UConn and Texas prevail in Elite Eight matchups to advance to women’s Final Four - CNN

Byline: Alex Carter

In an electrifying turn of events, the UConn Huskies and Texas Longhorns have secured their spots in the Final Four of the 2025 women’s NCAA basketball tournament. These two powerhouse teams join the ranks of the South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins, who had already qualified for the semifinals. This quartet of teams has each emerged from a fiercely competitive field of 64, and now stand poised to compete for the coveted championship title.

This season's tournament has proven to be a thrilling showcase of talent, skill, and determination. As the stakes continue to rise, so too does the level of play on the court. The journey to the Final Four hasn't been easy, but UConn and Texas have shown they have what it takes to rise to the occasion. Their triumphs in the Elite Eight are not just a testament to their abilities and teamwork, but also to the growing competitiveness and excitement in women's college basketball.

Established as one of the prominent figures in women's college basketball, the UConn Huskies have once again demonstrated their prowess and determination in this year's NCAA tournament. Their journey to the Final Four was not an easy one, as they faced multiple challenges and tough opponents. However, the Huskies, led by their star player, showed resilience and determination in their quest for glory.

Throughout the tournament, the Huskies displayed a balanced offense and a staunch defense that left their adversaries struggling to keep pace. With their experienced coaching staff and talented squad, they were able to navigate through the closely contested matchups in the Elite Eight. Their performance in the tournament so far has been a testament to their grit and tenacity, as they were able to overcome adversity and prove their mettle on the court.

In the Elite Eight, the Huskies squared off against a formidable opponent. Despite the pressure and high stakes of the game, they were able to execute their game plan effectively, showcasing their skill and team chemistry. The game was a thrilling display of competitive basketball, with the Huskies emerging victorious and securing their spot in the Final Four.

The Texas Longhorns, another powerhouse in the women's college basketball scene, also had an impressive run in the tournament. Their journey to the Final Four was filled with high-intensity games and memorable moments. Just like the Huskies, the Longhorns had to overcome several challenges and prove their worth on the court.

Throughout the tournament, the Longhorns showcased an aggressive style of play, backed by a solid defense. Their game strategy was effective in dismantling their opponents' game plans, and their execution on both ends of the floor was nothing short of praiseworthy. Their success in the tournament is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

In the Elite Eight, the Longhorns faced a challenging opponent, but their determination and resilience shone through. They played with a high level of intensity and focus, which ultimately led to their victory. With this win, the Longhorns have sealed their place in the Final Four, where they will join the Huskies, Gamecocks, and Bruins in a bid for the championship.

The UConn Huskies, known for their aggressive play and suffocating defense, contrasted sharply with the Texas Longhorns, who are celebrated for their strategic gameplay and shooting accuracy. UConn's aggressive style has often been seen as their trademark, a result of years of grooming by their legendary coach Geno Auriemma. The Huskies' physicality, particularly in the paint, disrupted the rhythm of many teams throughout the tournament.

On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns, under the guidance of coach Karen Aston, showcased a more calculated approach. Leveraging their exceptional shooting skills, the Longhorns patiently worked their way through each game, exploiting gaps in the opponent's defense. Their approach was a display of strategic basketball, often creating opportunities by drawing defenders out and capitalizing on open shots.

The contrasting styles of play of these two teams, each effective in their own right, have paved the way for them into the Final Four. It is a testament to the diversity of successful strategies in the sport, emphasizing that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to winning games.

As both teams prepare for their Final Four matchups, they will no doubt be studying their opponents closely, aiming to exploit their weaknesses while capitalizing on their own strengths. The Huskies and the Longhorns have proven that different paths can lead to the same destination: the Final Four of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

As the dust settles on the Elite Eight matchups, basketball analysts and experts are already dissecting the performances of the UConn Huskies and Texas Longhorns. Their victory has not only secured their spot in the Final Four but also demonstrated their strengths and potential weaknesses for the upcoming games.

According to ESPN analyst Maria Taylor, "The Huskies and the Longhorns have shown exceptional control and precision in their Elite Eight games. The Huskies, in particular, have demonstrated why they are one of the most feared teams in the NCAA with their overpowering offense and unyielding defense. Their adaptability and resilience are key factors that could lead them to the championship."

However, Taylor also highlighted areas that both teams need to work on ahead of the Final Four. "The Longhorns need to improve their three-point shooting. They've been inconsistent throughout the tournament, and that could hurt them in the Final Four. As for the Huskies, their bench depth could become a concern. They've relied heavily on their starters, but they'll need contributions from their bench players to go all the way."

With the Final Four looming, both UConn and Texas will need to step up their game. As Taylor noted, "It's going to be an incredibly competitive Final Four. Every team that has made it this far has shown that they have what it takes to win. It's all about who can rise to the occasion and perform under pressure."

As the dust settles on the Elite Eight matchups, the UConn Huskies and Texas Longhorns have earned their spots in the women’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA basketball tournament. They join the South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

The performances of all teams involved have showcased once again the high level of competition present in women's college basketball. As we look ahead to the Final Four, it's clear that anything can happen.

The tournament, thus far, has been filled with moments of grit, determination, and sheer sporting brilliance. As we gear up for the final showdowns, one thing is certain - the best of women’s college basketball is yet to come. This is Alex Carter, signing off.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/sport/ncaa-womens-basketball-elite-eight-03-31-25-spt/index.html