The Final Four is just days away, and there are two highly anticipated matchups in women's basketball. The South Carolina Gamecocks (36-0) will match up against the NC State Wolfpack (31-6). With both teams headed to the semifinals, South Carolina will look to capture their second championship in three years.

For the Wolfpack, they are back in the semifinals for the first time since the 1997-1998 season. They are the largest underdogs with +1200 odds to win an NCAA Title.

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Undefeated on the season, the Gamecocks will have a tough matchup with NC State, who defeated Cameron Brink and the Stanford Cardinal in the Elite 8. A hungry team, look for NC State and Aziaha James to make some noise. While the Gamecocks are heavy favorites by 11.5 points, this is where you see the most intense of matchups.

Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are favored to win it all at -200 odds.

For the second matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes (33-4) will get their rematch with the UConn Huskies (33-5). Back in the Final Four for the second consecutive season, this is a must-watch between the two programs. Led by stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, it will be one for the books.

While the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU Tigers generated more than 12 million in viewership, look for this matchup to generate some serious buzz. I wouldn't be surprised if this upcoming matchup is the most bet on women's NCAA game ever.? Women's basketball is taking off and is at the forefront of media headlines.

THE WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR WILL TAKE PLACE IN CLEVELAND, OHIO

Friday's late-night matchup is a classic showdown between the most prolific scorer in all of NCAA history and Paige Bueckers, who's overcome several injuries. Bueckers, a five-star recruit, has put the nation on notice with her stellar play in the NCAA tournament. Favored by a 2.5-point spread, can the Hawkeyes take down Geno

Auriemma and the Huskies? With a thin bench and various injuries, the Huskies have +700 odds to win it all. For the Hawkeyes, they are the second favorite to take away the title with +300 odds.

With both games set to take place on Apr. 5, they will be held in Cleveland Ohio with the first tip-off beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

In anticipation of this highly awaited Final Four, I've analyzed all available statistics, analytics, and odds to provide my top betting predictions for tomorrow's matchups.

ODDS ARE CURRENT AS OF APR. 4 AT 12:00 P.M. ET.

SJ's March Madness betting record: 22-9 +9 units

MARCH MADNESS FUTURES ODDS

NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION 2024

• SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS: -200
• IOWA HAWKEYES: +300
• CONNECTICUT HUSKIES: +700
• NC STATE WOLFPACK: +1200

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BEST MARCH FINAL FOUR ODDS FOR MARCH MADNESS

• The South Carolina Gamecocks are the favorites to win the NCAA tournament. FanDuel currently has the best odds at -200
• The Iowa Hawkeyes are the second favorites to win it all win it all. Fan Duel has the best odds at +300
• No. 3 seeded UConn Huskies are the third favorites to win the NCAA title. FanDuel currently has the best odds at +700
• The? NC State Wolfpack is the ultimate underdog to win it all. Fan Duel has the best odds listed at +1200

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?FINAL FOUR PLAYER STANDOUTS

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS LEADERS

NC STATE WOLFPACK LEADERS

IOWA HAWKEYES LEADERS

CONNECTICUT HUSKIES LEADERS

WHY THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS CAN WIN ALL OF MARCH MADNESS

The South Carolina Gamecocks are favored to win it all for a reason. Expected to regress after losing several members of the 2022-2023 team, Staley and company emerged with a vengeance. This time, with a new starting lineup, and incredible athletes recruited from both high school and the transfer portal.

Undefeated for the first time in program history, the Gamecocks are looking to capture their second title since the 2022 season. Leading the national in the wins columns, there are several reasons why South Carolina can win it all.

First off, the Gamecocks lead the nation in point differential with +29.6, and they are ahead of the UConn Huskies by a mile. In other words, they are winning games, and securing them by a large margin. Thanks to senior Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina leads the nation in blocks (7.9), and has elite rim protection.

THE GAMECOCKS LEAD IN SEVERAL CATEGORIES

While this team is undefeated, they rank in the top ten in several statistical categories including field goal percentage (49.2 %), rebounds (46.2), three-point percentage (39.4 %), and points per game (85.6). One of the most elite teams on offenses, we have to give all the credit to Dawn Staley.

Kamilla Cardoso's collegiate career is coming to a close, where she's been a two-way force all season, especially on the glass. While Cardoso leads the team in scoring, Staley has a ton of talent and depth behind her.

Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley put the nation on notice after showing out in their Paris season opener. Although she's always hooped like that, she's second on the team in scoring, and is capable of excelling on both ends of the court. Te-Hina Paopao, arguably one of the best three-point shooters in women's basketball, was a clutch pickup in the transfer portal by Staley.

With such depth on this team, Bree Hall, Ashlyn Watkins, Chloe Kitts, Reven Johnson-- they are all players who have a profound impact on this squad. I like them to win it all, based on depth alone.

