The UConn Huskies triumphed over the South Carolina Gamecocks, securing a decisive 82-59 victory in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game on Sunday. With this win, UConn clinched their record 12th national title, further solidifying their dominance in women’s college basketball.
UConn’s Offensive Power Shines
Led by standout performances from Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the Huskies asserted their control throughout the game. Fudd, a senior guard, and Strong, a freshman forward, combined for 48 points on an impressive 19-of-32 shooting. Paige Bueckers, a senior guard and likely the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, contributed 17 points in what was her final college game, marking a fitting conclusion to her career at UConn.
South Carolina’s Struggles
The South Carolina Gamecocks, seeking their second consecutive championship and third in four years, struggled to keep pace with UConn’s offensive onslaught. The Gamecocks’ Joyce Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, shot just 33.3% from the field. Additionally, MiLaysia Fulwiley, the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year, was held to just six points off the bench. Despite both teams starting strong offensively, the Gamecocks couldn’t maintain their scoring efficiency, allowing the Huskies to build an insurmountable lead.
UConn’s Dominance in the Tournament
UConn’s offensive depth and efficiency were evident as they steadily pulled ahead throughout the game. The Huskies led by five points at the end of the first quarter, extended their lead to 10 by halftime, and then built a commanding 20-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The victory not only secured UConn’s 12th title but also avenged their only previous loss in the final round of the tournament.
Bueckers’ Legacy Cemented
For Paige Bueckers, the win adds significant weight to her legacy. Over her career at UConn, Bueckers defeated six No. 1 seeds in the tournament, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in NCAA women’s basketball history. Despite battling injuries during her college tenure, Bueckers will finish her career as the third all-time leading scorer for UConn.
Fudd and Strong Lead UConn’s Bright Future
Looking ahead, Fudd’s decision to return for one more season at UConn, rather than entering the professional ranks, provides a significant boost to the Huskies’ hopes for a repeat. Additionally, Sarah Strong’s impressive performance, with 114 points in the tournament—breaking the record for most points by a freshman in Division I history—indicates a bright future for UConn’s program.
South Carolina’s Championship Hopes Deferred
The South Carolina Gamecocks, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, had hoped to extend their championship streak. However, this defeat prevented them from securing a fourth title and ended their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. South Carolina’s performance was not as dominant as their previous year’s undefeated championship, where they finished the season with a perfect 38-0 record.
Looking Ahead: UConn and South Carolina Remain Powerhouses
Both UConn and South Carolina remain key contenders for future championships. Under the guidance of Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley, respectively, these two teams have consistently performed at the highest level in women’s college basketball. UConn has reached the Final Four in all but one season since 2008, while South Carolina has not been eliminated before the Final Four since 2019. As these two powerhouses continue to develop, the future of women’s basketball promises even more thrilling moments.
