I am hoping that the game this afternoon is more exciting than Friday night’s semi-finals. To be fair, that is not the fault of South Carolina and Connecticut (or Texas and UCLA). The Gamecocks and Huskies came out and demonstrated while they are two of the most successful women’s programs in history.

To be the best, you have to beat the best. And there will be no doubt by the end of today. Connecticut has been to 16 of the last 17 Final Fours. South Carolina has won 2 of the last 3 National Championships.

You have two of the best coaches in the game with Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley.

You have two teams that are built differently. The UConn Huskies are built around their stars – Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are built around their depth. The leading scorer for the team – Joyce Edwards – has come off the bench in all but 1 game. They have had 7 players lead them in scoring for a game over the season.

I think South Carolina likes it that way – last year, all anyone could talk about was Caitlyn Clark, and yet what was being forgotten was that the South Carolina ladies were 38-0. And of course, in a rarity in basketball, the best player on the court didn’t win – the best team did as South Carolina stayed undefeated by winning 87-75.

As a fan, I hope that it is a close game. But there will certainly be no doubt that the winner will be a worthy champion. They will have beaten the best in the game – you could not ask for more.