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Live from Tampa, Fla. — As South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley leads her team back to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive year, she’s quick to credit her entire staff, not just herself or the players, for the program’s sustained success.

The No. 1-seeded Gamecocks have been a dominant force in women’s college basketball, advancing to the Final Four after defeating Duke. Now, they’re set to face Texas, another No. 1 seed, for a chance at the national championship.

While much of the attention is rightfully on Staley and her players, the head coach made sure to shine a spotlight on Jacob Huden, the program’s director of basketball video services. Staley spoke highly of Huden’s behind-the-scenes contributions, saying, “I don’t know how he does it. He gives us anything that we need. Remotely, physically, I don’t think he gets enough credit for organizing us. He’s up all times of the night. He just really does all the little things. He sacrifices his time for us. He’ll be over here getting videos of all the (other tournament) games while we’re at practice.”

Jacob Huden has been a key part of the program since 2011, playing a vital role in helping Staley and her coaching staff prepare for crucial games, especially in the tournament.

This collaboration goes beyond just South Carolina. Staley has relied on Huden’s expertise during her time coaching the USA national team, where his video work contributed to the team’s success, helping them earn gold medals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, the 2019, 2021 FIBA AmeriCup, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As the Gamecocks continue their championship quest, Staley made sure to recognize Huden’s unwavering dedication and support, proving that every piece of the puzzle is crucial to their continued success.

More news……

When Did South Carolina Last Lose a Tournament Game? Dawn Staley’s Streak at risk

South Carolina has secured its fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four after narrowly edging past Duke to claim the Birmingham Regional 2 title!

At this point, for Gamecocks fans, it’s becoming a familiar sensation. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s women’s basketball program has solidified its place as a powerhouse. This marks the defending NCAA tournament champions’ seventh trip to the national semifinal since Staley took the helm in 2008.

But don’t let the dominance fool you — Duke put up an intense fight in the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils even held a four-point lead heading into the final quarter, thanks to a stellar performance from freshman forward Toby Fournier, who almost pushed Staley and her squad to face a rare March setback.

When did South Carolina last lose in March Madness?

Speaking of rare losses, the last time South Carolina was defeated in March Madness was on March 31, 2023, at the hands of an Iowa team led by Caitlin Clark, a two-time AP Player of the Year and current WNBA standout. The Gamecocks fell short in a tough 77-73 loss. Since then, however, South Carolina has strung together 10 straight March Madness victories, with a major revenge win over Iowa the very next season, clinching the 2024 championship in an 87-75 victory.

Despite Staley’s impressive run, South Carolina’s sustained success isn’t entirely unprecedented. UConn dominated the tournament from 2013 to 2017, winning 24 consecutive games and securing the first four-peat in women’s basketball history. The Huskies have also captured multiple back-to-back titles, so the Gamecocks still have some catching up to do.

However, the inevitable happens — the mighty will fall. It’s rare, but it happens. UConn experienced this on the men’s side this year, with Dan Hurley’s decorated team being knocked out in the Round of 32 by Florida.

Live from Tampa, Fla. — The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team will square off against the Texas Longhorns for the fourth and final time this NCAA season on April 4, as both teams battle it out in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Currently, the Gamecocks hold a 2-1 advantage over the Longhorns, with their latest victory being a dominant win in the SEC Conference Tournament championship game. However, with the stakes higher than ever in the Final Four, past results are out the window, and both teams are set to give their all on the grandest stage of college basketball.

One player who has been pivotal to South Carolina’s postseason success is Chloe Kitts, arguably the team’s most consistent performer. Kitts earned MVP honors at the SEC Tournament, averaging 16.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the competition, helping her team secure the title.

Speaking to the media on April 3, Kitts shared a light-hearted moment about the overwhelming number of ticket requests she’s received for the Final Four. When asked about the situation, she laughed and responded, “A lot of people,” referencing her ticket requests, as reported by Matt Dowell of WACH Fox.

Kitts, hailing from Oviedo, Florida, just two hours from Tampa, added, “But I only get six tickets, so they have to find their own,” eliciting a few chuckles from reporters.

It seems many of Kitts’ fans from her hometown will have to settle for watching her play from home as she heads into the most significant game of her career so far.

More news…..

