TAMPA, Fla. — The journey to get back to the Final Four has been a long, windy road for Baylor Lady Bears coach Kim Mulkey.
Since winning the 2012 national championship, Baylor has lost four times in the Elite Eight while falling short in the Sweet 16 twice.
"We lost some really heartbreaking tournament games," Mulkey said. "It wasn't like we played bad, it just happens. That's why they call it March Madness."
This season, the Lady Bears have been dominant in the 2019 Women's NCAA Tournament, winning their four games by an average of 38.3 points.
Baylor is the third team to win each of its games by 25 or more points en route to the Final Four since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1994, joining the 2010 and 2013 UConn teams -- both won national titles.
"Every year we come up with a motto for the season," star player Lauren Cox said. "I texted the group chat about Together to Tampa and it just kind of stuck. It is inspiration and reminds us everyday to work harder."
With four contributors in the frontcourt standing at least 6 feet 2 inches, including a pair of impressive freshmen in NaLyssa Smith and Queen Egbo, Baylor presents a formidable combination of physicality in the lane. No team has blocked more shots or pulled down more rebounds than BU.
"We've got our work cut out for us," said Oregon Head Coach Kelly Graves. "They're not just tall, they're skilled. It looks like sometimes they play volleyball with each other. They're just throwing it up and over the opponents."
Led by All-American point guard Sabrina Ionescu, the Ducks are in the Final Four for the first time after upsetting No. 1 Mississippi State in the Elite Eight.
"She's phenomenal," Mulkey said. "She's a great player that is going to get her points. She can drive, shoot the three and facilitate. It's going to be a great basketball game."
Even as Baylor focuses attention on Ionescu, the Ducks can lean on another three scorers in double figures and a lineup that ranks fourth nationally with 362 made three-pointers.
"Well, they are calling it new school versus old school," Caitlin Bickle said. " I think they work from the outside in, so we're just kind of opposite."
Tip off for Friday night's game is set for 6 p.m. inside Amalie Arena. The winner will take on UCONN or Notre Dame on Sunday for the National Championship.
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