March Madness 2025: South Carolina, UCLA punch first two tickets to the Final Four

In an exciting turn of events during the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, South Carolina and UCLA have become the first two teams to secure their spots in the Final Four. Both teams delivered strong performances, showcasing their dominance on the court. South Carolina, led by the experienced coaching of Dawn Staley, edged past Duke with a narrow 54-50 victory. The Gamecocks relied on crucial moments from standout players like Chloe Kitts, who scored 14 points, including pivotal free throws in the final seconds.

Meanwhile, UCLA’s journey to the Final Four was equally impressive as they defeated top-seeded LSU. The Bruins demonstrated their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, overcoming their opponents with a decisive 65-58 win. UCLA’s balanced attack and stellar team play were key to their success, making them a formidable contender for the championship as they head to Tampa for the Final Four.

With both teams punching their tickets to the next round, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to March Madness 2025. South Carolina will now face off against Texas, while UCLA awaits the winner of the game between Iowa State and Iowa. Fans can expect a high level of competition as these powerhouse teams battle for the ultimate prize in women’s basketball.