A men’s basketball Final Four lineup like this one doesn’t happen often. In fact, as regular tournament followers well know, a weekend comprised entirely of No. 1 seeds like the current quartet gathered in San Antonio has only happened once before.

But while an ensemble of this caliber offers great promise for an entertaining climax to the season, a fantastic finish is not a guarantee. The prior iteration of all top seeds in 2008, also in San Antonio by coincidence, did yield a classic title game but the semifinal contests were both forgettable. What we do have then are high hopes that the on-court product in 2025 will live up to the hype and provide us with an event we’ll remember for a long time.

There are a couple of things we can say for certain heading into Saturday’s contests. One finalist will be an SEC team, and the other will be a squad that dominated its power conference all season.

Here’s a look at the matchups:

No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 1 Florida

Time/TV: 6:09 p.m. ET, CBS

The participants in this all-SEC showdown aren’t as familiar with each other as they could be. They only met once in the regular season, and their first potential rematch in the conference tournament was derailed when Auburn was bounced by Tennessee in the semifinals. That result, along with a couple other late setbacks down the stretch, is why, unlike last week, the Tigers might actually have a case to play the underdog card here despite being designated the tournament’s overall top seed. Another reason, of course, is that the Gators took that first meeting on Auburn’s home court.

Florida’s first priority will be keeping Auburn’s star big man Johni Broome under wraps. The Gators have a number of options there, as frontcourt starters Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu have been joined by key reserve Micah Handlogten, another seven-footer who had planned to redshirt but rejoined the team in mid-February to provide needed depth. Broome for his part is still likely to post yet another double double by night’s end, and Dylan Cardwell can help on the glass. But the Tigers are going to need points from the arc to keep pace with the Gators. Tahaad Pettiford has had a good tournament thus far, but the Tigers need better shot selection from Miles Kelly can continued success from Denver Jones.

Ah yes, about those Gators’ scorers. As we’ve seen, it will probably be Walter Clayton Jr. taking the big shot when needed, which means he’s likely to draw attention from Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara. But Florida also has Elijah Martin, who has Final Four experience from his time at Florida Atlantic, to help alleviate the ball pressure on the perimeter.

PREDICTIONS: Our experts forecast who wins Final Four semifinals

TOP SEEDS: Where does this Final Four rank with the best ever?

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 1 Houston

Time/TV: 8:49 p.m. ET, CBS

The Saturday nightcap at the Alamodome features two of the sport’s heavyweights. Both programs were at or near the top of the polls from the outset, and their respective performances in March certainly justified their lofty rankings. Duke sent the top-seeded Cougars packing in the Sweet 16 a year ago, though both teams have since gone through considerable changes.

At first glance, one might project this to be a low-scoring affair. Houston gives up a mere 58.3 points a game, while the Blue Devils aren’t far behind on the defensive end allowing just 62.6. The game might indeed unfold in that manner, but there could be more points than one might expect given all the offensive weapons on both sides.

Houston is rightly identified as a defense-first team, but its three-point prowess this season is somewhat underappreciated. L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan all shoot better than 40% from the arc, and the Cougars grabbing nearly 13 offensive rebounds per game helps even some of the misses turn into points. As Alabama just learned, however, Duke’s length on the perimeter could prove more difficult to solve. The Blue Devils’ offense does not rely solely on Cooper Flagg, though he will touch the ball on most possessions. His freshman classmates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach have been just as valuable finishing at the rim, and Tyrese Proctor’s recent hot shooting gives the Cougars’ excellent defenders another element to consider.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin needs one goal to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record.

Ovechkin scored a pair of goals in the Capitals’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to tie Gretzky with 894 career goals.

How has Oveckhin gotten so close to ‘The Great One?’ The answer isn’t a big disparity in empty-net goals.

Ovechkin has eight empty-netters this season and an NHL-record 65 in his career, but he’s not too far ahead of Gretzky in that category. The Great One had 56 in his career and is No. 2 all-time after Ovechkin passed him last season.

Ovechkin wasn’t out there after the Blackhawks pulled their goalie on Friday because he didn’t want to break the record on an empty-netter. Ryan Leonard scored into an empty net to make it 5-3 and Ovechkin had chances as time wound down but Spencer Knight stopped him.

‘I tell (coach Spencer Carbery) right away I don’t want to do it,’ Ovechkin told reporters. ‘(Dylan Strome) asked me, (John Carlson) asked me, everybody asked me, ‘Do you want it? Do you want it?’ and I said, ‘Let’s wait.”