South Carolina secures commitment from standout transfer guard Treysen Eaglestaff

In breaking news, Treysen Eaglestaff, the standout transfer from North Dakota, has officially committed to South Carolina, according to his agent, George Langberg, who spoke with On3.

Standing at 6-foot-6, the junior from Bismarck, North Dakota, visited the Gamecocks just this past weekend. Eaglestaff ultimately chose Lamont Paris and his coaching staff over a list of high-profile programs, including Kansas, Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Iowa.

Eaglestaff had an impressive season, ranking among the nation’s top scorers. He averaged 18.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Notably, he dropped a stunning 40 points against Alabama back in December and followed that up with a jaw-dropping 51-point performance against South Dakota State earlier this month.

This commitment is a major win for South Carolina, injecting new optimism into Columbia for the upcoming season. The Gamecocks, who finished at the bottom of the SEC standings this year with a 2-16 conference record, will surely hope that Eaglestaff’s talent can help turn things around.

For the latest updates on the transfer portal and player moves, be sure to follow On3’s Transfer Portal Wire and stay connected with their Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Live from Tampa, Fla. — Dawn Staley is making her seventh appearance at the Final Four, a remarkable achievement, but one that still leaves her with a steep climb compared to other women’s basketball legends.

On Friday, Staley’s No. 1 seed Gamecocks (34-3) will face No. 1 seed Texas (35-5) at 7 p.m. ET in Amalie Arena. It’s a venue where Staley first reached the Final Four with South Carolina a decade ago.

This season marks an impressive streak of five consecutive Final Fours for the Gamecocks. In 2017, Staley led the team to its first-ever national title, and now, they are looking to defend their championship from last season, when they finished a perfect 38-0. South Carolina also took the title in 2022.

Despite her success, Staley still has a long way to go to top the all-time list for most Final Four appearances. Currently, she ranks sixth among women’s college basketball coaches with seven appearances, but to reach the top, she would need to make 17 more to surpass UConn’s Geno Auriemma, who holds the record with 24.

Here’s how Staley compares to the top coaches with the most Final Four appearances:

1. Geno Auriemma (UConn) – 24
2. Pat Summitt (Tennessee) – 18
3. Tara VanDerveer (Stanford) – 15
4. Muffet McGraw (Notre Dame) – 9
5. Leon Barmore (Louisiana Tech) – 9
6. Dawn Staley – 7
7. Jeff Walz (Louisville) – 4
8. Gail Goestenkors (Duke) – 4
9. C. Vivian Stringer (Rutgers/Iowa/Cheyney State) – 4
   … and 11 coaches with three appearances.

When it comes to active SEC coaches, Staley holds the top spot for the most Final Four appearances. Kim Mulkey of LSU has four, while Vic Schaefer is making his third appearance, this time with Texas.

As for national championships, Staley ranks near the top with three titles, but still trails Auriemma (11 championships) and Summitt (8 championships).

Stay tuned as Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks aim to defend their crown and continue their dominant run in women’s basketball.

Live from Birmingham, Ala. – South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley took a moment before Sunday’s Sweet 16 trophy presentation to express her gratitude for a key part of the Gamecocks’ home court experience: the Carolina Basketball Band.

Staley, whose team had just secured a spot in their fifth consecutive Final Four after eliminating No. 2 Duke, made sure to visit the band and its director, Quintus F. Wrighten Jr., a former South Carolina band member himself. As confetti rained down on the court, Staley embraced Wrighten and moved down the barricades, shaking hands with several band members and even taking a photo with them.

“I just want them to feel a part of it,” Staley shared, emphasizing the integral role the band plays in creating the game day atmosphere. “They really are a part of the atmosphere that’s created in the gym. They are injecting energy.”

Quintus F. Wrighten Jr. reflected on Staley’s consistent appreciation throughout the season. “She expresses her appreciation throughout the entire season,” Wrighten said, adding that the moment felt even more special this time around.

Wrighten has a personal connection to both the team and the band. As a senior trumpet player at South Carolina two decades ago, he was part of the band when the Gamecocks made two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a spot in the Elite Eight in 2002. He noted the difference in support for the band between then and now. “There’s always been support for sure,” Wrighten said, but Staley’s vocal and overt recognition stands out. “Coach Staley’s support is so overt and so vocal and that’s wonderful.”

