Helena Frye
UConn dominated South Carolina 82-59 to win its 12th NCAA women's basketball championship. Led by senior guard Azzi Fudd and freshman forward Sarah Strong, who together scored 48 points, the Huskies added to their record championship total, which was already an NCAA-best 11 before the game. UConn's victory also marked the first championship win for the team since 2016, ending a nine-year drought.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Winner | UConn |
| Runner-up | South Carolina |
| Final score | 82-59 |
| Date | 6 April 2025 |
| Championship number | 12th |
| Leading players | Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, Paige Bueckers |
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What You'll Learn
UConn wins 12th national championship
The UConn Huskies have won their 12th national championship, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59. This win marks the Huskies' first championship in nine years and their 12th NCAA title in women's basketball, the most of any school.
The game was a rematch of the 2022 national championship, which was won by South Carolina. UConn dominated the game, leading by 10 points at halftime and 20 points after the third quarter. The Huskies' strong performance was driven by the combined efforts of senior guard Azzi Fudd and freshman forward Sarah Strong, who together scored 48 points. Fudd, who had missed most of the previous season due to a knee injury, scored 24 points, while Strong added 24 points and 15 rebounds. Senior guard Paige Bueckers, playing in her final college basketball game, contributed 17 points and six rebounds.
UConn's victory denied the Gamecocks the opportunity to win back-to-back championships. South Carolina struggled to keep up offensively, with their leading scorer, Joyce Edwards, shooting only 33.3% from the field. The Gamecocks' loss marked the first time in coach Dawn Staley's three championship appearances that her team fell short.
UConn's win further solidified their dominance in women's college basketball and added to the impressive record of their head coach, Geno Auriemma. Auriemma, already the winningest coach in Division I history, earned his 12th national championship title, with this victory being the first since 2016.
The Huskies' outstanding performance showcased the talent and determination of their players, who overcame previous setbacks and injuries to reclaim the national championship title. With a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, UConn's dynasty continues to thrive and set new records in women's basketball.
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South Carolina Gamecocks denied fourth title
The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team has had a rich history, with their fans known for their passion and loyalty. The team has been on an impressive run, winning the SEC regular-season championship four years in a row from 2014 to 2017 and the SEC tournament championship three years in a row, twice from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2023 to 2025. The Gamecocks have also earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for four consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2017.
However, their quest for a fourth national title was denied in 2025. The Gamecocks fell short, despite their dominance in the SEC. The team has set its sights on the ultimate prize, a national championship, which has proven elusive in recent years. While they have come close, the Gamecocks have been unable to capture that elusive fourth national title, falling just short against tough competitors.
The South Carolina Gamecocks have a long and proud history in women's basketball, with a passionate fan base and a reputation for success. The team has consistently performed well, with notable wins and an impressive list of accomplishments. The Gamecocks have dominated the SEC, winning multiple championships and earning a place in the Final Four for the first time in school history in 2017.
The team's success can be attributed to the talented players and dedicated coaches who have represented the University of South Carolina with pride. The Gamecocks have produced numerous Olympians and achieved significant milestones, including setting NCAA records for postseason success between 2010 and 2012. With their determination and strong work ethic, the Gamecocks continue to be a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball, always striving for that fourth national title to add to their impressive resume.
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Geno Auriemma adds to his unmatched credentials
Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team, has added to his already impressive resume with yet another remarkable achievement. Auriemma, who has been UConn's head coach since 1985, has transformed the team into one of the most dominant forces in women's college basketball.
Under Auriemma's leadership, UConn has claimed an astonishing 12 NCAA Division I basketball championships, the most in the history of the sport. This includes an incredible 111-game winning streak from 2014 to 2017, which stands as the longest in NCAA women's basketball history. The team has also achieved 19 undefeated conference seasons, with eight of those coming consecutively, and six perfect seasons overall.
Auriemma's success extends beyond the college game. He served as the head coach of the United States women's national team from 2009 to 2016, a period that included winning the World Championships in 2010 and 2014, as well as gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
The impact of Auriemma's coaching extends beyond the basketball court. He has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of women's sports at the University of Connecticut. His hiring in 1985 was part of the university's commitment to better fund and support women's athletics. Since then, UConn has become a powerhouse in women's basketball, consistently ranking among the top programs in the nation.
Auriemma's remarkable achievements have earned him widespread recognition within the basketball community and beyond. He has been lauded for his ability to develop players and build winning teams, with many of his former players going on to have successful professional careers.
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Paige Bueckers receives a huge ovation from the crowd
UConn’s Paige Bueckers received a standing ovation from the crowd as she returned to the court after a knee injury. Bueckers, a star point guard, had been out since fracturing her tibial plateau in December. In her first game back, she came off the bench to play 13 minutes, contributing eight points, two rebounds, and an assist to a 93-38 victory over St. Johns.
The ovation was a testament to Bueckers' popularity and impact on the team and the sport. Despite her young age, she has already established herself as a brilliant talent and a leader on the court. In 2021, she became the first freshman to earn the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year, and USBWA Player of the Year. She also led the Huskies in points, assists, steals, and three-point percentage, showcasing her all-around excellence.
However, Bueckers' impact extends beyond her athletic achievements. She has embraced and celebrated Black America, using her platform to shine a light on Black women in sports and society. At the 2021 ESPYs, where she was named college athlete of the year, Bueckers dedicated her speech to honouring Black women, highlighting their contributions and calling for more media coverage and recognition.
Despite her talent and achievements, Bueckers has not received the same widespread adoration as some of her peers, such as Caitlin Clark. This disparity has been attributed to Bueckers' outspokenness on issues off the court and her embrace of Black America, which has unfortunately led to her not being lionized by large parts of white America.
Nevertheless, the standing ovation from the UConn crowd demonstrated the love and support Bueckers has from her fans and community. It was a powerful moment that recognized her resilience, talent, and impact on the sport and the world beyond it. Bueckers' return to the court and the ovation she received were a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the impact she has had on so many.
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Azzi Fudd to stay at UConn for one more season
UConn Huskies star Azzi Fudd has decided to stay at the university for one more season, forgoing the 2025 WNBA draft. Fudd, who is eligible to leave for the draft and was likely to be a first-round pick, believes that spending another year at UConn will allow her to "work on everything [she needs] to work on" and take her game to a new level.
Fudd, a 5-foot-11 graduate student, arrived at UConn as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2021, with NBA legend Stephen Curry praising her jumper as more "textbook" than anyone he'd seen. However, her college career has been plagued by injuries, including a foot issue, knee injuries, and an ACL tear. Despite these setbacks, Fudd has made a career-high 30 appearances this season, with the Huskies advancing to the Sweet 16 after defeating South Dakota State.
In an interview, Fudd expressed her motivation for staying at UConn for another year. She believes that having a true offseason to work on her game will be beneficial, as it will allow her to tap back into the confidence she had before being sidelined by injuries. With star Paige Bueckers' departure, Fudd also recognizes the need to step up and take on a leadership role within the team.
Fudd's decision to return to UConn for her final year of collegiate eligibility is a major boost for the Huskies' 2025-26 roster. Alongside Fudd, the team will feature other standout players, including Sarah Strong and juniors KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade. With a strong squad and Fudd's exceptional talent, the Huskies are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
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Frequently asked questions
LSU won the 2023 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, beating South Carolina in the championship game.
A total of 68 teams participated in the 2023 tournament, consisting of 32 conference champions and 36 "at-large" bids.
LSU's head coach was Kim Mulkey, who became the first coach to win a Division I women's basketball national championship at two different schools.
