The 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament continued Friday with an exhilarating Final Four showdown in Tampa, Florida, where defending champions South Carolina and the UConn Huskies both secured their spots in the national championship game. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, triumphed over Texas with a decisive 74-57 victory, while UConn overwhelmed UCLA, winning 85-51.
In the first game of the evening, South Carolina faced off against Texas, a rematch of two previous encounters this season where the teams split their results. The Gamecocks, aiming to capture their fourth national title in program history and their second consecutive championship, started slow but quickly found their rhythm. After trailing early, South Carolina rallied to take control of the game, demonstrating their depth and experience.
Te-Hina Paopao emerged as a key player for the Gamecocks, scoring a team-high 14 points, while freshman Joyce Edwards added a significant contribution with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Bree Hall also chipped in with 11 points. South Carolina dominated in the paint, scoring 40 points to Texas's 22, showcasing their physicality and skill inside. Staley's squad overcame an early deficit, outscoring the Longhorns 20-16 in the second quarter to take a 38-35 lead into halftime.
“We just had to settle down and play our game,” Paopao said after the game. “We knew we had to keep pushing and not let them get comfortable.” The Gamecocks' resilience paid off as they ended the third quarter on an 11-3 run, extending their lead significantly and maintaining control through the final minutes.
Texas, which entered the Final Four with a stellar 35-3 record, was led by Madison Booker, who scored 11 points despite dealing with foul trouble throughout the game. The Longhorns struggled with turnovers, committing 17 in total, which proved detrimental against South Carolina's relentless defense.
In the nightcap, UConn displayed their championship pedigree against UCLA, the top-seeded team making their first Final Four appearance. The Huskies took command early, leading 23-13 after the first quarter and never looking back. Freshman Sarah Strong was a standout performer, scoring a team-high 22 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. Azzi Fudd contributed 19 points, shooting an impressive 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while Paige Bueckers added 16 points.
“We executed our game plan perfectly,” Strong said. “We knew we had to come out strong and set the tone early.” UConn’s defense was equally impressive, forcing UCLA into 18 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Huskies. Despite Lauren Betts' strong performance for UCLA, who scored 26 points, the Bruins could not keep pace with UConn’s relentless offense.
The game was a stark contrast to UCLA's earlier performances throughout the tournament, where they had relied heavily on their top-ranked status. UConn's ability to neutralize Betts and capitalize on turnovers proved decisive. Head coach Geno Auriemma praised his team's effort, stating, “We made them play our game, and it showed.”
With both South Carolina and UConn winning their respective games, the stage is set for a thrilling national championship matchup on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. ET. This will be a highly anticipated rematch, as the Gamecocks and Huskies faced each other in the 2022 national title game, where South Carolina emerged victorious.
The upcoming championship game will not only highlight the clash of two powerhouse programs but also feature two of the sport's most renowned coaches: Dawn Staley for South Carolina and Geno Auriemma for UConn. Both coaches have built their programs into national powerhouses, and this game will add another chapter to their storied legacies.
As the teams prepare for the final showdown, fans can expect an intense battle filled with skill, strategy, and the desire for glory. South Carolina will strive to defend their title and claim their third championship in four years, while UConn aims for their record 12th national title, marking their first since 2016.
In the lead-up to the championship, both teams will reflect on their paths to this moment. South Carolina's journey has been characterized by resilience and depth, while UConn has showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to leave it all on the court in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Fans can catch the national championship game live on ABC, promising an exciting conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament.