Carbery has deployed Ovechkin when the other team pulls its goalie for an extra skater, even though the winger doesn’t play when the Capitals are a man short while killing penalties. He noted that many teams use high-skilled offensive players in 5-on-6 situations.

‘They know where the next play is and where the puck is going, and that’s what you see from (Ovechkin) constantly,’ Carbery told reporters earlier this season. ‘He’s reading where the next puck is going.’

Ovechkin has a big lead on Gretzky in overtime and power-play goals while Gretzky leads in short-handed and even-strength goals.

Comparing Ovechkin and Gretzky on types of goals:

Alex Ovechkin empty-net goals

Ovechkin has 65 career empty-net goals, making up 7.2% of his 894 career goals.

Former Capitals coach Peter Laviolette also used him in empty-net situations and he scored nine empty-netters in 2021-22 during a 50-goal season. He totaled nine over the next seasons.

This season, Ovechkin had two empty-netters before he broke his leg in November and scored an empty-netter in his Dec. 28 return. He has five empty-netters since Jan. 11. But he fired the puck past a goaltender 17 times during that stretch, too, including by stars Connor Hellebuyck (twice), Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin.

Ovechkin completed a hat trick on Feb. 23 with an empty-netter after Edmonton unexpectedly pulled its goalie and an Oilers defenseman’s stick broke on a shot attempt.

On March 11 against the Anaheim Ducks, Ovechkin passed the puck to Aliaksei Protas in an empty-net situation to allow his teammate to complete a hat trick.

His key career empty-netters were goals No. 400 and No. 802, which moved him past Gordie Howe into second place.

Wayne Gretzky empty-net goals

Gretzky has 56 career empty-net goals, making up 6.3% of his 894 career goals.

One of Gretzky’s most famous goals was into an empty net. He did so as part of a five-goal game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 30, 1981, when he set an NHL record reaching 50 goals in just 39 games.

Gretzky had four empty-netters during that 92-goal season. The most he had was six in a season, accomplished three times.

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky overtime goals

Ovechkin holds the record with 27 overtime goals in the regular season. Gretzky had only two, even though overtime was instituted in 1983-84 during his fifth season in the league. OT play was 5-on-5 and didn’t change to 4-on-4 until 1999-2000, the season after Gretzky retired. Ovechkin has either played 4-on-4 or 3-on-3 overtime.

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky power-play goals

Ovechkin holds the record with 324 power-play goals. Gretzky had 204, which is 18th all-time.

The difference is the Capitals’ power play centers on getting Ovechkin the puck for a one-timer. He was stationed at the point early in his career, then later moved his office to the left faceoff circle.

Gretzky’s office was behind the net, so he was more of a playmaker on the power play. He has an NHL-record 686 assists with the man advantage. Ovechkin has 276.

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky short-handed goals

Gretzky leads 73-5 for one simple reason: Ovechkin doesn’t kill penalties. He had three short-handed goals as a rookie and only two since. He has played 80 seconds of short-handed time this season.

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky even-strength goals

Gretzky has a record 617 and Ovechkin is third with 565. He’s close to No. 2 Howe (566).

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky games

Gretzky played 20 seasons and Ovechkin is in his 20th season. Ovechkin has played one less game. He has been mostly healthy, outside of the 16 games he missed this season. But Ovechkin’s entry in the league was delayed by a season-long lockout in 2004-05. He also went through a shorter lockout, plus two COVID-shortened seasons.

Gretzky was limited to 45 games by injury in 1992-93 and to 48 games in 1994-95 by a lockout.

A changing of the guard at tight end could be imminent – or already underway – in the NFL.

In recent years, Travis Kelce and George Kittle helped further push the once-overlooked position squarely into the limelight. But with Kelce having mulled retirement this offseason after a down year statistically and Kettle turning 32 in October, others might soon be left to pick up the mantle.

The Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride and Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers look up to the task after their respective Pro Bowl seasons in 2024. But more competition is on the way in the form of a draft class that features two marquee names likely to land in the first round, as well as several other potential starters.

Here’s USA TODAY Sports’ ranking of the top 10 tight ends in the 2025 NFL draft:

1. Tyler Warren, Penn State

Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was one of the first to refer to his star pupil as a ‘football unicorn,’ and he deployed the do-everything star in a fittingly unique manner. A finalist for the Paul Hornung Award for college football’s most versatile player, the former quarterback lined up all over the field and even saw action behind center in Wildcat packages. Despite that usage, the 6-6, 256-pounder still could handle a more straightforward, throwback role as an inline tight end, though his future team will undoubtedly look to take advantage of all that he can offer in the passing game.

