What Is 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four

Overview

The 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four marked a historic moment in women's college basketball, culminating in South Carolina claiming its first national championship. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the event featured intense matchups and a dramatic finale that captivated fans nationwide.

The tournament concluded a grueling season that began with 64 teams, ultimately narrowing down to the final four: South Carolina, Mississippi State, Connecticut, and Oregon. Each team brought unique strengths, but it was South Carolina’s defensive intensity and Mississippi State’s underdog momentum that defined the weekend.

• Championship date: The title game occurred on April 2, 2017, concluding a three-day Final Four event.
• Location: All games were played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, home of the NBA’s Mavericks.
• Champion:South Carolina defeated Mississippi State 67–65 to win its first national title in program history.
• Underdog run:Mississippi State stunned UConn in the semifinals, ending their 111-game winning streak—the longest in NCAA history.
• Attendance: The championship game drew 19,090 fans in person, reflecting growing interest in women’s college basketball.

How It Works

The NCAA Women's Final Four is the culmination of a single-elimination tournament involving 64 teams competing for the national title. Teams are seeded and placed in regional brackets, with the winners advancing through rounds to the final site.

• Selection Sunday:March 12, 2017 was the date when the 64-team bracket was revealed, based on team performance and committee rankings.
• First & Second Rounds: Held at campus sites, these games took place from March 17–20, narrowing the field to 16 teams.
• Regionals: The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds occurred from March 24–27 in Bridgeport, Dallas, Spokane, and Lexington.
• Final Four teams:South Carolina, Mississippi State, UConn, and Oregon advanced after winning their respective regional finals.
• Championship structure: The semifinals were played on March 31, followed by the title game on April 2.
• Most Outstanding Player:A'ja Wilson of South Carolina earned the honor after averaging 15.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the four teams that reached the 2017 Final Four based on key performance metrics:

The table highlights the dominance of these elite programs, with UConn leading in scoring and undefeated status until the semifinals. South Carolina’s balanced play and defensive focus proved decisive in the final, despite scoring fewer points per game than the others.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Final Four had lasting implications for women’s sports, elevating visibility and setting new benchmarks for competition and viewership. It showcased rising programs and signaled a shift in the balance of power in women’s college basketball.

• Historic win: South Carolina’s victory marked the first national title for the program and the SEC since 2009.
• End of a dynasty: Mississippi State’s 66–64 overtime win over UConn ended a 111-game winning streak—a record in college basketball.
• Viewership: The championship game attracted 3.3 million viewers on ESPN, the highest since 2003.
• Player legacy: A'ja Wilson solidified her status as a future WNBA star, later becoming the 1st overall pick in 2018.
• Conference impact: The SEC placed two teams in the Final Four, boosting its national reputation.
• Media coverage: Increased press attention helped normalize high-profile women’s sports events as mainstream entertainment.

The 2017 tournament remains a turning point, proving that women’s college basketball can deliver drama, parity, and national appeal on the biggest stage.