The band’s role goes beyond just playing music. They maintain an unwavering presence, creating a rhythm that helps the players stay focused no matter the circumstances. “They’re playing their songs no matter what we’re doing, no matter how locked in we are,” Staley said, acknowledging their importance in maintaining the energy of the game. “It feels familiar, so when they’re able to give us (that), you can lock in to what needs to happen on the floor.”

The Carolina Basketball Band has also become known for their energetic chants, especially during moments of tension. At the Sweet 16, the band led the crowd in chants like “Walk! You walked! Cheater! You cheated! Respect the game! Respect It!” whenever an opponent was called for a travel violation. Wrighten reflected on how the band’s cheers have evolved, mentioning the iconic “Walk! You walked!” as his favorite.

They also kept the crowd informed about fouls, often outshouting the public address announcer, and loudly cheered “1, 2, 3, 4, 5! You’re gone! Bye, bye!” whenever a player reached five fouls, including two Maryland Terrapins in the Sweet 16.

Wrighten noted the growth of both the team and the fan support during his time with the band. “When I was in the band and playing in Colonial Life Arena, we didn’t have the crowd following for the team that we do now,” he said. The current appreciation for the band is a testament to how far the program has come under Staley’s leadership.

Looking ahead, both the band and Staley are preparing for the next big step: the Final Four in Tampa. “Some of them have been with us over the past four years,” Staley said, acknowledging the loyalty of the band members. “So they’re going to their fourth Final Four.”

The Gamecocks will take on Texas in the Final Four on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN or stream it via Fubo.

Stay tuned for more updates on the South Carolina women’s basketball team as they head toward their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance.

 

TAMPA, Fla. — The excitement is building as thousands of basketball fans make their way to Tampa for this week’s Women’s Final Four. The defending national champions, South Carolina (34-3), will face off against Texas (35-3), while UCLA (34-2) will take on UConn (35-3) in the highly anticipated semifinals, set to tip off Friday at Amalie Arena.

This marks the fourth time Tampa has hosted the prestigious event, the first since 2019. Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which is responsible for bringing major sporting events to the area, highlighted the importance of the event for the community: “The NCAA Women’s Final Four has been a phenomenal event for our community.”

Tampa has long been a hub for major sporting events, including five Super Bowls, five Stanley Cup Finals, and a College Football Playoff National Championship. The city is no stranger to hosting significant occasions, and crowning a national champion in women’s basketball is always a highlight.

Reflecting on the city’s past experience hosting the Final Four, Higgins added, “We had the great fortune of hosting our first women’s Final Four in 2008, and we were amazed by the event back then, in terms of the following, as well as the stage that it puts our community on.” He continued, “Every time we’ve hosted since, whether in 2015 or 2019, the buzz has increased exponentially.”

Michael Kelly, athletics director at the University of South Florida (USF), expressed his pride in the event’s return to Tampa, saying, “We’re honored that it’s the fourth time that the Final Four has returned here. The city, particularly the downtown part of Tampa, continues to grow and get better and better, which makes for much better fan experience and student-athlete experience.”

The event also brings substantial economic benefits to the community. In 2019, the Final Four attracted 16,300 hotel room nights. This year, that figure is expected to exceed 23,000, with the semifinals and championship game bringing sellout crowds of over 40,000. The city is bracing for a surge of at least 40,000 visitors, which could result in an economic impact of up to $25 million.

“There’s no doubt that the sport of women’s basketball is on a roll right now,” said Higgins. “It’s experienced unparalleled growth over these recent years. There’s no doubt that once the teams and visitors land here, it will be even more palpable in terms of the rush and the excitement around all the different festivities.”

Beyond the basketball action, the event is creating a buzz with community initiatives. Programs like Read to the Final Four and the Legacy Court beautification project at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park help extend the event’s reach and impact.

Kelly also noted that the development of Tampa’s Riverwalk has played a key role in making the city even more attractive for events like the Final Four. “The Riverwalk connects all kinds of fan interaction places and creates a walkable championship campus. We think it creates an awesome footprint for an event like this,” he said.