Warren is a top-tier athlete for the position, but his best attribute might be the urgency he displays on every play as he fights for contested catches and charges up field with the ball in his hands. He’s hardly afraid to take on defensive ends in the run game, though his hand usage leaves something to be desired. Above all, Warren is sure to be someone his future coaching staff will center, not only in the game plan but also as a tone setter in the locker room.

2. Colston Loveland, Michigan

Operating essentially as a supersized wideout, the 6-6, 248-pounder is the stylistic contrast to the more rugged Warren. And while he might have been overtaken in the positional pecking order by his Big Ten counterpart, Loveland might not be far behind as a highly desirable target primed to create mismatches against both linebackers and safeties.

Michigan’s moribund passing attack in 2024 (averaging a mere 129.1 yards per game) obscured his true capabilities, but Loveland still set a school single-season record for most receptions by a tight end with 56. As a downfield target, he can be a true terror for defenses to account for thanks to the ease with which he pulls away from opponents and then skies over them when high-pointing passes. With his long arms and massive catch radius, he can give his quarterback a higher margin of error and corral passes outside of his frame. Loveland might be in for somewhat of a rude awakening when facing opponents who will try to jostle him at the line of scrimmage and catch point, but pass catchers with his frame and athleticism aren’t easy to find.

3. Mason Taylor, LSU

The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor decided to focus his career on assisting passing attacks rather than derailing them like his father did. The younger Taylor’s steady ascent as a receiver – he tallied 55 catches for 546 yards last season – could continue in the pros if he becomes a more nuanced route runner, which would open up more downfield opportunities after his limited set of work in that area. The 6-5, 256-pounder likely will need to bulk up to handle battles at the line of scrimmage better, but he can be utilized as a move tight end in the early going.

4. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

A stellar combine performance – his 4.63-second 40-yard dash and 39-inch vertical stood as the best marks of any tight end, while his 10-foot-2 broad jump ranked third – helped underscore what Ferguson can offer an aerial attack. The 6-5, 247-pounder is equally comfortable operating in a traditional role or out of the slot, and he can threaten defenses by creating separation or settling in against zone coverage. His usage might be limited early, however, as pedestrian strength makes him a vulnerability when asked to help handle defensive ends.

5. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)

In his lone season as a starter, Arroyo emerged as a key weapon for likely No. 1 pick Cam Ward, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. That figure might lead to some false conclusions about his athleticism, however, as the scheme did plenty of favors for a player who shouldn’t be expected to be the most dynamic target at the next level. But Arroyo is reliable and can compete for opportunities over the middle, which should position him to bail out his quarterback as a complementary piece in the passing game.

6. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

It’s not often that a tight end is truly the focal point of an offense, but Fannin was exactly that for the Falcons, setting Football Bowl Subdivision single-season records in 2024 for the most receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) at the position. With an H-back build at 6-3 and 241 pounds along with rigid and awkward movements, he can make for a difficult projection, especially with a sizable leap in level of competition ahead after dominating the Mid-American Conference. But Fannin is surehanded and makes things happen after the catch, so he should be an attractive option for a team that will be deliberate about how it gets him the ball.

7. Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska

Two knee injuries sidelined Fidone for the first two years of his career, but he powered through to notch 61 catches for 633 yards from 2023-24. At 6-6 and 255 pounds, he’s one of the more athletic inline players in this year’s class. Filling out his frame will be an important step for him, but Fidone is worth bringing along given his upside as a downfield target.

8. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame

One of the more well-rounded players in this class, Evans can stay on the field in most situations thanks to his sufficient athleticism and effort as both a blocker and receiver. The 6-5, 258-pounder just isn’t particularly explosive in any element of his game.

9. Gunnar Helm, Texas

Helm broke out in a big way for the Longhorns in 2024, posting 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. The 6-5, 250-pounder wins primarily with knowhow rather than pure athleticism, and he might be hard-pressed to replicate his success when forced to play in traffic.

10. Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech

The 6-4, 253-pounder might not amount to anything more than a bulldozer in the run game. But as a backup who hangs around for short-yardage situations and goal-line opportunities, he can add value as a reliable blocker.

