The UConn women’s basketball team is headed to the Final Four for the 24th time after defeating USC 76-64 on March 31, 2025, in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The game, held at Spokane Arena in Washington, showcased the Huskies' resilience, especially after a challenging third quarter where they nearly lost their momentum.
UConn was led by the stellar performance of Paige Bueckers, who scored 31 points, marking her third consecutive game with 30 or more points, tying her program record. Freshman Sarah Strong also made a significant impact, contributing 22 points and 17 rebounds, demonstrating her growth as a key player for the Huskies.
Despite a rough start to the game, UConn quickly found its rhythm, thanks in part to a strong first half. Bueckers, who had only two points in the first quarter, exploded for 11 points in the last six minutes of the first half, helping the Huskies establish a 39-25 lead at halftime. Strong was instrumental during this stretch, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds before the break.
“It’s a team win, a team victory,” Bueckers said after the game, emphasizing the collective effort that led to their success.
The second half, however, presented challenges for UConn. After leading by as much as 19 points, the Huskies allowed USC to cut the deficit to just five points by the end of the third quarter, thanks to a 13-2 run by the Trojans. Azzi Fudd, who had been scoreless through the first three quarters, finally found her scoring touch in the fourth, hitting two crucial three-pointers that helped UConn regain control.
“We just needed to stay composed,” said UConn head coach Geno Auriemma. “We’ve been in tough situations before, and the girls showed great poise.”
Kaitlyn Chen also played a pivotal role, scoring 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting, showcasing why Auriemma sought her out as a veteran guard after Nika Muhl declared for the WNBA Draft.
As the game progressed, the Huskies demonstrated their defensive prowess, holding USC to 0-for-5 from the three-point line in the first half. The Trojans, who had been averaging 6.8 threes per game this season, struggled to find their rhythm against UConn's tight defense.
UConn’s lead fluctuated throughout the second half, but they managed to pull away in the final quarter, outscoring USC 15-5. The Huskies' ability to respond to challenges has been a hallmark of their success this season, and it was evident once again in this crucial matchup.
“We’ve faced adversity before, and we know how to handle it,” Bueckers stated, reflecting on the team's resilience.
With this victory, UConn advances to face UCLA in the Final Four on April 4, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. The Bruins, who defeated LSU 72-65, will provide a formidable challenge, especially given that they have an extra day of rest leading into the matchup.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Auriemma acknowledged. “UCLA is a great team, and we’ll need to be at our best to compete.”
For UConn, this win not only secures their place in the Final Four but also marks a significant milestone as they have not cut down the nets after winning a regional final since 2008. The Huskies are eager to change that narrative and add another championship banner to their storied program.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming game, UConn fans are hopeful that their team can carry this momentum forward and continue their quest for another national title. With Bueckers leading the charge and a strong supporting cast, the Huskies are poised for a thrilling run in the tournament.
