UConn rolls past South Carolina to win record 12th women's basketball national title

After everything she’s been through, Azzi Fudd had her moment.

The UConn star was named the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player following her 24-point performance in the national championship win over South Carolina. Fudd added 5 rebounds and 3 steals, capping a dominant title game that helped seal the Huskies’ 12th NCAA championship — and first since 2016.

For Fudd, the honor is especially sweet. After knee injuries and seasons cut short, she returned to full form this March Madness and saved her best for the biggest moments. She averaged 21.4 points per game across the NCAA tournament, including 24 against UCLA in the Final Four and another 24 on Sunday in Tampa.

Her grit and growth were on full display — and now, she’s a national champion and MOP. What a comeback.

Azzi Fudd is your 2025 Most Outstanding Player‼️#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/2Hb7zx1MGY

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

Geno Auriemma added yet another jewel to his Hall of Fame crown Sunday, as UConn overwhelmed South Carolina 82–59 to win its record 12th NCAA women’s basketball national championship — all under Auriemma.

The Huskies came out sharp and never let up, leading by double digits at halftime and turning the game into a rout by the fourth quarter. It was the first time in Dawn Staley’s three championship appearances that her team fell short, and the Gamecocks struggled mightily to keep pace on either end.

Azzi Fudd poured in 24 points and Paige Bueckers added 17, finishing her storied UConn career with a long-awaited national title. Bueckers also passed Maya Moore — who was in attendance — for the most career NCAA tournament points by a UConn player with 477.

The story of the night, though, may have been freshman forward Sarah Strong. She tallied 24 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, becoming the first UConn freshman to post four double-doubles in a single NCAA tournament. Her 114 total points in this year’s tournament set a new Division I record for a freshman.

South Carolina, which entered 35-3 and seeking back-to-back titles, never found its rhythm. The Gamecocks shot just 34% from the field and had no player score in double figures until late in the fourth quarter. They were outscored 46–33 in the second half and succumbed to UConn’s defensive pressure.

With the win, Auriemma improves to 12-1 in national title games and reestablishes UConn’s dominance at the top of the sport. It’s the Huskies’ first championship since 2016 and a defining moment in a new era powered by a blend of veterans like Bueckers and Fudd and rising stars like Strong.

The dynasty isn’t done yet — it just reloaded.

UCONN HUSKIES ARE YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆

UConn defeats South Carolina, 82-59 to win the National Championship.#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/yhqbYTAGZ5

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

UConn is in complete control, leading by 32 with just over four minutes to go. Sarah Strong continues her breakout night with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists — the first UConn freshman with four double-doubles in a single NCAA tournament.

Paige Bueckers has now passed Maya Moore (who’s in the building) for the most career NCAA tournament points by a UConn player with 477.

South Carolina still doesn’t have a scorer in double figures and is shooting just 31.5% from the field.

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP pic.twitter.com/3fBsLBtSAs

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) April 6, 2025

The Huskies are rolling. UConn takes a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter, turning defense into offense and burying big shots when it matters. Azzi Fudd is up to 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Sarah Strong has added 17 points and 14 boards in a dominant two-way performance.

The Gamecocks are ice cold — shooting just 31% from the field and 2-for-12 from three. UConn has also capitalized at the line, going 15-for-17, while South Carolina’s offense continues to stall.

FUDD YEAH 👏#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/1p8AwdKmAw

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

Azzi Fudd is putting on a show. The junior guard is up to 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting and has three steals to go with it. Her scoring and defensive presence continue to fuel UConn, which is shooting nearly 49% from the field.

South Carolina, meanwhile, is still searching for rhythm offensively — shooting just 33% overall and 2-for-10 from deep. Jana El Alfy just picked up her third and fourth fouls in a span of four seconds, forcing the Huskies to go smaller with Ice Brady stepping in.

UConn’s Azzi Fudd hit the 1,000-point mark in the second quarter of the national championship. The senior guard now has 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting in just 20 minutes of action.

Injuries have tested her journey, but tonight, Fudd is showing exactly what she’s capable of.

1K for 35

Azzi Fudd has reached 1,000 career points! pic.twitter.com/xO7X0sFIeT

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) April 6, 2025

Two of the newest Naismith Hall of Fame inductees — Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles — are courtside for tonight’s championship showdown. Legends of the game, WNBA icons and now Hall of Famers.

Honoring the newest Naismith Hall of Fame Inductees 🤩#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/eGHqePhP4q

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

UConn heads to the locker room with a 10-point lead — and it’s done so without relying on the three ball. The Huskies are just 1-for-7 from deep but have been efficient inside, shooting 48% overall and a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.

Azzi Fudd (13 pts), Paige Bueckers (8), and Sarah Strong (8) have combined for 29 of UConn’s 36 points. The defense has stepped up too, forcing 7 South Carolina turnovers and turning them into 10 points.

South Carolina, meanwhile, is struggling to find rhythm, shooting 31% from the field despite owning a 22-18 edge on the boards.

It’s been a poised, physical first half — and UConn has delivered the early statement.

First half snaps. #MarchMadness x #WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/A41xlNJtZY

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

UConn continues to control the pace — and the scoreboard — despite going 0-for-6 from three. Azzi Fudd is leading the way with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while Paige Bueckers has started to heat up with timely buckets and assists.

The Huskies are shooting 46% from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 at the line, while South Carolina is still trying to find rhythm offensively (36% FG). The Gamecocks have the edge on the glass (17-14), but turnovers (6) are holding them back.

THE BATTLE OF TAMPA. #MarchMadness x #WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/7I2i2LpNxn

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025

Hot start, strong finish for the Huskies.

Both teams came out firing, but UConn holds the edge after one thanks to some sharp shooting (53% FG) and a clean first quarter. Azzi Fudd leads all scorers with 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting — including a smooth steal-and-score off MiLaysia Fulwiley that gave UConn an early spark.

South Carolina cooled off late in the quarter, shooting 40% overall, but Chloe Kitts leads the way with 4 points. Paige Bueckers added 4 points of her own on 2-for-6 from the field.

Fast start, fast pace.

UConn and South Carolina are both shooting over 55% from the field — UConn is 7-for-12 (58%) while South Carolina is 6-for-10 (60%). The Huskies have yet to turn the ball over, and the Gamecocks are making the most of theirs, already scoring 2 points off UConn’s lone giveaway.