Title Rematch: UConn Faces South Carolina in 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four
A year after UConn dominated South Carolina on the sport’s biggest stage, the Gamecocks are looking for a chance at redemption against the Huskies in the Final Four. The Women’s Final Four this year displays the best of the best, with all first seeds making the semifinals. For the first time since 1995-1996, the same four teams returned to the women’s national spotlight. UConn took down the Gamecocks for the title last year, 82-59. This rematch will not just be between two brands, but between two legendary coaches. Geno Auriemma, the most winning coach in sports history, leads the Huskies to a record-breaking 13th championship. Fans wonder how many seasons he has left in him, but he shows no signs of slowing down. For the Gamecocks, Dawn Staley leads the program with three national titles in the last nine seasons. It will be a battle between the two most dominant coaches in the sport over the last 10 years.
The Huskies graduated their star Paige Bueckers last season, but Auriemma and the squad have not lost since February of 2025 last season. The Huskies are currently on a 54-game winning streak and showing no signs of stopping. A perfect 38-0 record this season with another Big East regular season and tournament crown. Additionally, the Huskies have dominated this season with a 37.8 average scoring margin against opponents. All these wins have been by at least 10+ points, with a majority falling between 20 and 30-point margins. UConn is not just winning games; they are dominating them.
The Gamecocks have improved since last season in a dominant SEC conference, improving their points per game by eight and adding to the offense with a more balanced attack. South Carolina has a size advantage over the Huskies, which can help in grabbing more boards than the defending champions. Rebounding could be the Gamecocks' ticket to staying with the Huskies, as extra possessions can help wear out their defense and put up more points on Auriemma’s squad. Even though UConn may be favored and undefeated, South Carolina holds the revenge factor that could fuel them to an upset.
UConn holds the National Player of the Year, Sarah Strong, who has proven why she is the best in the nation. Dominating everything from scoring, rebounding, and defending, she can do it all. The Huskies also have Azzi Fudd, who is a veteran scorer and the Final Four MVP from last season. The third Husky to watch in this game is Blanca Quinonez, who has brought energy and scored off the bench for UConn. Scoring 20 against Notre Dame last game and 16 against North Carolina, her scoring ability helps give the Huskies a spark.
For the Gamecocks, Joyce Edwards has been their scoring leader all season, and she continued her success in the tournament. Additionally, Ta’Niya Latson scored 28 against Oklahoma to seal the win for South Carolina and can be another crucial scorer for the team. On the defensive side, Madina Okot leads the way, averaging 10.8 rebounds per game, helping the Gamecocks gain more possessions and keep the ball away from their opponents. Their balanced attack allows versatility, and if they can shut down Strong, they can take down the only undefeated team remaining.
When these two programs meet in the Final Four, it will not just be a battle for a spot in the national championship—it will be the two best programs that have defined the modern era of women’s college basketball. Will UConn defend its title run, or will South Carolina get sweet revenge? Every possession will carry weight between these two, and stars will have to shine on the biggest stage. In a matchup that feels worthy of the brightest lights, the result will come down to UConn’s defense and dominance, or South Carolina’s size and depth. With a trip to the national championship game on the line, who will step up to the pressure?
