TAMPA, Fla. — The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as the UConn Huskies (36-3) face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks (35-3) for the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament national championship on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Amalie Arena. This highly anticipated rematch comes after UConn handed South Carolina a staggering 29-point defeat earlier this season, a result that has fueled the fire for the defending champions seeking redemption.
UConn, under the guidance of legendary coach Geno Auriemma, is poised to capture their first national title since 2016. The Huskies are riding high on a wave of momentum, having dominated their opponents throughout the tournament, including a historic 85-51 victory over UCLA in the Final Four. With a roster featuring standout players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong, UConn is not only aiming for a championship but also to solidify their legacy as one of the all-time great programs in women’s basketball.
Meanwhile, South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is determined to defend their title and secure their third championship in four years. The Gamecocks have showcased their resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming challenges and displaying a relentless defensive strategy that has become their hallmark. With a roster brimming with talent, including Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, South Carolina is ready to clash with the formidable Huskies once again.
The first meeting between these two powerhouses on February 16, 2025, was a wake-up call for South Carolina. UConn’s offensive prowess was on full display, as they scored with ease and stifled the Gamecocks’ attempts to find their rhythm. Azzi Fudd led the charge with 28 points, while Sarah Strong contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing UConn's depth and versatility. South Carolina struggled offensively, managing only 14 points in three of the four quarters and hitting just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc.
Fast forward to the present, and both teams have evolved since that fateful encounter. South Carolina has gone undefeated since that loss, winning their last 12 games, including a solid 74-57 victory over Texas in the Final Four. The Gamecocks’ defense, ranked second in efficiency, is set to challenge UConn’s high-flying offense, which leads the nation in scoring with an average of 81.6 points per game while holding opponents to just 51.8 points.
UConn’s remarkable performance against UCLA highlighted their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. They forced 19 turnovers and shot an impressive 55% from the field. Bueckers, who has been a key player throughout the tournament, averaged 48.7% shooting and an astonishing 61.9% from three-point range in her last three games, including a 40-point explosion against USC. Her ability to create opportunities for her teammates, combined with the scoring prowess of Fudd and Strong, poses a significant threat to South Carolina’s defense.
As the Gamecocks prepare for this crucial rematch, they know they need to execute flawlessly. Coach Staley’s defensive strategy will focus on limiting UConn’s perimeter shooting while ensuring they control the boards. South Carolina’s offense, averaging 79.8 points per game, must find a way to break through UConn’s suffocating defense and capitalize on any scoring opportunities.
“We’ve learned a lot since that last game,” Staley said. “We know what we need to do to compete at the highest level, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for supremacy in women’s college basketball. UConn’s quest for a 12th national title and South Carolina’s pursuit of back-to-back championships creates an electric atmosphere that promises to deliver high drama and intense competition.
The betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this matchup, with UConn favored by 6.5 points. The total points line is set at 133.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. Fans can expect a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and heart as these two elite programs clash for the ultimate prize.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Bueckers, who is determined to leave her mark on the sport before heading to the WNBA Draft. “This is my last chance to make a statement, and I’m going to give it everything I have,” she stated confidently.
With the national championship on the line, UConn and South Carolina both have compelling narratives and talented rosters that set the stage for an unforgettable showdown. Will the Huskies reclaim their glory, or will the Gamecocks prove their resilience and defend their title? One thing is certain: the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament national championship will be a game for the ages.
