Taking stock of semifinalists
Connecticut (28-1)
The Huskies remain Final Four fixtures, as they have been for two-decades-plus.
It might come as a surprise, however, that they’re seeking their first title since 2016.
They needed a major rally against Baylor to extend their string of semifinal appearances to 13, but freshman sensation Paige Bueckers has already introduced herself to the world as the next in a long line of UConn superstars.
Team stats
Scoring: 82.7; Scoring defense: 52.0; Field goal percentage: 51.6; Three-point percentage: 35.4; Free throw percentage: 71.4; Rebounding margin: 11.7; Assist/turnover ratio: 1.5.
Individual leaders
Points: Paige Bueckers, 20.1; Rebounds: Bueckers, 4.8; Assists: Bueckers, 5.9.
Arizona (20-5)
The Wildcats are the newcomers of the foursome as Adia Barnes has her alma mater in the Final Four for the first time – and probably not the last.
Aari McDonald, one of several freshmen who have already left indelible marks in this year’s tournament, is the driving force for U-of-A.
The Wildcats can be a little loose with the basketball, relying on hustle to overcome miscues and shortcomings on the boards.
Team stats
Scoring: 66.8; Scoring defense: 55.2; Field goal percentage: 41.4; Three-point percentage: 33.8; Free throw percentage: 68.8; Rebounding margin: -0.2; Assist/turnover ratio: 0.95.
Individual leaders
Points: Aari McDonald, 20.3; Rebounds: Trinity Baptiste, 6.2; Assists: McDonald, 4.3.
South Carolina (26-4)
Dawn Staley has the Gamecocks in the Final Four for the third time seeking a second national championship.
She has a veteran team with numerous scoring options that knows how to lock down on defense, pitching a fourth-quarter shutout in the Elite Eight victory against Texas.
The Gamecocks can be turnover-prone, which could become an issue against a deep and disciplined Stanford squad.
Team stats
Scoring: 75.8; Scoring defense: 57.9; Field goal percentage: 44.1; Three-point percentage: 33.2; Free throw percentage: 68.3; Rebounding margin: 14.7; Assist/turnover ratio: 0.9.
Individual leaders
Points: Zia Cooke, 15.6; Rebounds: Aliyah Boston, 11.4; Assists: Destanni Henderson, 5.1.
Stanford (29-2)
Stanford’s last national championship in women’s basketball came in 1992, but that is more a function of how competitive the sport has become.
The program has hardly fallen off the map, and Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer has arguably the deepest and most talented team in this year’s semifinal foursome.
This doesn’t guarantee a title for the Cardinal, of course, but it would not be a shock if the drought ends here in San Antonio.
Senior Kiana Williams is the floor leader, and five other Cardinal players average at least seven points per game.
Team stats
Scoring: 78.9; Scoring defense: 53.4; Field goal percentage: 46.8; Three-point percentage: 38.3; Free throw percentage: 70.6; Rebounding margin: 10.4; Assist/turnover ratio: 1.3.
Individual leaders
Points: Kiana Williams, 14.5; Rebounds: Haley Jones, 7.5; Assists: Williams, 3.1.