THE GAMECOCKS HAVE AN ELITE DEFENSE

We discussed their high-powered offense, and how exciting it is to watch this group of women hoop. However, their defense is scary, and remains of of the best left in the Final Four. Holding opponents to just 56 points per game, the Gamecocks perimeter defense is even frightening.

Limiting the opposition to 26.9 percent from deep, South Carolina has a strong backcourt duo with Paopao and Raven Johnson.

South Carolina defeated Presbyterian and UNC by a +102 point differential. While they defeated Indiana University 79-75, the Gamecocks blew a 22-point lead in the second half. Although some say that lowers their chances of repeating, it was Raven Johnson who came up with the shot.

They followed a similar pattern in the Elite 8 series against the Oregon State Beavers. Up by 12 points heading into the fourth, Oregon State closed to gap to four points. Although South Carolina came away with the 70-58 victory, they didn't bring their best offensive game.

Overall, the Gamecocks have one of the most pristine coaches in Dawn Staley. One of the most talented teams in the Final Four, they are the most complete team on both sides of the ball, and have the depth to beat any of these teams. Their ability to play inside-outside basketball makes them a dual threat on the offensive end.

WHY THE IOWA HAWKEYES? WILL WIN THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

All eyes are on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the NCAA all-time leading scorer, Caitlin Clark. 33-4 on the season, the Hawkeyes are the only no. 1 seed that remains in the tournament, aside from South Carolina. Led by head coach Lisa Bluder, the Hawkeyes had impressive victories over Ohio State, Maryland, Indiana, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Virginia Tech over the regular season.

Back in the Final Four, the Hawkeyes have their sights set on a title, after conceding to LSU in last year's NCAA championship game.

The second favorite to win the March Madness tournament at +300 odds, the Hawkeyes will need to rely heavily on Caitlin Clark. The nation's leading scorer, Clark will have to balance a scoring attack, while facilitating to her teammates.

Producing the top offense in the nation with 91.9 points per game, the Hawkeyes remain one of the best shooting teams from beyond the arc (37.8 percent), and the floor (49.9 %). One of the top teams in heading to the charity stripe (19.9 attempts per game), the Hawkeyes have proven time and time again why they belong in this tournament.

ALL EYES ARE ON CAITLIN CLARK IN THE FINAL FOUR

While the narrative surrounds Caitlin Clark, it's the players around her that make the team so great. I was for sure mistaken when I predicted LSU to defeat Iowa in the Elite 8. Caitlin Clark finished with 41 points, and no one has been able to stop her through March Madness and heading into the Final Four.

Hannah Stuelke has taken a gigantic leap in her second season, starting 30 games for the Hawkeyes this season. Averaging 6.8 rebounds per game, she's the main factor why Iowa is so dominant on the glass.

When talking about a futures pick, you have to look at all of the statistics and trends. For Iowa, they cruised over Holy Cross and West Virginia in the first two rounds of March Madness.

After defeating Colorado by 21 points, they found themselves as -1.5-point favorites against LSU in the Elite 8.

The most bet on women's college basketball game ever, there were more prop bets placed on Clark than any NBA player that day.

As a bettor, it's impressive the way Iowa took care of business against an extremely talented LSU team. Although Clark remained the focal point, she finished with 12 assists, and seven rebounds, and was a force on the defensive end. She was so dominant, that not even LSU's Hailey Van Lith nor Angel Reese had a plan of attack defensively. As I mentioned in my last article, their success will ultimately come down to the capabilities of their teammates.

THE HAWKEYES DEFEATED SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE 2023 FINAL FOUR

With Kate Martin pouring in 21 points versus LSU, it was Sydney Affolter who came up clutch, shooting over 65 percent from deep. The question remains, will the Hawkeyes have senior Molly Davis back? Gabby Marshall has been known to knock down shots, can she contribute on the offensive end.

I don't see anyone stopping Caitlin Clark, and this is what makes Iowa so dangerous. Every aspect of the offensive flows through Clark, and I expected this to happen versus UConn.

Some will argue the Hawkeyes defense isn't strong enough to hold up against other teams. However, they held every opponent to under 70 points per game, except LSU. They sought redemption against LSU, and absolutely have a chance against South Carolina or NC State if they make it to the finals.

After all, Clark poured in 41 points, as Iowa ended the Gamecock's perfect season in last year's final four. With undeniable chemistry, look for Iowa to make a serious run. Fifth in the nation in point differential (+20.4), is this the year Caitlin Clark gets her ring with Iowa?

WHY THE UCONN HUSKIES CAN WIN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

I try not to be biased, especially because I graduated from the University of Connecticut. There's no question, that UConn is the winningest program in women's college basketball, and they have a star in Paige Bueckers. Perhaps one of the more surprising teams left in the Final Four, I'll never bet against head coach Geno Auriemma and the Connecticut Huskies ever again. Bueckers, back from injury, has completely shined in this year's March Madness tournament.

