April 5, 2025

When evaluating basketball teams, one of the most defining metrics is win percentage. This statistic not only highlights a team’s success but also reflects consistency, strategy, and determination over a season. In this post, we’ll explore teams with an impressive win percentage of over 70% and what these numbers tell us about their performance in the 2023–2024 season.

Visualizing Excellence

The graph below captures the teams that achieved win percentages above 70% during this season. By filtering the data, these elite teams stand out as benchmarks of success in collegiate women’s basketball.

Key points to note:

• Dominance Across Conferences: Teams like South Carolina and UConn have consistently demonstrated excellence, achieving win percentages that place them at the top of their respective conferences.
• Season Performance and Strength: These high percentages underline not just talent but also cohesion among players, smart coaching, and the ability to adapt to competitive challenges.

Behind the Numbers

Win percentage reflects several critical factors:

1. Team Chemistry: Teams that gel well together on and off the court often outperform others. This synergy is evident in stats like assists and turnover ratios.
2. Strong Defense: Teams with high win percentages tend to have solid defensive metrics—restricting opponent field goal percentages and turnovers play a crucial role.
3. Effective Scoring: Consistency in shooting, free-throws, and bench contributions helps secure victories game after game.

Spotlight on the Final Four Teams

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament showcased four exceptional teams in the Final Four:

• South Carolina: The undefeated No. 1 seed Gamecocks made their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance, continuing their quest for dominance in collegiate basketball.
• Iowa: Led by the phenomenal Caitlin Clark, Iowa advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year, showcasing their offensive prowess and determination.
• NC State: The Wolfpack reached their first Final Four since 1998, defeating No. 1 Texas in a thrilling regional final.
• UConn: A perennial powerhouse, UConn returned to the Final Four, demonstrating their resilience and championship pedigree.

These teams exemplified the qualities that define greatness in basketball—teamwork, strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure.

A Lesson for Aspiring Teams

The journey to achieving success in basketball goes far beyond talent—it requires a cohesive strategy, relentless determination, and a willingness to learn from the best. For teams aspiring to surpass the 70% win percentage mark or reach the prestigious Final Four, studying elite performers offers invaluable lessons.

1. The Importance of Strong Fundamentals
   Elite teams emphasize core basketball skills, such as precision shooting, effective passing, and disciplined defense. Players are not just skilled in isolation; they excel at integrating these fundamentals into fluid gameplay that maximizes their collective potential.
2. Leverage Team Chemistry
   Teams like South Carolina and Iowa demonstrate how critical it is for players to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Cohesion on the court translates to better ball movement, timely assists, and fewer turnovers. Aspiring teams can build chemistry through off-court bonding, rigorous training, and clear communication.
3. Adaptability in High-Pressure Situations
   Games are often won by the ability to adapt to opponents’ strategies and respond to high-pressure situations. Elite teams thrive under pressure, demonstrating resilience and creativity when faced with tough opponents. Aspiring teams must develop the mental toughness to stay focused and confident during crucial moments.
4. Strategic Coaching
   Great coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma are known for their tactical acumen and ability to inspire their players. Coaches play a pivotal role in analyzing opponents, developing game plans, and fostering a positive team culture. Aspiring teams should prioritize strong leadership to navigate challenges effectively.
5. Data-Driven Insights
   Advanced analytics provide a competitive edge. By studying metrics such as win percentages, assist-to-turnover ratios, and field goal efficiencies, teams can pinpoint areas for improvement and craft personalized strategies to enhance performance. Aspiring teams should embrace technology and data analysis as integral parts of their growth.
6. Continuous Improvement
   Success requires constant evaluation and iteration. Aspiring teams should review game footage, analyze past performances, and set achievable goals for improvement. Learning from mistakes and celebrating small victories along the way create a foundation for sustained excellence.

Aspiring teams are not just chasing numbers; they are chasing growth, ambition, and the ultimate dream of championship glory. With the right mindset, preparation, and focus, the lessons from the top teams can inspire greatness for seasons to come.

Closing Thoughts

Women’s basketball is a celebration of talent, grit, and strategy. The teams with win percentages over 70% and the Final Four participants remind us of the power of dedication and teamwork. These athletes inspire not only through their victories but also through their resilience and determination to excel at the highest level.

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament culminated in an unforgettable championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes. South Carolina, led by their exceptional coach Dawn Staley, showcased their dominance throughout the season and capped it off with a stellar performance in the final. They defeated Iowa 87–75 to claim their third national championship in program history. Iowa, despite falling short, demonstrated incredible skill and determination, with Caitlin Clark delivering standout performances throughout the tournament.

As we look ahead, the lessons from these teams—both their triumphs and challenges—serve as a source of inspiration for players, coaches, and fans alike. Whether you’re analyzing data, strategizing for the next season, or simply cheering from the stands, there’s always something to learn from the game.

Here are a few thought-provoking questions when reviewing the graph:

1. Performance Analysis:
   • What trends or patterns do you notice among teams with a win percentage over 70%?
   • Are there certain conferences that dominate in terms of high win percentages?
2. Conference Comparisons:
   • How do the top-performing conferences compare to each other in terms of total wins and consistency?
   • Do smaller or less-known conferences have any standout teams in this category?
3. Impactful Metrics:
   • Beyond win percentage, what other metrics from the graph, like field goal percentage or assist-turnover ratio, correlate strongly with success?
4. Historical Context:
   • How does this season’s data align with previous seasons? Are there emerging trends or shifts in team performance?
5. Final Four Teams Connection:
   • How do the win percentages of last year’s Final Four teams compare to those on your graph? Did their stats set them apart early on?

Spotlight on the Final Four Teams

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has brought together four incredible teams in the Final Four, each showcasing exceptional talent and determination:

• South Carolina (100% win rate): The undefeated Gamecocks, led by their experienced coach Dawn Staley, continue to dominate the basketball landscape. Known for their stifling defense and cohesive gameplay, South Carolina defeated Texas in the semifinals with a convincing score of 74–57, solidifying their place in the championship game.
• UConn (84.6% win rate): A perennial powerhouse, the Huskies once again proved their resilience under the leadership of Geno Auriemma. With Paige Bueckers delivering a standout performance, UConn triumphed over UCLA in the semifinals with an impressive 85–51 win, earning a chance to claim the title.
• Texas (86.8% win rate): The Longhorns have showcased remarkable defense throughout the tournament, holding opponents to under 62 points per game. Despite their semifinal loss to South Carolina, their disciplined approach and strategic plays made them a standout contender this season.
• UCLA (79.4% win rate): The Bruins have been one of the season’s most inspiring stories. Led by Lauren Betts, they demonstrated their defensive strength and adaptability, making a strong push to the Final Four before falling to UConn in the semifinals.

These teams exemplify the qualities that define greatness in collegiate basketball—teamwork, strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure. The championship matchup between South Carolina and UConn promises to be an electrifying finale to an incredible season. 

My Pick – UConn(I’d just love to see Paige Bueckers get a National Title, but I think the Gamecocks will be tough to beat)