Nationwide Arena will be a packed house, as Mississippi State’s battle with Louisville is sure to be of astronomical and epic proportions.

Broadcast Information

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN 2

Seeding and Records

Mississippi State: 1 (36 - 1)

Louisville: 1 (36 - 2)

What to Watch For

Teaira McCowan’s dominance:

McCowan has been a force all tournament long, and comes of no surprise. She has dominated game after game, as her paint presence has become unrivaled. McCowan has singlehandedly taken over games to the point where the opposition looks flat out intimidated.

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That said, Louisville is afraid of nobody and will go right at McCowan. She will have to keep her composure and stay out of foul trouble. McCowan is coming off arguably her best performance, having posted 23 points, 21 rebounds, along with four blocks. It will take that and then some against the Cardinals.

Morgan William running the show:

William has been absolutely sensational. She has taken her game to new heights. William has developed into a reliable scoring point guard and facilitator. In addition, she has put on a defensive clinic throughout the tournament.

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“Itty bitty” is a savant at running the offense, as it will be on full display under the bright lights of Columbus. She can pick apart any defensive scheme and is sure to give the Cardinals fits all game long. Look for William to be aggressive as a scorer and fill the stat line.

Blair Schaefer on both ends of the floor:

It goes without saying the Schaefer is one of, if not the game’s best three-point specialist. She has regained her confidence, well aware of what is at stake. Coming off a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc, look for Schaefer to show out in tonight’s Final Four.

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In addition, Schaefer has been on point defensively. She drew her 28th charge on the year in Mississippi State’s dogfight with UCLA. Schaefer will be a defensive force tonight, and it could be the Bulldogs’ key to a second straight national championship birth.

Prediction

Mississippi State is on a mission, and it has shown all season. Louisville will throw the kitchen sink at the Bulldogs, but it will not be enough. There is too much depth on Mississippi State’s roster, as everyone knows what time it is. Though there are sure to be lead changes and many unpredictable moments, the Bulldogs will roll to 37-1 and dance their way to the national championship stage.