2026 Final Four Review | The Her Hoop Stats Podcast
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South Carolina and UCLA advanced to the national championship game after two physically grueling Final Four matchups that prioritized defense over offense. In the first game, South Carolina defeated UConn 62-48 behind standout performances from Taniya Latson (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Agat McKeer (14 points off the bench), while UConn’s star duo of Sarah Strong and Atsifat combined for just 7-of-31 shooting. The game was defined by a 18-of-22 free throw shooting performance by South Carolina versus UConn’s 6-of-21, highlighting the physicality and officiating challenges. In the second game, UCLA overcame Texas 51-44 behind a dominant double-double from 6'7" center Lauren Betts (7-of-10 shooting, key block, elite defense), who stifled Texas’s inside attack despite the Longhorns taking 21 more field goal attempts. UCLA’s composure under pressure—especially when Texas mounted a late rally—proved decisive, aided by their veteran experience and defensive intensity. The upcoming championship matchup between South Carolina and UCLA promises a clash of elite post play, with both teams needing to improve on turnovers (UCLA had 23) and offensive consistency (South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards struggled). The hosts express hope for more offensive fireworks in the final game, lamenting that defense overshadowed the action in both semifinals.
South Carolina defeated UConn 62-48 behind Taniya Latson’s 16 points and 10 rebounds and Agat McKeer’s 14-point bench burst.
UConn shot just 6-of-21 from the free throw line, while South Carolina made 18-of-22, a key disparity in a low-scoring, high-physicality game.
Lauren Betts recorded a 7-of-10 shooting, double-double, and crucial block to lead UCLA to a 51-44 win over Texas.
UCLA forced Texas to take 21 more shots than they made, with Betts’ defensive presence limiting inside scoring despite Texas’s reliance on mid-range and drives.
UCLA’s 23 turnovers were a major concern, and they must reduce that number to win the national championship.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
South Carolina vs. UConn Final Four Recap
“I don't think there's been a game this season where both [Strong and Atsifat] had a bad game and it just happened at the most unfortunate time.”
UConn’s Shooting Struggles and Offensive Limitations
UConn’s 21 three-point attempts and poor free throw shooting (6-of-21) were highlighted as major issues. The hosts debated whether UConn’s reluctance to drive to the rim contributed to their lack of fouls and low free throw attempts.
Lauren Betts’ Dominant Performance for UCLA
“She's 6'7". Like she's athletic. She can move up and down the court so well. And then you see that kind of performance where she goes... like we said, 7 of 10. Like she's just never been the player that's going to get up 25 shots in a game. But she does so many things so, so well.”
UCLA’s Defensive Pressure and Turnover Issues
UCLA forced Texas into 21 more shots than they made, but struggled with 23 turnovers. The hosts praised UCLA’s composure under pressure, especially when Texas mounted a late rally.
Previewing the South Carolina vs. UCLA National Championship
“If we turn it over less than 23 times, like we're doing better already. So, you know, you obviously want to like drastically reduce that number but there's a really large like gap between ideal and where you were at.”
“6 '7". Like she's athletic. She can move up and down the court so well. And then you see that kind of performance where she goes, like we said, 7 of 10. Like she's just never been the player that's going to get up 25 shots in a game. But she does so many things so, so well.”
“if we turn it over less than 23 times, like we're doing better already. So, you know, you obviously want to like drastically reduce that number but there's a really there's a really large like gap between ideal and where”
“I would love if we got some good looks from both post players on both sides. I would love if we got maybe over 100 total points in the game. That would be great.”
Hosts
jamie steyer-johnson
person
megan gower
person
ucla
other
south carolina
other
uconn
other
lauren betts
person
taniya latson
person
madison booker
person
joyce edwards
person
agat mckeer
person
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