By Okon Ekpenyong, with On the Move with SportzKelz Media

On April 4, 2025, the University of Connecticut Huskies made history by defeating the UCLA Bruins with a resounding score of 85-51 in the semifinals. This victory, with a 34-point margin, stands as the largest in Women’s Final Four History, surpassing even UConn’s own previous record of a 30-point win against Louisville in the 2013 national title game. 

This remarkable win paves the way for a highly anticipated Sunday championship showdown against South Carolina. It’s a rematch of the 2022 National Championship game, where UConn, vying for its 12th title, was bested by South Carolina, who claimed their second Championship with a score of 64-49. 

Throughout the game, the team’s offense and defense were firing from all corners, and they even received praise from Head Coach Geno Auriemma, who praised the players for their remarkable dedication. UConn’s offense shined, hitting 55% of their shots from the field and 43.8% from three-point range. They capitalized on 27 points from UCLA turnovers and added 11 points from second-chance opportunities. 

Besides defense-winning games, bench contribution is always a factor in any game, so the 16 points from the bench were also crucial. They will need that in the title against South Carolina, which is seeking its second straight after defeating Texas. Because of UConn’s defense, UCLA did not lead at any given point during the game’s four quarters.  

Standout Players: 

The team’s leading scorer, Paige Bueckers, has led UConn to 4 Four Final appearances since joining the team in 2020. Bueckers first played in a National Championship game in 2022, but the team fell short of South Carolina. Throughout her collegiate career, she has been the face of the UConn team despite not winning a championship and facing multiple injuries, including a torn ACL. Her resilience and determination have been an inspiration. Throughout the 2024-2025 season, including this year’s tournament, she played a vital role in numerous victories, showcasing her skills on both court ends. Paige finished with 16 points, shooting 7-17, which she must work on against South Carolina’s high-power defense. 

Azzi Fudd’s aggressive style and ability to hit shots, finishing with 19 points, contributed significantly to the Huskies’ scoreboard gap. Freshman Sarah Strong infused the game with much-needed energy and composure, finishing with a team-high 22 points and demonstrating her valuable contribution to UConn’s success. Paige on Strong: “You can’t really say enough great things about Sarah Strong. She just contributes to winning in so many different ways. A lot of things sometimes don’t show up in the stat sheet, but everything she does also shows up in the stats sheet.”

Expectations for the Championship Match:

With this victory, the ground is prepared for an eagerly awaited contest against South Carolina. Auriemma, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and the right game plan, instills confidence in the team’s capacity to face a tough opponent such as the Gamecocks. Thoughts from Coach Auriemma: In reflecting on his career, Auriemma noted the game’s evolution, recognizing the challenges posed by changes in the sport. He expressed gratitude for the privilege of coaching and the chance to work with talented individuals like Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong. 

UConn has experienced an eight-year drought since they last won a championship in 2016. South Carolina won three championships during this time, while Notre Dame, Baylor, Stanford, and LSU each won one.

Desire to Win:

The Huskies have a strong history with 24 Final Four appearances and 11 national titles, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure. They have a burning desire to reclaim the Championship after losing to Iowa in last year’s semifinal game. Their previous defeat in a final was against South Carolina in 2022, setting the stage for an exciting rematch. 

Championship Game: Uconn Versus Defending Champion South Carolina:

Earlier this year, on February 16, the two teams met in South Carolina, where UConn won with a score of 87-58. UConn has a 10-5 record against South Carolina, and the last time these two teams met, Azzi Fudd scored 28 points. In discussing past matchups with South Carolina, the UConn coach expressed, “We have faced each other numerous times in crucial games, including a national championship. Both programs have earned their right to compete at this level, and each team has the potential to secure victory on Sunday. It is important to note that past performances will not dictate the outcome of this game; our history of 11 national championships will not influence our success this weekend.”

Don’t miss the thrilling National Championship, kicking off at 3 PM at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida! 

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