Who’s the Next UConn in Women's NCAA March Madness?
Who's the next UConn in Women's NCAA March Madness? South Carolina is a strong contender after three-time national champ Dawn Staley’s leadership at the Gamecocks. Check out these teams with potential to make it far.
The No. 1-ranked UConn Huskies are the overwhelming betting favorite to win the Women’s NCAA Tournament this year. However, recent history suggests that more often than not, the top seed doesn’t end up winning it all.
In the past five years, only one of Baylor and South Carolina has won the national championship while four teams in 2015-2024 have made it to the Final Four. Three-time national champ Dawn Staley’s leadership at South Carolina is expected to keep her team motivated for a deep run. The Gamecocks check all the boxes: fourth-best HHS Rating, 15th in rebounds and sixth in effective field goal defense this season.
UCLA has proven its worth as the deepest conference in college basketball with a perfect 18-0 regular season conference record and a strong non-conference schedule. Cori Close aims to take UCLA to the Final Four for the second consecutive season, while Lauren Betts is surrounded by three superb guards that anchor the Bruins. Vanderbilt’s defense remains a concern, but their top-five WNBA draft pick and impressive wins on its resume like beating LSU, Michigan, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas make them a real contender.
Blakes has looked unguardable at times for Vanderbilt, who could also ride her playmaking to new heights in March Madness. UConn’s potential upset may leave the title in question, but these teams all have the potential to make it far. More: UConn's reluctant superstar Sarah Strong may let her 'Diana side' out this March Madness.