele Ivey, acknowledged UConn's potent ability to overwhelm opponents from the outset, emphasizing the need for unwavering confidence throughout the 40-minute game.
However, the Notre Dame squad stepping onto the court is vastly different from the one UConn faced two months prior. Their confidence has surged, particularly since senior guard KK Bransford's return in February, sparking an 11-2 run for the Irish. This season, with nine new players integrating into the team, their chemistry has remarkably evolved. While UConn's dominance might seem absolute, Hannah Hidalgo, fresh off a near quadruple-double in the Sweet Sixteen, approached this game with fearless determination. Having experienced UConn's commanding play earlier in the season, Hidalgo and her teammates were well-prepared to counter their aggressive style.
Later that Sunday, at 3 p.m. ET, the Sacramento bracket featured a compelling matchup between No. 1 UCLA and No. 3 Duke. Duke entered this game propelled by the electrifying victory over LSU, where a buzzer-beating three-pointer sealed an 87-85 win, marking a significant triumph in coach Kara Lawson's tenure. The Blue Devils, playing their most confident basketball and peaking at an opportune moment, have shown remarkable dominance throughout the postseason.
Yet, they confronted the formidable challenge of top-seeded UCLA, a team that had previously defeated them 89-59 in November. A crucial factor in this rematch was the absence of UCLA's star center, Lauren Betts, in their earlier encounter. Betts, a dominant force, presented a significant challenge for Duke's post players, who also had to contend with guard Kiki Rice. Betts showcased her all-around game with 16 points, five blocks, and five rebounds against Minnesota in the Sweet 16, while Rice contributed 21 points. UCLA coach Cori Close highlighted Rice's significant defensive improvements this season. Close also praised Duke's cohesive teamwork, acknowledging that both teams had transformed considerably since their November game. UCLA sought a second consecutive Final Four appearance, while Duke aimed for its first since 2006.
On Monday evening, at 7 p.m. ET, Fort Worth hosted another thrilling contest between No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Michigan. These teams had only met once before, in the 2018 Gulf Coast Showcase, where Texas emerged victorious with a 69-52 scoreline. This time, the stakes were considerably higher: a win for top-seeded Texas would secure their second straight Final Four berth, while Michigan sought its inaugural Final Four appearance.
For Michigan to overcome the favored Longhorns, playing in their home state, their three-point shooting would be critical. Michigan averaged 34 percent from beyond the arc, though they hit slightly below that mark against Louisville. Given their size disadvantage, finding ways to score from the perimeter was essential. The battle between Michigan's press defense and Texas' guards, particularly senior point guard Rori Harmon, loomed as a potential game-changer. Michigan had forced 18 turnovers against Louisville, but Texas averaged only 11.9 turnovers per game. If Michigan couldn't create turnovers, stopping the high-scoring Longhorns, who averaged 85.4 points per game, would prove challenging.
Finally, at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Sacramento witnessed a showdown between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 3 TCU. South Carolina made its sixth consecutive Elite Eight appearance, a streak that had always culminated in a Final Four spot. TCU, reaching the Elite Eight for the second time, aimed to advance further than ever before in the NCAA Tournament. South Carolina, a seasoned veteran in this stage, entered as the overwhelming favorite. Despite some transfers, like Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot, being new to this deep stage of March Madness, the roster's extensive experience and the coaching staff's expertise provided a significant advantage.
Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk aptly noted that facing the Gamecocks means confronting not just the current team but the rich history of South Carolina basketball. This year's Gamecocks were exceptional, ranking fourth nationally in offensive rating and third in defensive rating, according to CBB Analytics. Their collective strength was evident, with five starters averaging double-digit scoring and six players averaging at least one steal per game. Individually, Raven Johnson, Joyce Edwards, and Okot excelled, ranking in the 99th percentile for assists, points, and rebounds, respectively.
TCU also boasted an impressive offense (15th nationally) and defense (sixth) and possessed the physical length to disrupt opposing teams. Their defense, a weakness against South Carolina last season, had significantly improved in 2025-26, largely due to their enhanced overall size. Olivia Miles, a pick-and-roll maestro, posed a unique challenge to defenses with her precise reads out of ball screens. While these windows might be tighter against the Gamecocks, South Carolina had yet to encounter a point guard with her distinctive flair. Despite their vastly different historical successes, the presence of numerous veterans on both sides promised an intriguing clash, assuming South Carolina didn't turn the game into an early rout as they had against the Sooners.
The Elite Eight of the women's NCAA Tournament promises a series of captivating contests as collegiate powerhouses battle for supremacy and a chance to compete in the coveted Final Four. These games highlight the dedication, strategic prowess, and burgeoning talent within women's basketball, making each matchup a must-watch event for fans and a pivotal moment for the competing athletes.
