The Case For Connecticut (-300)

This team has toyed with opponents all year long. A tight three-point win over Michigan in November is the only game UConn won by single digits. Next closest margin of victory was a 13-point win over Louisville on opening day.

The Huskies are scary. Shoot, rebound, play defense. Yeah, they can do it all. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are the best duo in the game. They are deep. No one averages more than 26 minutes a game.

Weaknesses? There aren’t any. Three teams have the talent to match up. Even then, foul trouble or a bad shooting night would be the only things to put UConn in any type of trouble. Geno Auriemma is on the brink of yet another undefeated championship team.

The Case For UCLA (+425)

Curiously, the second favorite over South Carolina. Led by the terrific Lauren Betts, the Lady Bruins are 31-1, losing to Texas the day before Thanksgiving. They destroyed the Big 10, went undefeated in conference play and absolutely dissected Iowa in the conference tournament title game.

Good offense, great defense and rebounding better than anyone. If Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez show up like last year, UCLA is a threat. However, depth against UConn, Texas or South Carolina may show itself to be a liability. If Lauren Betts gets limited or neutralized, the Lady Bruins would be in trouble. The biggest wildcard on the board.

The Case For South Carolina (+700)

Never count out a Dawn Staley team. They’re not the focus this year as much as in the past. Advantage South Carolina. I see no drop-off in talent, production or results.

The SEC was a gauntlet. Connecticut dominates the headlines. Make no mistake, though, this squad is as talented as anyone. Joyce Edwards may be the best all-around player in America. Madina Okot is a force down low. Staley is relentless in her coaching and preparation.

The only weakness I see is that the Gamecocks play outside of themselves on occasion. Not a lack of discipline so much as trying to out-talent their opponents. It’s cost them a couple of times this year. It could very well cost them again.

The Case For Texas (+750)

The ‘Horns are 31-3 with close losses to LSU and South Carolina. Madison Booker belongs in the conversation for Player of the Year. The Longhorns are athletic and fast. Jordan Lee is a great compliment to Booker. They are extremely well coached.

Keep in mind they beat South Carolina twice this year, including a dominant win in the SEC tournament championship. If they can keep that level of play throughout, Texas can win it all. The only question and perhaps weakness is experience on the biggest of stages. It remains to be seen if the moment will be too big for them.

The Case For LSU (+1800)

The most dangerous team left in the tournament. By that I mean they have the ability to beat anyone. Best offense in the country. Great players at multiple positions. Top-tier coaching. Flau’jae Johnson gets the pub and deservedly so, but Mikayla Williams is the best player you may not have heard of. When she plays like the tip of the spear, this offense is unstoppable. When they play defense for 40 minutes, I’d put them up against anyone.

Here’s the problem: The Tigers have been at times wildly inconsistent. Inconsistent defense. Forgetting the offensive game plan. Much like South Carolina, LSU plays outside of itself often. They absolutely cannot afford to do that starting with the game against Duke.

A close game is often decided by free throws, and they are average at best. A bad night at the line and they lose to anyone they play from here on out. Continued performances like the one against Texas Tech on Sunday will have Kim Mulkey winning another title.

Prediction

Connecticut runs the table (I know, I’m going out on a limb), beating Texas in a classic championship game. Catch some games along the way. Women’s college hoops at the highest level is entertaining as heck. Plus, the all-time biggest question, what will LSU coach Kim Mulkey wear?