Before tonight’s game, the Final Four games which took place on April 4–5, with UConn vs. UCLA drew 4.1 million viewers (peaking at 4.7 million) and South Carolina vs. Texas attracted 3.6 million. The tournament has seen an average of 967,000 viewers through the Elite Eight, a 47% increase from 2023 but a 31% decrease from 2024. While ESPN projected around 12 million viewers for the championship game if storylines and star power align, this likely still falls short of the historic 18.9 million average viewers from the 2024 final. The South Carolina vs. UConn matchup is considered the best possible draw for ratings, but official viewership numbers for the championship game will be available later.
As for tonight, the confetti rained down from the rafters of Amalie Arena, and shining streamers danced in the air as the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champions, the UConn Huskies, reveled in their victory. The Gamecocks stood on the court, reflecting on a season that had brought them to the pinnacle, yet left them one step short. The final score, 82-59, was a clear indication of UConn’s dominance, a 23-point margin that belied just how decisive the contest truly was.
South Carolina’s quest for back-to-back titles ended in defeat, with the Huskies showcasing their offensive power. UConn’s trio of Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers, and Sarah Strong combined for 65 points, overwhelming the Gamecocks. Fudd, who has excelled against South Carolina, led with 24 points. Strong, a freshman phenom, finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Bueckers contributed 17 points, orchestrating the offense with confidence. The Huskies were simply too much for South Carolina to handle.
South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged UConn’s brilliance after the game, saying, “They did a masterful job in executing on both sides of the basketball. I have to say goodbye to a senior class that had a historic impact on our program, our game, our city, and our state.” Her words reflected the respect she has for the champions.
UConn’s Execution: A Clinic in Basketball Excellence
UConn’s execution was flawless on both sides of the ball. The Huskies displayed a level of offensive efficiency that South Carolina couldn’t match. Fudd’s performance stood out, as she shot 53% from the field. Strong’s presence in the paint was undeniable. Strong, the national freshman of the year, posted an impressive double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Bueckers, the iconic guard who has been at the forefront of UConn’s dynasty, controlled the game and added 17 points, contributing to the offensive juggernaut that South Carolina simply had no answer for. South Carolina struggled to keep pace with UConn’s precision.
Kaitlyn Chen, a graduate transfer from Princeton, was instrumental in UConn’s championship run. Starting all 40 games, she averaged 6.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game. It seems small, but Chen’s standout performance in the Elite Eight against USC, where she scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, fueled UConn’s push to the Final Four. Beyond her scoring, she provided key veteran leadership and made crucial plays throughout the season. In the championship game against South Carolina, Chen contributed two points and four assists, but played great defense helping UConn secure its 12th national title. Geno Auriemma praised her as a “perfect” fit, highlighting her significant impact on the team’s success.
South Carolina’s Struggles: A Cold Night on Offense
On the other hand, South Carolina’s offense faltered. The Gamecocks shot just 34% from the field, missing several easy opportunities. They also struggled from three-point range, finishing 4-for-16. Their shooting woes were compounded by missed layups, with 10 opportunities left unconverted. Despite creating chances, they simply couldn’t capitalize.
South Carolina’s offensive difficulties were evident throughout the game. They couldn’t find their rhythm, missing shots they typically make. Joyce Edwards, who has been a reliable scorer all season, finished with only 10 points. “I feel we missed a lot of shots,” Edwards said. “We got to where we wanted to be, but credit to UConn’s defense.” UConn’s defense was suffocating, constantly closing out on shooters and limiting South Carolina’s driving lanes. The Huskies, known for their meticulous preparation and strategic execution, stymied every attempt the Gamecocks made to get into an offensive rhythm. Despite their struggles, the Gamecocks had their chances but couldn’t convert them into points.
UConn’s Return to Glory: A New Chapter in a Storied Legacy
For South Carolina, this loss is undeniably painful. The Gamecocks had the opportunity to achieve something truly special—a back-to-back national championship—an accomplishment that no team had achieved since UConn’s own dynasty run from 2013 to 2016. Their quest for history fell short, but the season itself cannot be defined by this loss alone. At 35-4, South Carolina had once again proven themselves to be one of the most dominant programs in the country. Their run through the tournament—culminating in the title game—showed their resilience, strength, and the growing influence they’ve had on the game.
