The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament has reached an exciting milestone: the Final Four features all four No. 1 seeds. Texas and South Carolina secured their spots after defeating Michigan and TCU, respectively. They will join UConn and UCLA this Friday in Phoenix.
This marks the fifth time in history that all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four, previously occurring in 1989, 2012, 2015, and 2018. Interestingly, it’s the second instance of the same four programs making back-to-back appearances, with the first being in 1995 and 1996.
Texas will play UCLA, while South Carolina faces UConn in a repeat of last year’s championship game.
The scores from March 30 were:
- No. 1 Texas 77, No. 2 Michigan 41
- No. 1 South Carolina 78, No. 3 TCU 52
Texas was on fire at the start, making their first nine shots to gain an early lead. Their defense, however, was what really shined. Michigan struggled mightily, scoring just 41 points, their lowest since 2020. They shot a mere 23% from the field and turned the ball over 15 times. Rori Harmon, a standout for Texas, emphasized the team’s defensive effort, noting, “Our defense just gets us going.”
In contrast, South Carolina initially faced a challenge, falling behind TCU early. But All-American Joyce Edwards quickly turned the tide with six fast points, finishing the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds. This was her 22nd game scoring 20 points or more this season, tying a program record.
In recent trends, social media has been buzzing about the dominance of the top seeds, with many fans celebrating their performances and speculating on potential matchups. Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that viewership for women’s sports, especially basketball, has surged over the past several years, reflecting a growing appreciation for the game. In 2022, viewership for women’s NCAA games increased by 89% compared to the previous year.
As teams gear up for the Final Four, skill, strategy, and heart will be on full display. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of titans, ready to witness history in the making.
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