Capsules on Final Four teams

Stanford (32-5): After an uncomfortably close win over unranked New Mexico State in the first round, the Cardinal polished off Kansas State and Texas, then stunned Notre Dame in the regional final. This is not the same team it was earlier in the season. Brittany McPhee is averaging 19.0 points in the Big Dance, and Alanna Smith has been on a tear over the past 14 games.

South Carolina (31-4): The Gamecocks beat another Final Four participant, Mississippi State, in the SEC tournament final. In a 66-55 loss to UConn last month, South Carolina held the Huskies to their lowest total of the season. Center Alaina Coates’ ankle injury has put an extra burden on A’ja Wilson recently, and she has produced.Guard Kaela Davis is averaging 18 points per game in the postseason.

Connecticut (36-0): This is getting to be monotonous to non-UConn fans. The Huskies have won four straight national titles — 11 in all — and 111 games in a row since losing to Stanford in 2014. Napheesa Collier (20.6 points per game), Katie Lou Samuelson (20.3) and Gabby Williams (14.1) make opponents quake, and the team’s defense is probably better than its offense.

Mississippi State (33-4): Playing in their first-ever Final Four, the Bulldogs average 92.8 points in the tournament. Under fifthyear head coach Vic Schaefer, they have become a national powerhouse. They beat Baylor 94-85 in overtime in the Oklahoma City Regional final behind 41 points by 5-foot-5 Morgan “Itty Bitty” William. Guard Victoria Vivians is their leading scorer (16.3 ppg).