NCAA Elite Eight: UConn vs. USC

NCAA Elite Eight matchup between the UConn Huskies and the USC Trojans was a highly anticipated game that showcased two powerhouse teams battling for a spot in the Final Four. Both teams came into the game with impressive records and a strong desire to advance in the tournament.

The game started off with intense energy as both teams traded baskets and fought for every possession. The Huskies, led by their star player, showed great determination and skill on both ends of the court. However, the Trojans were not to be outdone, as they displayed their own offensive prowess and defensive tenacity.

Purdue, they delivered at last. At long, long, long last. After 44 years waiting to get back to the Final Four.

Alabama, the first timer. A commemorative gift for the Tide, please, since they just became the 100th different program to advance to a Final Four. See what happens when Nick Saban retires? Alabama becomes a basketball school.

And NC State, the sequel. Forty-one years after the Wolfpack clawed their way through the ACC tournament just to get a bid and then charged right onto the national championship — here's a new generation of survive-and-advance underdogs.

The Boilermakers have the second-best odds (2/1) of winning their first national championship. The No. 11 seed Wolfpack, a true March Madness darling, have the third-best odds (16/1), followed closely by Alabama (20/1) — the betting longshot to win the title.

UConn opens as an 11-point favorite over the Crimson Tide. Dating back to last year's NCAA Tournament, the Huskies have won their last 10 postseason games by double digits. Purdue is a 9-point favorite over NC State.

UConn is 2-0 all-time vs. USC. This will be the first meeting between the teams since 2003 and first in the NCAA Tournament. UConn faced USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb four times when she was the head coach for Cal with the last meeting coming in 2019.

Top-seeded USC beat No. 5- seed Baylor, 74-70, to advance to the regional final. The Trojans are led by freshman JuJu Watkins, who ranks second nationally with 27.0 points per game. Watkins leads the nation in free throws made and attempted. Gottlieb is in her third season at USC.

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Sarah H

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