South Carolina vs UConn prediction, analysis, Final Four expert picks for women’s March Madness

The women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Final Four action Friday as No. 1 South Carolina and No. 1 UConn battle for a spot in the national championship

USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know — including how to watch, betting odds and analysis — before the Final Four matchup tips off.

Stay up to date with USA TODAY’s team of journalists covering the women’s NCAA Tournament throughout the 68-team dance.

South Carolina will win Final Four game vs UConn if…

• Mitchel Northam: The Gamecocks have to own the glass, make their 3-pointers and try to get Sarah Strong in a bit of foul trouble.
• Nancy Armour: Joyce Edwards is going to need to have the game of her life, offensively and defensively.
• Meghan Hall: It keeps up the defensive pressure through 4 quarters; It slows down Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong
• Heather Burns: if it locks down Azzi Fudd on defense and hold her to under double digits in scoring.

UConn will win Final Four game vs South Carolina  if…

• Mitchel Northam: If Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd can poke a few holes in South Carolinas defense and build an early lead, UConn might roll to a comfortable win.
• Nancy Armour: So long as Sarah Strong isn’t in foul trouble or getting triple-teamed, I don’t see how UConn can be stopped.
• Meghan Hall: It keeps South Carolina out of the paint; It slows down Raven Johnson and Joyce Edwards
• Heather Burns: if they rebound and take care of the basketball.

South Carolina vs UConn: 1 Stat to watch

• Mitchel Northam: There’s two areas in which UConn has shown some vulnerability this season: rebounding and defending the 3-pointer. South Carolina is elite in both areas, ranking fourth nationall in 3-point shooting percentage this season and inside the top 15 in seven different rebounding statistics.
• Nancy Armour: Can Joyce Edwards keep Sarah Strong in check? She hasn’t been able to the first two times they’ve played.
• Meghan Hall: Which team wins the turnover battle
• Heather Burns: Point of turnovers. If UConn can lock down on defense and score in transition, they will win.

South Carolina vs UConn Final Four prediction

• Mitchel Northam: South Carolina
• Nancy Armour: UConn
• Meghan Hall: UConn
• Heather Burns: UConn
• Cydney Henderson:

1 South Carolina vs 1 UConn

• Opening Moneyline: UConn (-305), South Carolina (+245)
• Opening Spread: UConn (-6.5)
• Opening Total: 136.5

How to Watch South Carolina vs UConn in the Final Four

No. 1 South Carolina takes on No. 1 UConn at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3 at 7:00 PM The game is airing on ESPN.

Stream March Madness on Fubo

2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament full schedule

• March 18-19: First Four
• March 20-21: First Round
• March 22-23: Second Round
• March 27-28: Sweet 16
• March 29-30: Elite 8
• April 3: Final Four
• April 5: National Championship