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The University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks have been the dominant forces in women's NCAA Division I basketball in recent years. UConn has won 12 national titles, including four straight championships from 2013 to 2016, and holds the record for the longest winning streak in NCAA women's basketball history with 111 games from 2014 to 2017. South Carolina has won two national championships, in 2017 and 2022, and has appeared in four straight national semifinal games from 2021 to 2024. In 2025, both teams reached the Final Four, with UConn topping UCLA 85-51 and South Carolina defeating Texas 74-57. The two teams faced off in the final, with South Carolina aiming for its third title in four seasons and UConn seeking its first championship in nine years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, April 5, 2025 |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Teams | UConn Huskies, UCLA Bruins, South Carolina Gamecocks, Texas Longhorns |
| UConn vs UCLA Score | 85-51 |
| South Carolina vs Texas Score | 74-57 |
| Winner | UConn Huskies |
| Runner-up | UCLA Bruins |
| Third place | South Carolina Gamecocks |
| Fourth place | Texas Longhorns |
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What You'll Learn
UConn's 2025 victory over UCLA
In a dominant performance, the UConn Huskies defeated the UCLA Bruins 85-51 in the 2025 NCAA women's Final Four. The victory set up a national championship rematch with the South Carolina Gamecocks, who defeated the Texas Longhorns 74-57 in their semifinal.
The Huskies were led by guard Azzi Fudd, who scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, and forward Sarah Strong, who recorded a team-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, along with eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Paige Bueckers, in her final collegiate game, added 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
The Huskies jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, using a 12-2 scoring run in the first half to take a commanding 42-22 lead at halftime. UCLA struggled to keep up with UConn's aggressive style of play and could only manage to cut the deficit below 20 points for 41 seconds in the second half.
The Bruins were led by center Lauren Betts, who scored a game-high 26 points and added five rebounds, two steals, and one block. Guard Kiki Rice also contributed with 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
With the win, UConn advanced to their 13th national championship game appearance and looked to capture their 12th national title. The Huskies entered the championship game as slight favourites, with their strong team play and defensive prowess posing a significant challenge for their opponents.
UConn's victory over UCLA showcased their depth and resilience as a team, with different players stepping up and making key contributions. The Huskies' ability to maintain their intensity and focus throughout the game was a testament to their discipline and determination to pursue basketball excellence.
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South Carolina's 2025 defeat of Texas
South Carolina defeated Texas in the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four basketball tournament, winning 74-57 and securing their place in the national championship game. The game was held on Friday night in Tampa, with South Carolina ranked as the No. 1 seed and Texas as No. 1 Texas. This win marked South Carolina's third title in four seasons and their quest to become the first repeat national champion since UConn's four consecutive wins from 2013 to 2016.
The game started slowly for South Carolina, with Texas pulling ahead to an early lead. However, South Carolina narrowed the gap to a one-point deficit by the end of the first quarter. They continued to hold off the Longhorns in the second quarter, maintaining their narrow lead. It was in the third quarter that South Carolina truly shone, outscoring Texas 20-9 and extending their lead to 58-44. The Gamecocks' strong performance continued into the fourth quarter, with several key 3-pointers that secured their victory.
The standout players for South Carolina were Te-Hina Paopao and Joyce Edwards, who delivered electric performances. This win added to South Carolina's impressive record in recent years, with this being their third national championship appearance in four years. Their previous wins were in 2017 and 2022, showcasing the team's consistent dominance in women's college basketball.
The 2025 Women's Final Four tournament showcased the talent and competitiveness of the teams involved, with South Carolina's victory over Texas being a hard-fought and well-deserved win. The Gamecocks' performance in this game, and throughout the tournament, demonstrated their determination and skill, solidifying their place as one of the top women's college basketball teams in the nation.
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South Carolina's 2022 win against Connecticut
The University of South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the University of Connecticut Huskies in the 2022 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. This win marked the end of the Gamecocks' current run of success and their quest to become the first repeat national champion since UConn won four straight from 2013 to 2016.
