The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament has been just as, if not more, exciting than the Men’s tournament. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Juju Watkins are just a few of the NCAA Women’s basketball stars who have put on a show in this 2024 March Madness Tournament. Before we get into my Women’s March Madness Final Four Picks and best bets, let’s take a look at the Elite Eight and how we got here.
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2024 Women’s NCAA March Madness Tournament Final Four Picks
Caitlin Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes (1) to a revenge win over LSU (3) after falling to the Tigers and Angel Reese in the 2023 Women’s NCAA Tournament championship. Clark had a double-double as she dropped 41 points and had 12 assists. Her nine three-pointers tied the NCAA tournament single-game record. Reese scored 17 points and had an incredible 20 rebounds as LSU fell short in trying to get back to the championship game.
Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies (3) held off freshman superstar Juju Watkins and her USC Trojans (1). Watkins led the Trojans with 29 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer among freshmen in NCAA Division 1. For the Huskies, Bueckers racked up her own double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
North Carolina State (3) was led by their star duo Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers as they took down the Texas Longhorns (1). James hit seven three-pointers as part of her 27 points on the day. Freshman forward Madison Booker led the way for the Longhorns with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
The South Carolina Gamecocks (1) remained undefeated as they downed the Oregon State Beavers (3). South Carolina’s Tessa Johnson led the way with 15 points, while Kamillia Cardso and Ashlyn Watkins each fell just short of their own double-doubles. The Beavers were led by Timea Gardiner’s 10-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Final Four
The Women’s Final Four will tip off on Friday, April 5th, at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks taking on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. After that, all eyes will be on the nightcap. Two of the biggest stars in Women’s basketball will go head-to-head as Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes take on Paige Bueckers’ UConn Huskies around 9:30 p.m. ET, also on ESPN. Now, let’s get into my Women’s March Madness Final Four Picks!
North Carolina State +11.5 (-110)
The Gamecocks have seemingly been on cruise control throughout the tournament. They’ve remained undefeated but have struggled to close out opponents in the last two rounds. South Carolina is a tough team.
With 6-foot-7 center Kamilla Cardoso being one of the most dominant post players in the game, along with Te-Hina Paopao’s ability to sink three-pointers, I don’t see this South Carolina team losing this game.
However, this North Carolina State team is hungry and led by their superstar, Aziaha James. They won’t go away quietly. Much like their men’s team, this underrated Wolfpack team just keeps taking down giants.
In the Sweet 16, it was No. 2 seed Stanford and Cameron Brink. In the Elite Eight, they upset the Texas Longhorns. These girls will leave everything they have on the court. While it might not be a win, they’ll cover this 11.5-point spread.
Iowa Hawkeyes -2.5 (-110) and Over 162.5 (-110)
The Iowa-LSU game set a new all-time record for TV viewership with an average of 12.3 million viewers. That record may fall pretty quickly with this game. This Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers matchup could be one for the ages. Both women were recruited in the 2020 class. They were teammates on Team USA, and each has won Player of the Year in their career.
My case here is simple. Caitlin Clark. Anyone who has watched her play knows she can put this team on her back and carry them. She doesn’t have to do it alone, though. This Iowa team is battle-tested.
Making it to the championship last year and fighting tough against teams like LSU in the Elite Eight, these girls can take on anyone. Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter will be right there battling side by side with Clark.
I think Bueckers and her UConn teammates will show up and put up the fight of their life, that’s why I’m also taking the over 162.5 points in this game. It’s being billed as one of the biggest games ever in women’s hoops history, and I think we’re in for a thriller.
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