Although the Final Four will be hosted through the 2031 season, Tampa is eager to welcome the event back again in the future. Higgins concluded, “It’s an event that’s been near and dear to our heart, and there’s no doubt that we would love to be able to have it back sooner rather than later. At this point, we want to make sure everything goes well, and then, hopefully, the future will take care of itself.”

Women’s Final Four Semifinals at Amalie Arena in Tampa:

• Friday:
  • South Carolina vs. Texas, 7:00 PM
  • UCLA vs. UConn, 9:30 PM

  TV: ESPN

• Sunday:
  • Championship Game at 3:00 PM

  TV: ABC

TAMPA, Fla. – As the NCAA Tournament reaches its final weekend, three of the four No. 1 seeds remain standing: UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas. The surprising exception is UConn, a No. 2 seed that certainly shouldn’t be considered an underdog.

Under the guidance of Geno Auriemma, who has led the Huskies to 11 national championships, the team has a powerful incentive to capture another title before Paige Bueckers concludes her storied college career. UConn’s consistent presence in the Final Four – this marks their 16th appearance in the last 17 years – proves they are still a formidable force.

Here’s a look at the teams still vying for the crown, with rankings and key insights:

1. UConn
While UConn started the season with some inconsistencies, particularly in the frontcourt, they have found their rhythm as one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. A pivotal moment came on February 16, when they triumphed over South Carolina 87-58, showcasing their aggressive style and potential.

Paige Bueckers, chasing her first national championship in her final college season, has been on fire, averaging 20 points per game, and in her last three outings, that number skyrocketed to 35 points per game, while shooting an impressive 59.1% from the field and 61.9% from beyond the arc.

But it’s not just Bueckers. Freshman Sarah Strong and senior Azzi Fudd add depth, with Fudd, despite a tough Elite Eight performance, having previously dominated with a 27-point game against Arkansas State. Players like Kaitlin Chen and KK Arnold also provide key contributions, making UConn a formidable threat.

2. UCLA
As the top overall seed in the tournament, UCLA has had a historic season, with only one loss to their LA rivals, USC, though they avenged that defeat in the Big Ten Championship. Motivated and determined, UCLA dispatched a tough LSU team in the Elite Eight.

With towering players like Lauren Betts, who has been dominant in the paint, averaging 23 points and 9.3 rebounds during tournament play, UCLA has one of the nation’s best rebounding teams. Alongside her, Kiki Rice (the second-leading scorer) and Gabriela Jaquez (a rising leader, who shone with 18 points in the win over LSU) add depth to the roster.

3. South Carolina
South Carolina stands out for its lack of a single dominant scorer, making them an unpredictable force. The Gamecocks’ bench, which averages 40 points per game – the highest in the nation – plays a major role in their success. Players like Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley (known for her highlight-reel plays) are crucial contributors, while starters like Chloe Kitts and Te-Hina Paopao provide stability.

However, South Carolina has shown vulnerability at times, struggling with their offense, such as in their Elite Eight win over Duke, where they scored just 54 points. Even in their Sweet 16 victory over Maryland, their shooting was subpar at under 40% from the field.

4. Texas
Texas enters the Final Four with its own offensive concerns, particularly due to their lack of three-point shooting. Yet, they still have potential with Rori Harmon, who boasts impressive court vision, ranking third in assists this season with 5.9 per game. Madison Booker has emerged as a reliable scorer, averaging 16.5 points, while Taylor Jones, who leads the team in blocks, contributes 12.1 points per game.

Despite their offensive inconsistencies, Texas has one of the toughest defenses, able to stifle even the most potent offenses, as seen in their 66-62 victory over South Carolina in February.

As the Final Four approaches, these teams all bring their own strengths and weaknesses, making for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

In the midst of the excitement surrounding the South Carolina Women’s Basketball team, one player stands out, not for her vocal presence, but for the quiet yet undeniable impact she’s made: Maddy McDaniel.

While her teammates are often the loud, energetic personalities on the court, McDaniel keeps to herself, embracing her reserved nature. Despite only playing 14 seconds in their recent game, she’s secured her place in history—McDaniel is headed to the Final Four.

Known as “Mouse” by her teammates, she doesn’t demand attention but instead lets her actions on the court do the talking. “I’m quiet, I’m small,” McDaniel reflects humbly.

But the game speaks volumes for her.