The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, put up a strong defensive performance against the UConn Huskies. The game started off with a fast pace and intense defense from both teams, with UConn taking an early lead. However, the Gamecocks battled back, showcasing their determination and resilience.
UConn, coached by Geno Auriemma, was seeking redemption after a drought of championship wins since 2016. They entered the game with a strong lineup, including Paige Bueckers, who had been dominant in previous games. Despite their efforts, the Huskies fell short, with South Carolina's stingy defense proving too much to handle.
The final score of the game was 82-59 in favour of the South Carolina Gamecocks. This victory marked the end of a nine-year title drought for the team and their fourth overall. The Gamecocks' strong performance and ability to bounce back from setbacks showcased their well-deserved win.
The 2022 championship game between South Carolina and UConn will go down in history as a testament to the skill, perseverance, and competitive spirit of both teams. The Gamecocks' victory not only solidified their position at the top of women's college basketball but also served as a reminder that hard work and determination can overcome even the toughest of opponents.
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UConn's record of 12 national titles
The UConn Huskies have a rich history in basketball, with the college fielding a men's basketball team since 1900. Initially playing in the Athletic League of New England State Colleges, the team has undergone several name changes, finally settling on 'UConn Huskies' in 2013.
The team first gained prominence under coach Hugh Greer, who led them to 12 Yankee Conference titles in 16 seasons between 1946 and 1960, including a remarkable streak of 10 consecutive titles. Greer also guided UConn to its first seven NCAA tournament appearances and a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) berth.
Following Greer's successful tenure, UConn continued to build on their basketball legacy. They won their first Big East tournament championship in 2011, along with the national championship that year. The Huskies added more national titles in 1999, 2004, 2014, 2023, and 2024, establishing themselves as a dominant force in college basketball.
UConn's recent campaigns have further solidified their reputation. In 2025, the women's team reached the Final Four, showcasing their consistent excellence. The men's team, under coach Dan Hurley, won the 2023 national championship, marking the program's fifth title in the last two decades.
While the exact number of national titles across both men's and women's basketball at UConn is unclear, the program's success is undeniable. With numerous conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and national titles, UConn has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in college basketball.
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The Tennessee Lady Volunteers' tournament attendance history
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers, also known as the Lady Vols, have a rich history in the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship tournament, having participated in every tournament since the 1981-82 season.
Coached by the legendary Pat Summitt for over four decades, the team has been a consistent performer and a regular fixture in the Final Four. Summitt's tenure saw the Lady Vols win numerous SEC titles, make 18 NCAA Final Four appearances, 4 AIAW Final Four appearances, and claim 8 NCAA championships, including an undefeated season.
The Lady Vols have a strong tournament attendance history, with a large and dedicated fan base. They play their home games at the Thompson–Boling Arena, which has a capacity of over 20,000 seats. The team has consistently ranked highly in terms of attendance, averaging 14,817 (60.39% capacity) from 1988 through 2006, and this increased to an average of 17,194 (79.34% capacity) from 2007 through 2018.
The Lady Vols have set attendance records, including a women's NCAA record of 24,597 fans for their 1998 game against Connecticut. This game demonstrated the passionate following for the team, as they filled the arena to cheer on their beloved Lady Volunteers. The team has also hosted other record-breaking crowds, including a Celtics-Bullets game in 1988 that attracted an NBA-record exhibition crowd of 23,611.
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have a proud history of success in women's college basketball, with a long list of achievements and a dedicated fan base that consistently fills arenas to cheer them on. Their tournament attendance history is a testament to their popularity and the support they receive from their loyal fans.
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Frequently asked questions
The UConn Huskies beat UCLA in the 2025 Final Four girls basketball tournament.
The UConn Huskies beat the UCLA Bruins 85-51 to win the 2025 Final Four.
South Carolina defeated Texas 74-57 to reach the 2025 Final Four.
