Cleveland, Ohio – The UConn women’s basketball team secured their spot in the Final Four after a hard-fought victory over USC at the Elite Eight matchup in Portland. Paige Bueckers, who overcame injuries from her previous season, played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to a 80-73 win. This win marked UConn’s 23rd appearance in the Final Four, with an impressive record of advancing to this stage in three out of the last four years.
Their upcoming opponent in the Final Four will be Iowa, led by standout player Caitlin Clark. Iowa earned their place in the Final Four after defeating LSU in a thrilling game in Albany. The stage is set for an exciting matchup between two powerhouse teams in women’s college basketball.
The first half of the game between UConn and USC was a fierce battle, with USC taking an early lead before being tied up at 33-33 by halftime. JuJu Watkins of USC made history in the first half by becoming the highest-scoring freshman in Division-I history, reaching 899 points for the season. However, UConn managed to fend off USC’s late surge in the third quarter, thanks to a strong offensive performance by Bueckers and her teammates.
Despite some missed opportunities at the free-throw line, UConn maintained their lead to secure a seven-point victory over USC. Bueckers finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her exceptional skill and leadership on the court. Iowa will face their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with UConn in the Final Four, set to take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Overall, the Final Four promises to deliver thrilling matchups and intense competition as the top women’s basketball teams in the country vie for a chance to compete for the national championship title. With talented players like Bueckers, Clark, and Watkins leading their respective teams, fans can expect nothing short of electrifying performances and unforgettable moments on the court. Stay tuned for more exciting basketball action in the upcoming games.