However, it’s impossible not to reflect on what this loss means. The Gamecocks, in their pursuit of a second consecutive title, were thwarted by a UConn team that, despite their recent hiatus from the top, has reasserted their dominance with a vengeance. UConn’s victory marks a return to the top after nearly a decade, and previews a future that looks bright after this commanding victory.
South Carolina: A Legacy of Resilience
For South Carolina, this loss is not the end. While this loss stings for South Carolina, it should not overshadow the remarkable journey they have taken. The program has transformed women’s college basketball into a battlefield of fierce competition, and Dawn Staley has molded South Carolina into a juggernaut, always in the hunt for titles. This team has been an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, particularly young women in the sport. Their resolve, even in the face of such a lopsided defeat, speaks volumes about their character and the values they represent.
The Gamecocks can take solace in the knowledge that they are not far from claiming another championship of their own. Their time will come, but they must look at this loss as part of the process of becoming an even more formidable team.
For UConn, their victory brings them back into the spotlight and reminds everyone of their storied history. The Huskies’ dominance—led by Fudd, Bueckers, and Strong—was a reminder that their legacy is far from over, and their resurgence may be the beginning of another championship run.
A Good Way To Say Goodbye: Paige Bueckers
Bueckers’ time in Storrs has certainly been remarkable, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. Her freshman year took place in a COVID-19 bubble, and she was sidelined for more than half of her sophomore season. Then, a torn ACL in the summer of 2022 kept her out for her entire junior year. Despite these setbacks, she managed to reach the Final Four three times before this season, only to fall short each time.
Now, Paige Bueckers has undeniably left a historic imprint on UConn and college basketball. As she wins that elusive “Natty” and heads to the WNBA, her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential players is firmly cemented. A two-time unanimous first-team All-American (2021, 2024) and 2025 Wade Trophy winner (national player of the year), Bueckers ranks third in UConn history in career points (2,422) and ninth in assists (558). Her crowning achievement came in 2025, when she led UConn to its 12th national championship, cementing her status as a generational talent.
Bueckers’ impact transcends basketball. With a $1.4 million NIL valuation, she became a trailblazer of the NIL era through deals with Nike, Gatorade, and CeraVe. She made history as the first college athlete to secure equity in a professional league (Unrivaled Basketball League), redefining athlete empowerment. Her cultural influence extends to 2.9 million Instagram followers and collaborations with brands like Chegg and StockX.
Projected as a 2025 No. 1 WNBA draft pick, Bueckers enters the pros with unmatched credentials: Four Final Four appearances, a career 21.1 PPG average, and 2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. Her ability to elevate teammates while delivering clutch performances (26.4 PPG in the 2025 tournament) positions her as an immediate franchise cornerstone.
Bueckers’ career embodies basketball evolution: A triple-threat guard who mastered scoring, playmaking, and leadership, she became the face of both on-court excellence and off-court innovation. As the WNBA prepares to welcome its next superstar, Bueckers stands ready to reshape professional basketball just as profoundly as she transformed the college game.
A Moment to Reflect: UConn’s Championship, South Carolina’s Heart
UConn’s dominant victory over South Carolina tonight re-established their enduring status as a benchmark in women’s college basketball. The Huskies’ commanding performance, culminating in an 82-59 win, showcased their ability to outmaneuver even the most formidable opponents. Despite the loss, South Carolina remains a powerhouse, having consistently demonstrated their strength over recent years. Both teams will continue to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of women’s college basketball, a landscape increasingly showing evidence of growing parity and competitive depth.
UConn’s win reinforced their legacy as a program by which others are measured. The Huskies’ 12th national title—their first since 2016—returns them to their position at the pinnacle of the sport, while South Carolina’s promise and talent ensure they will remain a force next year with the right moves.
Connecticut is well-positioned to remain a top contender next year, thanks in part to the return of standout players like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Moreover, the Huskies will continue to benefit from the leadership of Geno Auriemma, who is set to embark on his 41st season. Recently, Auriemma was questioned about his coaching future, but he has yet to provide a definitive timeline for his retirement.