The release of this season’s NCAA bracket confirmed that a Final Four showdown between Paige Bueckers (UConn) and Juju Watkins (USC) won’t be possible. However, there is still a chance they could meet in an Elite Eight matchup, just like in 2024.
That game was a massive success. Watching two of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball go head-to-head was pure excitement for NCAA fans. Although supporters of both players wanted to see them in the Final Four, only one team advanced—USC. As a result, those hopes faded.
After the bracket was revealed, USC Trojans’ head coach Lindsey Gottlieb admitted that the outcome wasn’t what she expected. “I never thought I would be a No. 1 seed and still feel disrespected, but I just thought there was little chance we’d be the overall No. 4,” she stated.
This reaction came after Juju Watkins’ team displayed an outstanding performance in the league, finishing with a 28-3 record and two dominant wins over UCLA, a higher-seeded team.
Could an elite eight matchup happen?
Despite the NCAA bracket results, fans are still eager for another Paige Bueckers vs. Juju Watkins showdown like last year’s. At that time, Bueckers expressed: “It’s really important for the game to keep growing and to have these kinds of matchups.”
However, this year, her mindset has changed. In fact, the UConn star stated that she’s not thinking about it at the moment. “We’re focused on what’s ahead… Right now, that’s a game on Saturday against Arkansas State. I don’t look too far ahead and just stay in the present.”
In contrast, Juju Watkins is excited about the possibility of facing Bueckers, whether in the Final Four or an Elite Eight matchup. “We love competition. We already played earlier in the season, so this time it’s going to be an even better showdown,” she said.
Either way, there’s no doubt that a UConn vs. USC game would be a historic moment. For Bueckers, it would be a shot at redemption, while Watkins would aim to prove that USC belongs among the elite.