This season, McDaniel wasn’t expected to be a standout player. As a freshman joining a well-established backcourt, it was assumed she’d spend most of her time learning from the sidelines. However, her talent quickly proved too significant to ignore.

Though her playing time has varied, McDaniel has proven time and again that she can deliver when called upon. In the first-round blowout against Tennessee Tech, she played 18 minutes, contributing 2 points and 3 assists.

“I feel great,” she said after that game. “It was great to get out there, play with my teammates, get my feet wet. All that was great. It was fun, too, especially putting a 60-piece out, that was fun.”

One highlight was a well-timed lob to fellow freshman Adhel Tac, showcasing the potential of their budding chemistry. That moment had everyone—coaches, fans, and teammates alike—dreaming of many more such plays in the years ahead.

“It was great cause like, it’s gonna be great (down) the line, me and Adhel finding that chemistry,” McDaniel said. “It was good to go out there and get that little one thing for people to see, that little sneak peek.”

As the tournament has progressed and the games have become more intense, McDaniel’s minutes have been more limited. She played just one minute against Indiana, three against Maryland, and, realistically, almost zero against Duke. However, Coach Dawn Staley has trusted her enough to put McDaniel in during crucial moments, and she’s responded each time.

Against Indiana, McDaniel was called in for the final stretch of the third quarter with clear instructions: score. Using a screen from Chloe Kitts, McDaniel maneuvered past her defender and finished with a layup.

“She said this is your moment, use your speed,” McDaniel recalled. “That’s what she wanted. She said go downhill and do what you do.”

And that’s exactly what McDaniel did—she executed when it mattered, earning the trust of her coach to continue playing pivotal roles in key moments.

“Maddy’s always learning, she’s always ready,” Staley said. “I thought that because Chloe was getting off, they were sticking more closely to her in the third quarter. I thought it would create an opportunity for Maddy to get to the basket and get a layup and she went and executed just that.”

In the Duke game, McDaniel saw just 14 seconds at the end of the third quarter. Yet, in that brief moment, she helped Raven Johnson rest and avoid picking up a fourth foul. That stretch coincided with a crucial 10-0 run that turned the tide of the game.

Despite her limited playing time, McDaniel’s ability to stay prepared has been key. Earlier in the tournament, she shared her approach to staying ready, knowing there’s no guarantee she’ll step onto the floor.

“Yeah, I definitely feel prepared,” she said. “We had some good days in practice, good days. And then we had some good hours after practice too, even before, so I feel I feel real prepared.”

For McDaniel, it’s all about being ready when the team needs her the most.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” she reflected. “I couldn’t have asked to be in a better position than to go to the Final Four in my freshman year.”

Despite her quiet demeanor, McDaniel’s impact has been loud and clear. Her steady contributions have played a crucial role in South Carolina’s success, and as they head to the Final Four, it’s clear that McDaniel will continue to make an impact—quietly, but powerfully.

In a quiet corner of the locker room, Maddy McDaniel sat at her locker, a bit lost in the moment. Despite playing just 14 seconds in the Gamecocks’ recent game on Sunday, none of that mattered. McDaniel was heading to the Final Four.

Known for her reserved nature, McDaniel doesn’t often seek the spotlight. While the Gamecocks’ daycare — as her teammates have affectionately dubbed themselves — is always full of energy, McDaniel stays on the sidelines, content in her own space. It’s almost as if she embraces her nickname, “Mouse.”

“I’m quiet, I’m small,” she says with a shrug.

However, don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you. McDaniel has made her presence felt on the court, and her game speaks volumes.

At the start of the season, expectations for McDaniel weren’t high. As a freshman on a deep and experienced backcourt, many assumed she’d spend the year learning from the sidelines. But McDaniel quickly proved she was too talented to remain benched.

Her playing time has varied throughout the season, but whenever McDaniel has stepped onto the court, she’s delivered. In the first-round blowout against Tennessee Tech, she logged 18 minutes, contributing two points and three assists.

“I feel great,” McDaniel shared after the game. “It was great to get out there, play with my teammates, get my feet wet. All that was great. It was fun, too, especially putting a 60-piece out, that was fun.”

One standout moment came when McDaniel threw a perfect lob to fellow freshman Adhel Tac. That play left fans, coaches, and teammates excited about the future, imagining more of those highlight-worthy lobs in the seasons to come.

