UConn Claims 12th National Championship with Decisive Win Over South Carolina
In a moment filled with emotion, UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma shared an embrace with star player Paige Bueckers as she exited her final game for the Huskies. This touching scene unfolded as UConn secured its 12th national title with a commanding 82-59 victory over defending champions South Carolina on Sunday.
“They’ve all been gratifying, don’t get me wrong,” Auriemma reflected. “But this one here, because of the way it came about and what’s been involved, it’s been a long time since I’ve been that emotional when a player has walked off the court.”
The charge for the Huskies was led by Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong. Fudd, who earned the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, scored 24 points. Strong matched her with 24 points and added 15 rebounds, while Bueckers contributed 17 points, helping UConn finish their season at 37-3.
The victory marked UConn’s first championship since 2016, breaking a nine-year drought. This period was the longest that Auriemma and his team had gone without a title since their first championship in 1995.
“It’s amazing to have three players, three people like that on the same team,” said Auriemma, now the oldest coach in major college basketball to win a championship. “All three of them complement each other so well. They all have such unique skill sets.”
The championship game saw the Huskies’ former stars, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart, cheering them on from the stands. Auriemma’s emotional connection to this championship was palpable as he shared, “You just never know if you’ll ever be back in this situation again.”
Expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, Bueckers has shown resilience throughout her career, overcoming injuries to lead her team to victory. “It’s been a story of resilience, gratitude of overcoming adversity and responding to life’s challenges,” Bueckers stated. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The Huskies took a decisive lead in the third quarter, with Fudd, Strong, and Bueckers scoring 23 of the team’s 26 points in that period. Their efforts helped UConn pull away, securing a comfortable margin that only widened as the game progressed.
The trio of Fudd, Strong, and Bueckers combined for a record 368 points during the tournament, surpassing previous records held by both women’s and men’s teams. Their performance proved too much for South Carolina, who were aiming for a third title in four years.
South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge presented by UConn. “Our kids gave it all they had… We lost to a very good basketball team,” she commented.
UConn’s journey to this victory was marked by past disappointments, including close losses in prior tournaments. However, the Huskies’ latest triumph adds to their storied history, as they continue to be a dominant force in women’s college basketball.
___
For more information on the NCAA women’s tournament, visit the official bracket page and follow March Madness coverage. Stay updated with the AP Top 25 by signing up for alerts here.
