UConn's Dominant Victory Secures 12th NCAA Women's Title

Geno Auriemma added another sparkling achievement to his illustrious Hall of Fame record on Sunday. UConn decisively defeated South Carolina, 82-59, clinching their unprecedented 12th NCAA women’s basketball national championship—all under Auriemma’s guidance. From the start, the Huskies were relentless, establishing a double-digit lead by halftime and transforming the game into a blowout by the fourth quarter. It marked the first time in Dawn Staley’s appearances at the championship that her team didn’t prevail, as the Gamecocks struggled to keep up on both ends of the court.

Azzi Fudd led with 24 points, while Paige Bueckers contributed 17, ending her legendary UConn career with a coveted national title. Bueckers surpassed Maya Moore, who was present at the game, for the most career NCAA tournament points by a UConn athlete with 477. However, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly freshman forward Sarah Strong. She delivered an astonishing 24 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, becoming the first UConn freshman to achieve four double-doubles in one NCAA tournament. Her 114 points during this tournament set a new Division I freshman record.

Entering with a 35-3 record and aiming for consecutive titles, South Carolina struggled to find their footing. The Gamecocks shot a mere 34% from the field and didn’t have a player reach double figures until the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. They were outpaced 46-33 in the second half, succumbing to UConn’s intense defensive pressure. With this victory, Auriemma’s record in national title games improves to 12-1, reaffirming UConn’s position at the pinnacle of the sport. This is the Huskies’ first championship since 2016, marking a milestone in a new era fueled by veteran talent like Bueckers and Fudd, along with promising newcomers such as Strong. The UConn dynasty remains strong—it has merely recharged.