“It was great cause like, it’s gonna be great (down) the line, me and Adhel finding that chemistry,” McDaniel said, reflecting on the moment. “It was good to go out there and get that little one thing for people to see, that little sneak peek.”

As the tournament progressed and games became more intense, McDaniel saw less time on the floor — one minute against Indiana, three against Maryland, and, if we’re being honest, essentially zero against Duke. Yet, Coach Dawn Staley has shown confidence in her freshman, entrusting McDaniel with crucial minutes when it matters most.

Against Indiana, Staley called on McDaniel for the final stretch of the third quarter, giving her a clear directive: score. McDaniel took full advantage, using a screen from Chloe Kitts to slip by her defender and convert a layup.

“She said this is your moment, use your speed,” McDaniel recalled. “That’s what she wanted. She said go downhill and do what you do.”

McDaniel executed perfectly, and that’s why Staley has continued to trust her in high-pressure situations.

“Maddy’s always learning, she’s always ready,” Staley said. “I thought that because Chloe was getting off, they were sticking more closely to her in the third quarter. I thought it would create an opportunity for Maddy to get to the basket and get a layup and she went and executed just that.”

Against Duke, McDaniel’s role was even smaller — just 14 seconds at the end of the third quarter. But it was enough for her to help Raven Johnson rest and avoid picking up a fourth foul. That stretch of time also coincided with a 10-0 run that ultimately shifted the momentum of the game.

Earlier in the tournament, McDaniel made it clear that she’s prepared to stay ready, even when there’s no certainty she’ll play.

“Yeah, I definitely feel prepared,” she said. “We had some good days in practice, good days. And then we had some good hours after practice too, even before, so I feel I feel real prepared.”

It’s easier to stay motivated when the team is winning, and right now, McDaniel is experiencing the best of it.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” McDaniel said, reflecting on her journey. “I couldn’t have asked to be in a better position than to go to the Final Four in my freshman year.”

It’s clear that McDaniel’s quiet nature doesn’t detract from her impact — in fact, it may just make her contributions all the more powerful.

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the women’s collegiate basketball season, as newcomers UCLA prepare to take on the powerhouse UConn in the Final Four, while Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks look to disrupt Texas’ impressive March Madness run, which marks their first Final Four appearance in over 20 years.

In a dominant performance, Paige Bueckers, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, scored 31 points on Monday to lead UConn past USC, ending their tournament hopes with a 78-64 victory. Meanwhile, Texas put an end to TCU’s Cinderella story, defeating them 58-47 and securing their first trip to the Final Four since 2003.

“We’ve got a whole lot of heart and a whole lot of toughness about us,” Bueckers told reporters. “We’re taking it one possession at a time. We’re staying present, staying in the moment, not worrying about the pressures or the stakes, because everybody’s dealing with it. Everyone is here to win a national title, and nobody’s here by accident.”

Following Caitlin Clark’s record-shattering senior year with Iowa, the 2025 tournament now presents a tantalizing potential showdown between the two most decorated coaches in women’s basketball: Dawn Staley, who led South Carolina to titles in 2022 and 2024, and UConn’s Geno Auriemma. If Staley can guide the defending champions past Texas, a final between her and Auriemma could add another legendary chapter to their storied rivalry.

South Carolina narrowly edged Duke in a thrilling Elite Eight matchup, surviving a tense finish to win 54-50. Staley acknowledged the tough road ahead: “At this point, it’s not going to look pretty. But you have to play the kind of game that’s presented to you, and we’ll do that,” she said after the win.

The women’s Final Four will take place this Friday.

On the men’s side, the tournament has taken an unexpected turn, with the top four seeds – Florida, Auburn, Duke, and Houston – all reaching the penultimate stage for the first time in 17 years. This has added a fresh layer of excitement to a tournament that many initially thought would be uneventful.

The Guardian humorously noted the early rounds were “bereft of buzzer-beaters and big upsets,” while sportscaster Dan Patrick quipped, “I don’t want to say it’s been boring – it’s been a little more predictable than I’d like.”

Duke is favored to beat Houston in their first Final Four appearance since Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022, while Florida is tipped to defeat Auburn. Both matchups are scheduled for Saturday.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken Ferris)