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The 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament reaches its most electrifying stage tonight as the Final Four tips off in Phoenix, Arizona. Four powerhouse programs — South Carolina, UConn, UCLA, and Texas — will battle for a spot in Sunday’s national championship game, and the matchups could not be more compelling.
UConn vs South Carolina: A Championship Rematch
The first semifinal at 7:00 PM ET features a blockbuster rematch of last year’s national title game. Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies are chasing their second consecutive national championship, which would be the program’s first repeat since 2016 and a record-extending 13th title overall.
UConn enters tonight’s game leading the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, steals, and points allowed per game. Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks, however, are a significantly improved offensive team this season, averaging eight more points per game compared to last year. Experts expect a much tighter contest than last year’s title game, which UConn won by 23 points.
UCLA vs Texas: The Rematch Nobody Expected
The nightcap at 9:30 PM ET pits UCLA against a red-hot Texas Longhorns squad. UCLA star center Lauren Betts has been sensational through four tournament games, averaging 24 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an astonishing 70.2% from the field. However, the Bruins will be looking to avenge their only loss this season — a 76-65 defeat to Texas where the Longhorns successfully limited Betts.
Texas may be the hottest team in the tournament. Since a February 12 loss to Vanderbilt, the Longhorns have reeled off 12 consecutive victories by an average margin of 26.5 points, including a dominant 17-point win over South Carolina in the SEC tournament championship game.
Why This Final Four Is Historic
This marks only the second time in NCAA history that the same four teams have reached the Final Four in back-to-back seasons — the last occurrence was in 1995-96. It is also just the fifth time all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the national semifinals, underscoring the dominance of these programs throughout the 2025-26 season.
Both games will air on ESPN from Phoenix, giving fans a Friday night doubleheader that could produce instant classics. For more sports coverage and trending stories, check out our FixItWhy blog for daily updates.
What to Watch For Tonight
Keep an eye on whether South Carolina’s improved offense can crack UConn’s suffocating defense, and whether Texas can contain Lauren Betts for a second time this season. These matchups have championship-level stakes and the talent to deliver unforgettable moments.
Which semifinal are you most excited about — the UConn-South Carolina rematch or the UCLA-Texas showdown? Drop your predictions below!