Women's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Preview: Who Will Advance?

Expert analysis of the upcoming matchups with predictions on who will reach the Final Four.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:13pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the teams' official colors representing the players and court action.The Elite Eight of the women's NCAA Tournament promises an intense battle for a spot in the Final Four, with top teams and talented players competing at the highest level.Fort Worth Today

The women's NCAA Tournament has reached the Elite Eight, with four thrilling matchups set to determine who will advance to the Final Four in Phoenix. Our panel of experts breaks down each game, offering insights and predictions on potential upsets and favorites to win. From the UConn Huskies' quest to extend their 53-game winning streak against the resilient Notre Dame Irish, to the intriguing clash between UCLA and Duke, and the battle between Texas and Michigan, the Elite Eight promises intense competition and unexpected outcomes.

Why it matters

The Elite Eight is a crucial stage in the women's NCAA Tournament, as the winners will earn their spot in the highly anticipated Final Four. These games offer a glimpse into the future of women's basketball, showcasing the incredible talent and competitiveness of the top teams and players. The outcomes of these matchups will shape the narrative of the tournament and determine which programs will have the opportunity to compete for the national championship.

The details

The Elite Eight matchups are as follows: UConn vs. Notre Dame, UCLA vs. Duke, Texas vs. Michigan, and South Carolina vs. TCU. UConn, the dominant force in women's basketball, faces a tough challenge from a resurgent Notre Dame team led by the return of senior guard KK Bransford. In the UCLA vs. Duke game, the Bruins' experience and talent, led by center Lauren Betts, will be tested by Duke's newfound confidence and improved play. The Texas vs. Michigan game will be a battle of styles, with the Longhorns' offense facing the Wolverines' 3-point shooting prowess. Finally, the South Carolina Gamecocks, with their impressive offensive and defensive ratings, take on the rising TCU Horned Frogs, who possess size and talent that could potentially upset the favorites.

  • The Elite Eight games will be played on April 12, 2026.

The players

KK Bransford

A senior guard for the Notre Dame Irish who has boosted the team's confidence and chemistry with her return to the lineup.

Lauren Betts

The star center for the UCLA Bruins, who is back in action after missing time earlier in the season.

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What they’re saying

“They can crush you from the beginning.”

— Niele Ivey, Head Coach, Notre Dame Irish

What’s next

The winners of the Elite Eight matchups will advance to the Final Four in Phoenix, where they will compete for a spot in the national championship game.

The takeaway

The women's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best teams and players in the country. While the experts have made their predictions, the unpredictable nature of sports means that anything can happen, and the outcomes of these games will have a significant impact on the tournament's narrative and the future of women's basketball.