At least one SEC team is going to the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament national championship, but the question is whether it will be Florida or Auburn.

The Gators are coming off a come-from-behind 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight last Saturday, while the Tigers defeated Michigan State 70-64 on Sunday. Florida earned a 90-81 win over Auburn on the road during the regular season on Feb. 8. The Gators built up a 21-point lead in the win.

Florida enters on a 10-game winning streak, including winning the SEC tournament championship, while the Tigers have won four in a row after ending the regular season with three losses in four games.

Here’s how experts see the Final Four battle between Florida and Auburn playing out, along with odds and how to watch:

Florida vs Auburn picks and predictions

USA TODAY picks

Jordan Mendoza: Did Auburn learn from the first meeting? Both teams have been vulnerable during the tournament, and Johni Broom’s health looms large. The Tigers lead at halftime, but another clutch performance by Walter Clayton Jr. gets Florida in the title game. Florida 85, Auburn 80.

Paul Myerberg: Auburn’s experience and maturity has been a huge advantage in this tournament. A veteran lineup has helped the Tigers survive stiff tests from Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State. Florida is a different animal than what Auburn has faced so far. The Gators’ depth and 3-point shooting are two huge assets as Auburn looks to bully Florida closer to the basket. This one is more likely to be a shootout, based on the Gators’ 90-81 win during the regular season. Florida 88, Auburn 84.

Erick Smith: This sets up as a big vs. little matchup with Auburn relying on Johni Broome on the inside and Florida looking to Walter Clayton Jr. on the perimeter. Yes, the Gators won the regular-season meeting, but this game is a completely different circumstance. Which team can handle the pressure of the big moment? The Tigers might have the edge in maturity. Auburn 73, Florida 70.

Eddie Timanus: The Gators were my pick to win the whole thing at the start of the tournament, so I’m not going to go back on that now even though they’ve been pushed to the brink a couple of times. It might be cliché to say a team peaked too soon, but Auburn might have done just that. Florida 78, Auburn 72.

Blake Toppmeyer: Walter Clayton Jr. is becoming the story of this tournament. He’s clutch, and the Gators are without weakness. Guards win in March Madness. Auburn’s guards are good. Florida’s are better. Florida 82, Auburn 70.

Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun: Florida 88, Auburn 83

‘It’s hard to beat a high-caliber program twice, but Florida will find a way. Clayton will make more big shots and UF’s four-player post rotation will play physical enough inside to neutralize Broome. Florida will advance to the national title game for the first time since 2007.’

Adam Cole, Montgomery Advertisor: Florida 92, Auburn 88 (OT) 

‘It’s hard to beat any good team twice. That certainly goes in Auburn’s favor, and its ability to do a week-long scout on the Gators holds the same sentiment. But Florida has looked unstoppable since it beat Auburn, and while the Tigers could certainly have it figured out, the edge, however slight, goes to the Gators.’

Florida vs Auburn date, start time, where to watch

Game Day: Saturday, April 5
Game Time: 6:09 p.m. ET
Location: Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas)
TV Channel: CBS
Live Stream: Fubo (free trial)

Watch Florida vs Auburn on Fubo (free trial)

Florida vs Auburn odds

Odds as of Saturday, April 5 via BetMGM.

Spread: Florida (-2.5)
Over/under: 159.5
Moneyline: Florida (-150) | Auburn (+125)

The women’s NCAA Tournament all comes down to this: one game between UConn and South Carolina, with a national championship on the line.

The Huskies (36-3) have arguably played their best basketball of the season during March Madness. A Final Four blowout win over UCLA exemplified that, with Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong combining for 57 points in a comprehensive demolition of one of the best teams in the country. UConn has won each of its tournament games by at least 14 points, dominating in all facets as Geno Auriemma pursues his 12th NCAA title.

The Gamecocks (35-3) have had a slightly bumpier road, but any doubts were put to rest in the Final Four. Against a familiar foe in SEC power Texas, South Carolina’s ferocious defense took over in a 74-57 win. Joyce Edwards bossed things inside while Te-Hina Paopao shot the lights out, a formula that could see the Gamecocks defend their crown. That would also help avenge a 29-point loss to this same UConn bunch back in February.

Here’s how to watch the women’s basketball national championship game between UConn and South Carolina:

Where to watch UConn vs. South Carolina: TV channel, time, live stream

Game Day: Sunday, April 6
Game Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)
TV Channel: ABC, ESPN
Live Stream: Fubo

Watch UConn vs. South Carolina on Fubo

Friday’s NHL action was all about the achievements of Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, who scored twice to tie Wayne Gretzky’s goal record.

