As the end of the regular season is approaching, Women’s college basketball teams across the nation are making their final push before the NCAA Tournament. The field this year is quite exciting, with teams like UCLA, South Carolina, and Notre Dame cementing themselves as frontrunners for the National Championship. In case you haven’t been watching this season, here’s a quick rundown of events that have occurred thus far. 

Important and Fun Games: 

South Carolina vs. UCLA: Coming off a national championship, the South Carolina Gamecocks looked to extend their winning streak to 45 games. However, UCLA had other plans– they put up a dominant display, spearheaded by center Lauren Betts. The Bruins wound up winning this game 77-62. Since this game, UCLA has sat atop the AP Poll and is now the only undefeated team in the entire NCAA. 

UConn vs USC: This game was one of the most anticipated matchups this season; a rematch of the 2024 Elite Eight. UConn, led by senior guard Paige Bueckers and freshman forward Sarah Strong made this game competitive. Despite the Huskies efforts, the Trojans’ duo of sophomore Juju Watkins and senior Kiki Iriafen was too much to handle. Coming down to three free throws, USC took the victory 72-70. 

Notre Dame vs Texas: The dynamic duo of senior Olivia Miles and sophomore Hannah Hidalgo has frightened teams across the country. Notre Dame’s ability to space the floor combined with Texas’ lockdown defense was a must-watch match. Led by sophomore Madison Booker, Texas pushed the Fighting Irish, but they didn’t have enough to stop them. Final Score: 80-70 Notre Dame. 

LSU vs Tennessee: The Lady Vols of Tennessee have an unconventional playing style; 40 minutes of pressure, hockey-style substitutions, and very high-volume three-point shooting. The LSU Tigers play old-school with players like Mikayla Williams and Flau’jae Johnson thriving in the midrange area. SEC rivalry games are always exciting, and this was no exception. A 25-point performance by Jewel Spear was just shy of beating the Tigers. A last-second shot gave LSU the victory, 87-86. 

NC State vs Duke: A defensive-minded team in Duke has seemingly found its way offensively. A Top-10 ranking solidified the major improvement from last season. NC State had a rough start to the season but has bounced back in big ways thanks to Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Zoe Brooks.  This in-state rivalry gave everything and more– great basketball was played on both sides. NC State took this game 89-83 and put themselves back in contention before March. 

Star Players

• Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame; my pick for National Player of the Year): 26.1 PPG (points), 4.1 SPG (steals), 42.5% from three
• Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State; most underrated player in the nation): 26.1 PPG (points), 4.5 APG (assists), 44.3% from three 
• Sarah Strong (UConn; my pick for National Freshman of the Year): 17.0 PPG (points), 7.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG (steals), 58.5% from the floor
• Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt; another great freshman): 22.1 PPG (points), 3.0 APG (assists), 47% from the floor
• Olivia Miles (Notre Dame; a great comeback from injury): 16.4 PPG (points), 6.5 APG (assists), 41.9% from three

All in all, the Women’s college basketball season has been everything and more! As March Madness creeps up, these games will intensify and players will elevate to match the moment. If you’re not tuned in, you should watch!