Women’s Final Four Countdown: Caitlin Clark gets another chance vs Ohio State.
In Cleveland, Ohio, the women’s NCAA Tournament will culminate in the Final Four at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 5 and 7.
The last time Cleveland hosted the women’s Final Four was in 2007, witnessing Pat Summitt’s Tennessee triumph over North Carolina, while C. Vivian Stringer’s Rutgers secured victory against LSU in the semifinals. This set the stage for Tennessee’s eventual championship win against Rutgers.
For today’s players, memories of Candace Parker and Tennessee’s championship win might have been formed at a young age. Now, it’s their turn to vie for victory on the path to Cleveland.
Here are some key narratives to watch this week:
1. **Ohio State vs. Iowa Rematch:** Ohio State, ranked second, will face off against Iowa in a highly anticipated rematch. The Buckeyes, on a 14-game winning streak, face a tough challenge at Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The upcoming clash has generated significant excitement, evident in ticket prices, which currently stand at a record-breaking $491 for non-general admission seats. The last encounter between the two teams resulted in an overtime victory for Ohio State, with standout performances from Cotie McMahon and Jacy Sheldon, but Iowa’s Caitlin Clark also impressed with 45 points.
2. **The Rise of Texas:** Under the leadership of Vic Schaefer, Texas has emerged as a formidable opponent. Despite falling short in the Elite Eight in recent years, the Longhorns are back with a vengeance this season. With a balanced scoring approach and tenacious defense, Texas boasts a 26-3 record and sits at third in the AP Top 25. Freshman Madison Booker leads the team in scoring, while guards Shay Holle and Shaylee Gonzales provide solid support. Defensively, Texas poses a significant challenge, exemplified by their recent victory over Kansas State, where they held the opponent to a season-low 54 points.
3. **UConn’s Quest for Redemption:** The Connecticut Huskies, currently ranked 10th, are seeking to reclaim their dominance in the postseason. Despite notable victories over ranked opponents, doubts linger due to losses against formidable foes like UCLA and Texas. However, led by senior stars Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards, the Huskies remain a force to be reckoned with. Bueckers, a redshirt junior guard, has returned to form after battling injuries, showcasing her talent with an average of 20.5 points per game.
4. **Gonzaga’s Ascent:** Gonzaga has emerged as a force in the West Coast Conference, boasting a 28-2 record and a No. 16 ranking. Led by senior forward Yvonne Ejim, who averages 20.1 points per game, Gonzaga’s balanced scoring attack presents a formidable challenge. However, questions remain about their ability to compete against top-tier competition outside their conference, especially after a disappointing early exit in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
As the postseason approaches, these storylines will undoubtedly add intrigue to the women’s college basketball landscape, setting the stage for an exhilarating Final Four in Cleveland.