Otherwise, there was little impact on the postseason picture, with no team having a chance to clinch or move in or out of a playoff position.

That will change on Saturday as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Los Angeles Kings can clinch (see below).

In addition, the Kings (95 points) and Edmonton Oilers (93) play in a Pacific Division game that will have a big impact on who gets home-ice advantage if they meet again in the first round.

In the tightening Central Division title race, the Winnipeg Jets (108) and Dallas Stars (104) are both in action. Dallas has won seven in a row and has a game in hand.

The Montreal Canadiens (81), New York Rangers (79) and Columbus Blue Jackets (77) are in action in the tight Eastern Conference wild-card race.

The St. Louis Blues, playing the Colorado Avalanche, can extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 12 games and put distance between them and the idle Minnesota Wild in the race for the West’s first wild-card spot.

The NHL playoff standings are a jumble with many teams in contention. Here’s a look at the playoff picture:

Who’s in the NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs

Western Conference: Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights

Who can clinch today?

The Lightning will clinch a playoff berth if they get at least one point vs. the Sabres. They’d also get in if Canadiens lose to the Flyers in regulation or the Rangers don’t beat the Devils in regulation.
The Panthers will clinch if beat the Senators. They also will if they get one point and either of the following happens: the Rangers lose or the Canadiens lose to the Flyers in regulation. Third option: the Blue Jackets lose to the Maple Leafs and the Rangers lose in regulation.
The Kings will clinch if the beat the Oilers and the Flames lose to the Golden Knights. They’d also get if they get one point and the Flames lose in regulation.

NHL games today (Saturday, April 5)

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 12:30, ABC | ESPN+ | Fubo
Florida at Ottawa, 2
Pittsburgh at Dallas, 3, ABC | ESPN+ | Fubo
Anaheim at Vancouver, 4
Edmonton at Los Angeles, 4
Carolina at Boston, 7
Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 7
Columbus at Toronto, 7
Philadelphia at Montreal, 7
Colorado at St. Louis, 7
Winnipeg at Utah, 7
Vegas at Calgary, 10
Seattle at San Jose, 10

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2024-25

(as of April 4)

Metropolitan Division

x-Washington Capitals (107 points)
x-Carolina Hurricanes (96)
New Jersey Devils (87)

Atlantic Division

x-Toronto Maple Leafs (96)
Tampa Bay Lightning (93)
Florida Panthers (92)

Wild card

Ottawa Senators (86)
Montreal Canadiens (81)

Sitting outside playoff position:New York Rangers (79), Columbus Blue Jackets (77), Detroit Red Wings (77), New York Islanders (76), Pittsburgh Penguins (72), Philadelphia Flyers (71), Buffalo Sabres (70), Boston Bruins (69)

NHL Western Conference standings 2024-25

(as of April 4)

Central Division

x-Winnipeg Jets (108)
x-Dallas Stars (104)
x-Colorado Avalanche (98)

Pacific Division

x-Vegas Golden Knights (98)
Los Angeles Kings (95)
Edmonton Oilers (93)

Wild card

St. Louis Blues (91)
Minnesota Wild (89)

Sitting outside playoff spot: Calgary Flames (84), Vancouver Canucks (81), Utah Hockey Club (80), z-Anaheim Ducks (74), z-Seattle Kraken (70), z-Nashville Predators (62), z-Chicago Blackhawks (52), z-San Jose Sharks (50)

x-clinched playoff spot; z-eliminated

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended April 4:

Key: M – Metropolitan Division. A – Atlantic Division. WC – wild card

Washington (M1) vs. Montreal (WC2)
Carolina (M2) vs. New Jersey (M3)
Toronto (A1) vs. Ottawa (WC1)
Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Florida (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. 

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended April 4:

Key: C – Central Division P – Pacific Division. WC – wild card

Winnipeg (C1) vs. Minnesota (WC2)
Dallas (C2) vs. Colorado (C3)
Vegas (P1) vs. St. Louis (WC1)
Los Angeles (P2) vs. Edmonton (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth.

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 17, with seven games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 19.

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TAMPA, Florida — UConn isn’t letting Paige Bueckers leave without a national title, so woe to anyone who tries to get in their way.

