The UConn Huskies made history once again, dominating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 to win their 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, extending their record as the most successful program in women’s college basketball. Senior guard Azzi Fudd delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 24 points and earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Fudd, who battled injuries throughout her college career, led the charge in what fans are calling her “redemption tour.”
Her longtime teammate Paige Bueckers, also recovering from a past ACL injury, added 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists in her final game for UConn. Together, Fudd and Bueckers helped reclaim national glory for a program known for producing women’s basketball legends like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Sue Bird—all of whom were in attendance to witness the historic win.
Under the leadership of Coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies closed each quarter with dominance, pulling ahead by 32 points at one stage. This victory ended South Carolina’s bid for back-to-back championships and cemented UConn’s legacy as a dynasty in NCAA women’s basketball.
South Carolina’s freshman and sophomore talent—including Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, and Milaysia Fulwiley—showed promise for the future, but the Gamecocks were ultimately outmatched in execution and experience.
With Bueckers expected to head to the WNBA, the spotlight will shift to Fudd and rising star Sarah Strong, who tallied 24 points and 15 rebounds. The duo promises to be one of the most electric pairings in college basketball next season.
Coach Auriemma reflected on the program’s impact:
“In the last 30 years, I don’t know that any program’s meant more to their sport than what UConn has meant to women’s basketball.”
As UConn celebrates another banner year, their legacy as the gold standard in women’s collegiate basketball remains stronger than ever.
