UConn Triumphs Over South Carolina to Claim Their Record 12th Women's NCAA Championship Title

The “underdog” UConn Huskies are national champions once again!

The No. 2 seeded team took the national title — their 12th overall — handily beating the South Carolina Gamecocks with a final score of 82-59 on Sunday, April 6.

During the game at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., the Huskies — led by head coach Geno Auriemma and an array of role players, including presumptive 2025 WNBA Draft No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers — had a particularly impressive showing in the third quarter, per ESPN.

They managed to open up a 20-point lead, which ultimately culminated in a blowout by the game's conclusion.

The only non-No. 1 seed in the Final Four, UConn was viewed as the outsider in the field, which also included UCLA and Texas, who lost their respective games on Friday, April 4.

Yet venerable UConn — owners of 11 previous national championships and 24 Final Four appearances — looked strong, with an emphasis on freshman phenom Sarah Strong, throughout the weekend.

On April 6, the Huskies’ big three — Bueckers, Strong and senior Azzi Fudd — came to play, combining for 65 points to outscore the entire South Carolina roster. Fudd, who put up 24 points, was named the game's Most Outstanding Player.

Next up for Bueckers, 23, is the WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, when the Minnesota native is expected to be selected by the Dallas Wings, who have the first pick.

Both teams brought their fans to Tampa. During games on April 4, the Longhorns’ and Bruins’ fan bases were considerably outnumbered, and each team's play seemed to suffer.

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Longhorns star Madison Booker got into early foul trouble and was a near-nonfactor in the 74-57 South Carolina win, while UCLA standout Kiki Rice only scored 8 points in 37 minutes of play.

Center Lauren Betts was the sole bright spot for the Bruins, finishing with 26 points as the game’s high scorer. The Huskies went on to a 85-51 romp.

Next up for UConn's Paige Bueckers is the WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, when the Minnesota native is expected to be selected by the Dallas Wings, who have the first pick.