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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. We’ve Got Our Final Four Lineup 🏀
It’s official: this year’s Final Four is all No. 1 seeds. UConn will face South Carolina, and UCLA will take on Texas. It’s the same four teams as last year, just with different matchups. Texas rolled past Michigan 77-41, while South Carolina handled TCU 74-50 to secure their spots. The Final Four tips off Friday in Phoenix, with the championship game on Sunday. (NBC News)
WHY IT MATTERS: For all the chaos and close games earlier in the tournament, the top seeds held steady. This is just the fifth time in tournament history that all No. 1 seeds have made the Final Four. These have been the best teams all season, and now they get to meet on the biggest stage.
🗳️ All No. 1 seeds in the Final Four… how are we feeling?
2. BYU and Columbia Are One Win Away 🏆
BYU edged Kansas 70-67, and Columbia took down Wisconsin 67-50 to set up the WBIT championship game on April 1 at 7 PM ET on ESPN2. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: The WBIT is still new, but it’s considered the second-best tournament after the NCAA Tournament. It brings together teams that were right on the edge of the NCAA Tournament, along with strong mid-majors, so the level of play is high. For programs like BYU and Columbia, this is a chance to finish the season with something meaningful.
3. Dawn Staley Says Money Is Now Leading the Conversation 💬
Recruiting strategies for college coaches have completely changed. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley shared that it’s financial opportunities that have become the top topic in transfer portal recruiting conversations, replacing the emphasis on education, being a part of a storied program, and long-term development. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: NIL has changed how players make decisions. For many, especially in the transfer portal, money is now the most important part of the equation. That puts coaches in a tough spot as they try to build a program while also keeping up with a fast-moving landscape. It also raises questions about how connected players and fans will feel to programs over time.
Keeping Your Priorities Straight
With March post-season college games in full swing, and the WNBA season about to start, priorities are, well… priorities. It’s time to put women’s basketball on the to do list, and we’ve got you covered. And don’t forget to order in time for Mother’s Day, because Moms love hoops!
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OVERTIME ⏱️
All Access: USA Basketball dropped a behind-the-scenes look at the women’s national team during World Cup qualifying prep and games.
Next Up: 42 young athletes are heading to Phoenix for the USA Women’s Junior National Team minicamp from April 3–5.
Jam Session: Tennessee commit Oliviyah Edwards threw it down during the high school Sprite Jam Fest dunk contest.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked whether you're rooting for a favorite team or just great games. 70% of you said you’ve got a team you’re riding with all the way.