It's been a long road for the UConn Huskies, who haven't seen the NCAA Finals since the 2021-2022 season. Riddled by injuries, the Huskies lost five-star recruit Azzi Fudd, and Jana El Alfy, among several other players to injury.

With a turbulent 4-3 start to the season, the Huskies were never supposed to be in the Final Four. However, with star power from Bueckers, faith, and freshman contributions, this team is the third favorite to win it all at +700 odds. After getting jounced from the Sweet 16 last season, their future looked more and more doubtful.

Mind you, when you attend UConn under coach Auriemma, you're held to a higher standard. With 23 Final Four appearances and 11 championship titles, it's the expectation that you win.

And this year held no different standard. It's the next player-up mentality, and UConn is the ultimate success story. It's not necessarily about the best players, it's about hard work and the right pieces. Basketball is a game of chess, and Auriemma sure played his pieces right. Like all sports, it's about who is hot at the right time, and the Huskies are hot.

THEY DEFEATED NO. 1 SEED USC TROJANS

33-5 on the season, the Huskies claimed the Big East Conference Championship, and went on to defeat Jackson State, Syracuse, and Duke. The most impressive victory of the tournament, UConn defeated no. 1 USC, 80-73. 3.5-point favorites, It was Bueckers who finished with 28 points, 1o rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.o steals, and 2.0 blocks. Holding USC freshman sensation JuJu Watkins to 9-25 shooting, the USC Trojans shot less than 33 percent from the floor.

Aside from Bueckers, the Huskies have future WNBA lottery pick Aliyah Edwards at the five.? A difference maker on the glass and inside, Bueckers and Edwards combined for 52 points against USC. Surrounded by UConn's two stars, KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade have stepped in as freshmen. Perhaps the most impressive player was Nika Muhl and her ability to avoid foul trouble against USC.

UCONN CAN WIN IT ALL WITH THEIR DEFENSE

For the Huskies to advance past the Final Four, Auriemma will need Bueckers and Edwards to remain the focal part of their offense. Second in point differential (+23.1), the Huskies are putting up 79.9 points per game. While they remain a top team in field goal percentage (49.7 %) and three-point percentage (36.4%), it's their defense that has kept them in games.

Limiting opponents to just 56.8 points per game, Bueckers has been an incredible two-way player for the Huskies. Up there with South Carolina in opponent field goal percentage (35.4 percent), Muhl and Bueckers have suffocated their opponents around the perimeter.

I've been extremely impressed with UConn's defense, and the question is, can they be the only team to stop Caitlin Clark? We all remember Buecker's triple-double to send Iowa packing in the 2021 Sweet 16.? Can UConn once again defeat Clark and the Hawkeyes.

While they only have 6-7 rotation players due to injury, can they overcome depth issues and rely heavily on their defense? If they want to make it all the way, UConn will have to say out of foul trouble.

WHY THE NC STATE WOLFPACK CAN WIN ALL OF MARCH MADNESS

NC State, along with the UConn Huskies, are headed to the Final Four. This year, with both their men's and women's teams punched their ticket to the big stage. 31-6 on the season, the Wolfpack are the least favored with +1200 to win an NCAA title. Led by junior Aziaha James, NC State has proven why they belong in the Final Four. With South Carolina standing in their way, let's break down why this team can go all the way.

I would say NC State arguably had one of the toughest schedules so far in this year's March Madness. After defeating Chattanooga, 64-45, the Wolfpack had impressive victories over Tennessee, Stanford, and Texas. Mind you, both Texas and Stanford were no. 1 and no.2 seeds. Finishing as a no 11 seed team, upsets over two of the top teams in the nations certainly speaks volumes.

Forcing Stanfords Cameron Brink into foul trouble, The Cardinal struggled offensively, shooting just 5-25 from deep. More impressively, they defeated Texas 76-66 in the Elite 8, in which the Wolfpack had five players in double figures.

IT'S NC STATE'S FIRST FINAL-FOUR APPEARANCE SINCE 1998

While it's been their three-point shot keeping them alive, their next matchup is the most they've been underdogs all season. This is a team that defeated UConn, and Colorado. Don't sleep on NC State, Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James are incredibly gifted athletes who are the primary scorers and defenders for NC State.

Appearing in their first Final Four since the 1998 season, the frontcourt will need to remain strong on the boards and rim protection.

One of the best defenses in the country, NC State limits opponents to 28.8 percent from deep on 60.3 points per game. Aziaha James managed to hit seven three-pointers with the uneven paint lines. Named the Portland 4 Regional Most Outstanding Player, James scored a combined 56 points against Texas and Stanford. The heart and soul of this team, it's James proving all of her offseason work has paid off.

Along with their defense, the Wolfpack have a variety of scorers around James. If they can force Cardoso into foul trouble and protect the perimeter, NC State may just upset South Carolina.

FINAL NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION PICK & PREDICTION: SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS (-200)

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