Live Updates from the 2025 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship

TAMPA, Fla. – The decisive moment in women’s college basketball is here as the NCAA title game unfolds.

The defending champions, South Carolina, are up against UConn for the 2025 championship at Amalie Arena. South Carolina is aiming for back-to-back titles, eyeing their third championship in the past four seasons and the fourth in program history. Meanwhile, UConn, with a renowned legacy, seeks its 12th overall championship and its first since the streak from 2013 to 2016.

Earlier this season, on February 16, UConn overpowered South Carolina with an 87-58 victory on Gamecocks’ home turf.

How will this championship clash conclude? ESPN’s reporters are on the ground, providing live updates and insights.

Live Tracker: NCAA Championship Game

Note: The details below reflect information prior to the start of the NCAA title game.

The stage is set for an intense showdown as two top-tier programs of the last decade vie for the 2025 NCAA title. Defending champions South Carolina have claimed three titles in recent years: 2017, 2022, and an undefeated run last year.

UConn’s last championship came in 2016, marking their 11th title in history. The Huskies have been to the Final Four 24 times, every year since 2008 except for 2023, due to star guard Paige Bueckers’ absence from a knee injury.

The Gamecocks narrowly defeated UConn in the 2022 national title game, held in Bueckers’ hometown, Minneapolis, with a 64-49 victory. South Carolina has claimed victory in five out of their last seven encounters with UConn. However, UConn’s February triumph at South Carolina was a decisive one. Both teams secured comfortable wins in their semifinals at Amalie Arena.

Sunday’s Game (3 p.m. ET, ABC): Who Holds the Advantage?

UConn appears to be peaking at just the right moment. What factors have led to this optimal timing?

Voepel: The development of UConn’s younger players has been pivotal. Though this is Paige Bueckers’ fourth Final Four, newcomers have also risen to the occasion during March and April.

UConn’s Head Coach Geno Auriemma commented on their roster: “Though we lack experience across the board compared to other Final Four teams, Paige is the seasoned veteran, facing this for the fourth time.”

Auriemma praised freshmen Sarah Strong and Jana El Alfy, and second-year player KK Arnold, all making significant impacts recently. Though Kaitlyn Chen is a fifth-year senior, it’s her first Final Four after her transfer from Princeton, and she’s had key moments in this NCAA tournament as well.

Can South Carolina’s Offense Overcome UConn?

Voepel: South Carolina certainly possesses the firepower needed, provided they avoid the mistakes UCLA made against UConn in the semifinals. The Bruins’ over-reliance on center Lauren Betts, who scored over half their points, was fatal.

Auriemma warned of UConn’s fast play: “We surprise many with our pace, and if teams can’t keep up, our scoring pressure becomes demoralizing. South Carolina, however, won’t be caught off guard.”

South Carolina’s depth is a critical factor, with 10 players scoring against Texas and an impressive 35 points coming from the bench. This depth, when harnessed, makes them a formidable opponent for anyone, including UConn.

Adelson: South Carolina’s success hinges on its depth and defensive strategy. Head Coach Dawn Staley noted that while lacking a single flashing point, the team thrives on working together and leveraging its depth.

Staley emphasized: “Our defense often supports our offensive play. When the offense falters, our strong defensive schemes carry us through the hard patches.”

What Could Be a Game-Changer From Their February Matchup?

Voepel: That game left South Carolina determined to prove themselves, calling their defensive performance “embarrassing.”

Guard Raven Johnson reflected on the tough lessons learned, with intense practices aiding their evolution: “It was a wake-up game for us. We need to show them our true strength now.”

Since that loss, South Carolina has not been defeated, racking up 13 straight victories with hopes of clinching their fourth NCAA title.

Why UConn Might Win Again

Voepel: UConn’s offensive trio, Bueckers, Strong, and Fudd, could overpower the Gamecocks. This powerhouse scored a combined 57 points against UCLA, surpassing the Bruins’ total score.

Adelson: It’s no longer just the Bueckers’ show. UConn’s depth and talent might and likely will drive them to victory.

How South Carolina Could Flip the Script

Adelson: Starting the season as the No. 1 team reflects South Carolina’s immense potential. With experienced players hungry for redemption, they aim to repeat history as underdogs against UConn. Player MiLaysia Fulwiley remarked, “We owe them one.” The team is ready for battle.

Voepel: Defense remains central to South Carolina’s strategy. UConn exploited weaknesses in UCLA’s game on Friday, with Bruins’ Janiah Barker admitting they made it too easy for the Huskies.

Every position in South Carolina boasts elite defenders, integral to their reign over the SEC for years. While their past encounter with UConn lacked defensive grit, they’re poised to bring their A-game to the finals.

Predicting the Champion: Who Seizes the Title?

Adelson: UConn. The Huskies’ consistent, superior shooting could tip the scales despite the mantra that defense secures championships.

Katie Barnes: UConn. UConn is playing their finest basketball at the perfect time.

Alexa Philippou: UConn. Even though South Carolina showed improvement against Texas, UConn seems relentlessly bound for the championship. With a closer match expected than their previous encounter, UConn’s trio will likely secure the win, concluding Bueckers’ college career with a title.

Voepel: South Carolina. With a strong season backing them, South Carolina has the potential to repeat their success. This tightly contested match could be decided in the last moments, with South Carolina’s staunch defense ready to deliver at crunch time.