Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong Lead UConn to 12th NCAA Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina

In a spectacular display of basketball excellence, the UConn Huskies have captured their 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball title, securing their place in history with a dominant win over South Carolina in the 2025 National Championship game. The game, which featured two of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball, was a thrilling encounter from start to finish. Ultimately, it was the remarkable performances of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong that propelled the Huskies to victory, further cementing UConn’s reputation as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

The title victory was not only a testament to UConn’s storied legacy under head coach Geno Auriemma, but also a demonstration of how a team can overcome adversity and thrive in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA tournament. Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong—each of whom had been crucial to UConn’s success all season—came through when it mattered most, leading the Huskies to a 75-60 victory over the defending champions, South Carolina, in a game that showcased the best of college basketball.

In this article, we’ll break down the incredible performances of UConn’s star trio, examine the team’s path to the title, and reflect on how this victory has solidified the program’s continued dominance in women’s college basketball.

The Rise of UConn’s Star Trio: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong

To understand the magnitude of UConn’s victory in the 2025 National Championship game, it’s essential to look at the three players who led the charge: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong.

Paige Bueckers: A Playmaking Phenomenon

Paige Bueckers entered the 2025 NCAA tournament as one of the most decorated players in college basketball, having already captured a Naismith Player of the Year award and earned All-American honors multiple times. Bueckers, who has been a focal point of UConn’s offense since her arrival on campus, once again proved why she is one of the best players in the game.

In the championship game against South Carolina, Bueckers played the role of playmaker, scorer, and leader. She finished with a game-high 22 points, dishing out 8 assists and pulling down 5 rebounds. Her ability to break down South Carolina’s defense with her exceptional ball-handling and court vision allowed UConn to maintain an offensive flow that kept the Gamecocks on their heels.

Bueckers’ leadership was on full display as she orchestrated the offense with precision, finding open teammates in transition and running set plays when the game slowed down. Her composure under pressure was evident, particularly in the second half, when South Carolina attempted to make a run but could not contain Bueckers’ poise and offensive versatility. Whether it was a pinpoint pass to a cutting teammate or a clutch three-pointer, Bueckers was the glue that held the team together, earning her Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.

Azzi Fudd: A Sharpshooter Who Can’t Be Stopped

Alongside Bueckers, Azzi Fudd has been one of the most dangerous shooters in women’s college basketball since she stepped foot on campus. Fudd’s ability to shoot the three-ball with consistency and accuracy is a game-changing weapon, and in the championship game, she demonstrated why she is considered one of the top shooters in the nation.

Fudd finished with 18 points, knocking down 4 of 6 three-pointers, including several that came at critical junctures during the game. Her perimeter shooting stretched South Carolina’s defense, opening up lanes for Bueckers and other teammates to attack the basket. Fudd’s quick release and ability to score from virtually anywhere on the floor made her a nightmare matchup for the Gamecocks.

But Fudd’s impact wasn’t just on offense. She also contributed on the defensive end, where her relentless perimeter defense played a pivotal role in limiting South Carolina’s shooters. Her ability to create turnovers and disrupt the flow of the Gamecocks’ offense was vital in UConn’s defensive success, and her high basketball IQ allowed her to make smart decisions on both ends of the floor.

Sarah Strong: The Versatile Force in the Paint

While Bueckers and Fudd garnered much of the attention, Sarah Strong proved to be just as important in UConn’s dominant performance. Strong, a powerful forward with excellent footwork and rebounding ability, made her presence felt throughout the championship game. Her physicality in the paint and ability to control the boards helped UConn dominate the interior and limit South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities.

Strong finished with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, showcasing her dominance on both ends of the floor. Her ability to finish in the post and draw fouls allowed UConn to maintain offensive efficiency while also creating opportunities at the free-throw line. Strong’s tenacity in the paint was a key factor in UConn’s ability to neutralize South Carolina’s Rebekah O’Dell and LaTasha Jackson, two of the Gamecocks’ most physical players.

Defensively, Strong’s ability to guard multiple positions and her timely shot-blocking helped UConn control the paint and disrupt South Carolina’s offensive flow. Her all-around performance was crucial to UConn’s ability to maintain a balanced attack and hold off South Carolina’s offensive threats.

The Game Breakdown: UConn vs. South Carolina

First Half: UConn Establishes Control

From the opening tip, UConn came out firing, showcasing its depth and versatility. The Huskies quickly established an early lead behind the stellar play of Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong. UConn’s offense was fluid, with Bueckers orchestrating the tempo and Fudd providing the scoring punch from the outside.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley trying to adjust to UConn’s fast-paced offense. South Carolina was able to keep the game close early on, thanks to strong performances from Alyssa Brown and Ziya Owens, who kept the Gamecocks within striking distance with tough baskets inside and a few timely three-pointers.

However, UConn’s defense and ability to control the boards allowed them to take a commanding lead by the half. The Huskies limited South Carolina’s second-chance points and forced several turnovers, leading to easy transition buckets. By halftime, UConn had built a 40-30 lead, with Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong combining for over 30 points in the opening 20 minutes.

Second Half: UConn Pulls Away for Dominant Victory

South Carolina came out of the locker room determined to make a push, and they managed to close the gap to as little as 5 points midway through the second half. Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ star forward, began to heat up, scoring consecutive baskets to cut into UConn’s lead. However, the Huskies responded with an explosive run, fueled by the offensive brilliance of Bueckers and Fudd.

Bueckers hit a clutch three-pointer, while Fudd added another timely triple to push UConn’s lead back to double digits. South Carolina’s defense struggled to contain UConn’s offensive weapons, and the Huskies’ balance on both sides of the ball allowed them to pull away in the final minutes.

Despite a late rally by South Carolina, UConn’s poise and ability to execute in the clutch sealed the win. With a strong defensive showing and timely baskets, the Huskies held on to win 75-60, securing their 12th NCAA title in school history.

UConn’s 12th NCAA Title: A Testament to Legacy and Leadership

With their 12th NCAA championship, UConn has once again proven that they are one of the premier programs in the history of women’s basketball. Under the leadership of head coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have built a legacy of dominance, capturing titles in nearly every decade since the program’s inception. Auriemma’s ability to recruit top talent and develop that talent into championship-caliber players has been a hallmark of his career.

This victory also marks the continuation of a tradition of excellence for UConn. While the Huskies have had their fair share of dominant seasons, the 2025 title represents a new generation of stars who have stepped up to carry the program forward. The performances of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong are indicative of the next wave of talent in women’s college basketball.

As for Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong, their contributions in the 2025 NCAA tournament cement their legacies as some of the best players to ever wear a UConn jersey. Their ability to perform on the biggest stage, in the national spotlight, shows their readiness to be stars at the next level—whether that’s in the WNBA or beyond. Together, they led the Huskies to another historic title, further solidifying their place in the annals of UConn basketball history.