The biggest night in womens college basketball is here. The 2026 NCAA Womens Final Four tips off tonight in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring an all-No. 1-seed showdown that has fans and analysts buzzing with excitement. UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas have all earned their spot on this elite stage, and the matchups promise to deliver unforgettable basketball.
UConn vs. South Carolina: A Championship Rematch
The first semifinal pits Geno Auriemmas undefeated UConn Huskies (38-0) against Dawn Staleys South Carolina Gamecocks in a rematch of last years national title game. UConn has been nothing short of dominant this season, holding tournament opponents to just 34.7% shooting from the field while forcing an average of 21 turnovers per game. No team has scored more than 52 points against the Huskies in this tournament run.
South Carolina, however, is no stranger to big moments. The Gamecocks bring championship pedigree and the talent to challenge anyone on the floor. This semifinal tips off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNs MegaCast, airing across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU.
UCLA vs. Texas: History on the Line
The second semifinal features two programs hungry for a national championship. UCLA has never played in a national title game, while Texas hasnt reached one since winning it all back in 1986. When these teams met during the regular season, Texas jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead and held on for a 76-65 victory. UCLAs star forward has been averaging 24 points and 8.5 rebounds on a remarkable 70.2% shooting in the tournament, making the Bruins a dangerous opponent for anyone.
Why This Final Four Is Historic
This marks just the fifth time in NCAA history that all four No. 1 seeds have reached the Final Four, joining 1989, 2012, 2015, and 2018. The four teams carry a combined record of 143-7, and they won their Elite Eight games by a record average of 23 points. It is also the second consecutive year these same four programs have made the Final Four, underscoring the current era of dominance in womens college basketball.
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What to Watch For Tonight
Keep an eye on UConns suffocating defense, South Carolinas ability to control the tempo, UCLAs explosive scoring, and Texass balanced attack. With four powerhouse programs and eight of the best coaches and rosters in the country, tonights semifinals could produce instant classics.
Which matchup are you most excited about — UConn vs. South Carolina or UCLA vs. Texas? Drop your prediction in the comments!