Just ask UCLA, which was effectively run off the floor by halftime Friday night and wound up on the wrong end of an 85-51 Final Four loss. That would be the overall No. 1-seeded Bruins, mind you. Or Oklahoma, which is still licking its wounds from the 40 points Bueckers dropped on the Sooners a week ago.

Ask South Carolina, which headed for the exits at halftime of UConn’s beatdown of UCLA, having experienced this nightmare once already. UConn shellacked the defending champion Gamecocks on their home court less than two months ago. They didn’t need to watch UCLA get picked apart to know what awaits them in Sunday afternoon’s title game.

Shop UConn vs. South Carolina national championship tickets

Heck, ask UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, who has seen pretty much everything in his illustrious career and, as such, isn’t one for empty praise.

‘You always go into these games this time of the year expecting it to be incredibly, incredibly difficult. Not that it wasn’t, because I think our guys played about as hard as any group of kids can play,’ Auriemma said. ‘But I don’t think we made a mistake the entire evening, especially on the defensive end.’

There were, oh, three decades or so when everyone hated the Huskies because they were just better than everyone else. They collected titles like European royalty — 11 so far, for those counting — and the Final Four might as well have been a scheduled game.

But the competition had seemingly caught up to UConn these last few years. The Huskies haven’t won a title since 2016, and have made only one appearance in the title game since then. South Carolina is the team to beat now, reaching the title game for the third time in four years after routing Texas in the other Final Four game.

We all should have known better.

Since a loss to Tennessee on Feb. 6, no team in the country is playing better than UConn. And the Huskies haven’t just been good. They’ve been ruthless, snatching the very souls from their opponents.

‘You can tell there’s a level of connectivity and purpose. So many players are being stars in their roles,’ UCLA coach Cori Close said. ‘Obviously we talk about Paige and Azzi (Fudd) and Sarah (Strong), but the reality of how the whole team is contributing in different ways, it’s a credit to them.’

The win over UCLA was UConn’s 15th in a row, all but two of which were by at least 20 points. They’re outscoring their NCAA tournament opponents by 30-plus points, and the 34-point win over the Bruins was the largest ever at the Final Four.

That’s right. All those previous UConn teams, Pat Summitt’s Tennessee juggernauts — none of them did what these Huskies just did.

Against UCLA, they had a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter. They’d harassed UCLA into 10 turnovers midway through the second, two more than the Bruins had field goals.

In perhaps the most audacious moment of the entire night, with less than two minutes left in the first half, Azzi Fudd stripped Elina Aarnisalo and whipped the ball to Bueckers. Bueckers, spotting Kiki Rice at her side, shoved the ball to Kaitlyn Chen, who scored on a layup that put UConn up 39-22.

Bueckers and Chen burst into laughter. UCLA had to want to cry.

‘She sees everything and she has the skill to go with it, to be able to make those passes,’ Chen said. ‘And she’s so smooth with the ball. She just does a great job of finding her teammates and finding her own shot.’

That’s what makes this UConn team so dangerous. Yes, Bueckers averaged 29 points on 58.7% shooting her first four NCAA tournament games. But unlike other UConn teams in her previous seasons, she no longer has to do everything. This group has Bueckers, Fudd and Strong.

That follows the mold of Auriemma’s previous championship teams, ones that boasted multi-headed monsters. Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Shea Ralph. Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Renee Montgomery. Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, Stefanie Dolson.

‘Going into this weekend, we felt we had the best opportunity that we could have in the last five, six years, seven years … (because) it wasn’t relying all on one person and that person had to play exceptionally outstanding game in order for us to win it all,’ Auriemma said.

Strong was the Huskies’ leading scorer against UCLA — not Bueckers — finishing with 22. Fudd had 19, all in the first half when UConn set an unforgiving tone.

‘If Paige had 16 last year, we wouldn’t have made it to the Final Four. If Paige has the kind of game that she had today in the previous couple of years, it would be almost impossible for us to win,’ he said. ‘And yet today, look what happened. So we have more pieces.

‘You have to come here with really good players and put yourself in a position to do it.’

Auriemma and Bueckers said UConn hasn’t talked about winning a national title — except, Auriemma said, when he wants to make Bueckers mad by pointing out she doesn’t have one. But the way they’re playing speaks volumes.

‘We hoped to be playing on the last day of the season,’ Bueckers said. ‘We got that opportunity. We don’t want to take it for granted.’

South Carolina knows what’s coming. It doesn’t mean the Gamecocks have any better hope of stopping it.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.