UConn enters NCAA women’s tournament as favorite while Texas, UCLA, South Carolina aim to challenge

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 17, 2026, 04:14 IST

Image credit : AP

The UConn Huskies women's basketball enter the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament as the clear favorite after a dominant undefeated season and an extended winning streak. The Huskies have been led by standout forward Sarah Strong, whose two-way play has helped control games, while senior guard Azzi Fudd remains one of the nation’s most dangerous three-point shooters. Guard KK Arnold has also contributed to the team’s steady performance and winning culture. Several strong programs will attempt to challenge UConn, including the Texas Longhorns women's basketball, South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball and UCLA Bruins women's basketball. Meanwhile, potential early-round surprises could come from teams such as the Fairfield Stags women's basketball, Rhode Island Rams women's basketball and South Dakota State Jackrabbits women's basketball. Many predictions project a Final Four featuring the tournament’s four No. 1 seeds, with UConn ultimately favored to defeat Texas and capture another national championship.

UConn's Sarah Strong, center, and Serah Williams, right, playfully console UConn center Gandy Malou-Mamel after she mistakenly got up to sub into the game in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Loyola Chicago, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The UConn Huskies women's basketball enter the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament as the clear favorite to win the national title. The Huskies have been dominant all season and are coming into March Madness with an undefeated record and a long winning streak.

The Huskies have looked nearly unbeatable this year. Star forward Sarah Strong has been a huge reason for that success, helping the team control games on both ends of the court. Senior guard Azzi Fudd continues to be one of the best shooters in college basketball, especially from three point range. Meanwhile, KK Arnold has quietly played a big role in UConn’s consistency and winning culture.

Several other teams will try to challenge them during the tournament. Texas Longhorns women's basketball, South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball and UCLA Bruins women's basketball are all strong contenders and have the talent to make a deep run. Still, history shows that the national champion usually comes from the top seeds. Most past winners have been No. 1 seeds, which makes teams like UConn even stronger picks.

Early round upsets could still shape the tournament. Fairfield Stags women's basketball, Rhode Island Rams women's basketball and South Dakota State Jackrabbits women's basketball are teams that could surprise higher seeded opponents in the opening weekend. Strong defense and experienced players give them a chance to create problems for bigger programs.

Looking ahead, many predictions have the Final Four made up of UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina. That would mean all four No. 1 seeds reach the final stage of the tournament.

In that scenario, UConn would defeat South Carolina in one semifinal while Texas beats UCLA in the other. The championship game would then come down to UConn and Texas, two of the most complete teams in the country.

UConn has been one of the best team all season. The team does not lack confidence and clearly knows how to handle big tournament moments.

Texas is strong enough to make it a close game, but many expect the Huskies to finish the job and lift another national championship trophy.

And If huskies keep playing the way they have all year, then there is no way to stop them from lifting another NCAA Championship.

UConn enters NCAA women’s tournament as favorite while Texas, UCLA, South Carolina aim to challenge

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