The Elite Eight tips off today, and teams now have their chance to punch their ticket to Phoenix for the Final Four, one step closer to a national championship. With the field down to eight, every possession matters and the margin for error is as small as it gets. Here’s how the matchups break down.
Regional 1 – Fort Worth
Notre Dame (6) vs UConn (1): The history between the Irish and Huskies is rich, and today adds another chapter to the rivalry. The two met back in January in a game where UConn dominated. Since then, Notre Dame has looked like a different team, knocking off Ohio State (3) and Vanderbilt (2) to reach this stage. Beating an undefeated UConn team is a tall task, but with Hannah Hidalgo (25.3 PPG) leading the way, Notre Dame has a chance. Slowing down Sarah Strong (18.5 PPG) and Azzi Fudd (17.6 PPG) will be key, though no team has managed to do it consistently this season.
Regional 2 – Sacramento
Duke (3) vs UCLA (1): This is a rematch from November’s Players Era Championship, but this time a Final Four spot is on the line. Duke looks nothing like the team from earlier in the season. After six early losses, they found their rhythm in ACC play and went on to win the conference tournament. Their toughness showed again in a win over LSU to get here. UCLA, meanwhile, has been close to perfect with just one loss all season. After falling short in last year’s Final Four, the Bruins are playing with purpose. While the focus will be on Lauren Betts (17.1 PPG) and Toby Fournier (17.5 PPG), the supporting cast will likely decide who’s heading to Phoenix.
Regional 3 – Fort Worth
Michigan (2) vs Texas (1): Michigan bounced back from a slow start to defeat Louisville and advance to face a Texas team that has controlled most of its matchups this season. Both teams rely on depth, but in different ways. Michigan is driven by its sophomore class, while Texas brings experience and motivation after falling short in last year’s Final Four. For Michigan, Olivia Olsen (19.2 PPG) and Syla Swords (14.8 PPG) will need to set the tone early. Texas will lean on Madison Booker (19.3 PPG) and Rori Harmon (6.2 APG), who has led the offense all season. Against a defense like Texas, execution will be everything.
Regional 4 – Sacramento
TCU (3) vs South Carolina (1): South Carolina handled Oklahoma in a regular-season rematch to advance, while TCU used a strong third quarter to pull away from Cinderella Virginia. South Carolina showed its depth again, even with Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot held in check. Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, and Tessa Johnson combined for 60 points in the win. For TCU, Olivia Miles (19.6 PPG) and Marta Suarez (17.3 PPG) have continued to carry the load. TCU will need to limit turnovers and stay composed, especially with limited depth. South Carolina has relied on its experience and depth all season, and it showed in the Sweet 16. The point guard matchup will be one to watch, featuring two potential first-round WNBA Draft picks in Raven Johnson and Olivia Miles.
