Neon Gurl Sports
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four is set—and it’s electric. Four titans. Two battles. One national champion waiting to be crowned in Tampa, Florida. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchups, the players to watch, and why this might be the most unforgettable Final Four yet.
Game 1: (2) UConn vs. (1) UCLA
Friday, 9 PM ET – ESPN
This is more than a clash of powerhouses—it’s Paige Bueckers vs. history. The UConn star has been on an absolute tear, dropping 25+ points in every game this tournament, including a dominant 31-point performance against USC. With Azzi Fudd heating up at the right time and freshman Sarah Strong looking like a vet, UConn’s perimeter firepower is unmatched.
But UCLA? They’re not here to be outshined. 6’7” Lauren Betts has been a paint-dominating force, and with Gabriela Jaquez bringing grit and swagger, the Bruins are rewriting their story. This is their first Final Four since 1979. And they’re not looking back.
Neon Gurl Take: If Betts can command the paint and force UConn into uncomfortable shots, the Bruins have a chance. But if Bueckers continues her reign of brilliance, we might be witnessing her coronation.
Prediction: UConn 75, UCLA 71 — but it’s going down to the wire.
Game 2: (1) South Carolina vs. (1) Texas
Friday, 7 PM ET – ESPN
The Gamecocks are the defending champs. The Longhorns want revenge. This is the fourth time these two SEC giants will face off this season. South Carolina holds the edge—two wins to one—and Dawn Staley’s squad is battle-tested.
Led by veterans like Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson, South Carolina grinds you down on defense and plays with championship poise. But the key? Their young players. If Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley show up, it could be lights out for Texas.
Texas, though, has its own game-changer: Madison Booker. If she catches fire and the Longhorns keep the score tight, they could shock the world.
Neon Gurl Take: This one’s going to be gritty. Expect defense, intensity, and heart. But the edge goes to experience—and South Carolina has it in spades.
Prediction: South Carolina 65, Texas 58
Players to Watch:
- Paige Bueckers (UConn): The moment is hers. Can she finally grab the title that’s eluded her?
- Lauren Betts (UCLA): Towering talent with dominance in the paint.
- Madison Booker (Texas): The Longhorns’ leading scorer and spark plug.
- Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina): Veteran poise and playmaking power.
Neon Gurl’s Final Word: This Final Four isn’t just about basketball. It’s about legacies, breakthroughs, and women stepping boldly into greatness. Whether it’s Bueckers closing a chapter with gold, or a new star rising from UCLA, Texas, or South Carolina—this weekend will shape the future of the game.
We’ll be watching, we’ll be screaming, and we’ll be celebrating every moment.
