WHAT TO WATCH
RECRUITING TO UCONN
When reflecting on UConn’s 11 straight Final Fours, Geno Auriemma said one of the hardest parts of maintaining success is recruiting the right players who can handle the expectations: You come to Connecticut, and you look up on those walls when you come to our practice facility, and you look around and you go, all right, well, I’m going to be here four years. Well, what in God’s name can I accomplish that hasn’t already been done? If you’re in awe by that, or you’re intimidated by that, then you’re not going to be successful here and we’re not going to be successful.”
FACING MCCOWAN
Mississippi State’s 6-foot-7 Teaira McCowan — who was a third team AP All-American — has been outstanding for the Bulldogs during the NCAA Tournament. She had 23 points and 21 rebounds against UCLA in their Elite Eight win. Louisville coach Jeff Walz said facing McCowan on Friday will be a huge challenge: “I’m hoping (Mississippi State coach Vic Schaefer) decides to drive the bus and makes a wrong turn somewhere. So if we can have that happen, I’ll feel much better.”
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
Mississippi State is often remembered for its upset win over UConn in the Final Four last season. What is less remembered is that in 2016, the Bulldogs had a terrible experience against the Huskies, losing 98-38 in the Sweet 16. Schaefer ruefully recalled that day when discussing UConn’s excellence: “You know, they talk about their offense and how good it is, but let me tell you, they are really good defensively. Trust me. I got held to 38 one time.”
NOTRE DAME’S UNLIKELY RUN
Notre Dame might be the most unlikely Final Four participant of this year’s quartet. The Irish were a No. 1 seed despite losing four players over the season to knee injuries. Said coach Muffet McGraw: “We keep shaking our heads. I think I’m kind of torn between crying and laughing. It means so much. There’s so much emotion because of what we’ve been through. The resilience of this team, how they just are relentless in pursuit of their goal. They didn’t ever quit or question whether or not we could do it.”