UConn Huskies Capture 12th NCAA Title


The UConn Huskies are back on top of the basketball world! Defeating South Carolina 82-59 in the NCAA National Championship game, the Huskies earn their 12th title in program history.

UConn Huskies
 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Get your tissues out. Sunday was the fairytale ending for UConn star Paige Bueckers and the Huskies. Having missed out on a National Title since 2016, UConn has prevailed over South Carolina. The leaders in Division 1 Women’s basketball, the Huskies added one more trophy to their winning display.

Knocking off Tennessee and the late Pat Summitt in the early 2000s, UConn stands at the top as the basketball capital of the world.  With a population hovering just over 15,000 in Storrs, basketball is everything in the suburban town. 

Losses to Notre Dame, Tennessee and USC killed the Huskies dreams of reclaiming the No.1. seed. In the end, seeding is just a number. Defeating the Gamecocks 87-58 back in February, the Huskies put the entire nation on notice. On Sunday, they repeated that feat yet again.

Heading into Sunday, the Huskies had their toughest opponent yet, the South Carolina Gamecocks. Led by Dawn Staley, South Carolina is next up to chase Auriemma and the Huskies in the history books.

UConn’s Journey of Perseverance Led to an NCAA Title

The Huskies secretly were the favorites all along. Losing stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in years past due to injuries was heartbreaking. Despite being dealt a bad deck of cards, the Huskies have managed to appear in two Final Fours since 2022. 

Defeated by Aliyah Boston and the Gamecocks 64-49 in the 2022 National Championship, it was never about redemption for UConn. Led by top WNBA prospect Paige Bueckers, what mattered most was finishing the goal. The emphasis was on perseverance and determination. Although injuries are unfortunately part of the game, UConn showed the nation the power of resilience on Sunday. 

UConn entered Sunday’s matchup as heavy 7.5 point favorites, and there were five lead changes between UConn and South Carolina in the first quarter. A complete masterclass by the Huskies, UConn never looked back after Te-Hina Paopao’s three-pointer to jump start the game. With a 19-12 commanding first quarter lead, the Huskies kept their foot on the gas. 
UConn’s Championship Defense Was Key

Captivating a 36-25 half-time lead, the Connecticut defense held South Carolina to a meager 12 second quarter points. Bueckers is undoubtedly UConn’s superstar, however, their defensive prowess has been the underrated story line all season. UConn’s interior defense was suffocating, holding Chloe Kitts to nine points on 3-11 shooting. I can’t remember the last time South Carolina’s starting unit failed to score points in double figures. 

UConns defensive was too potent for Staley and company at the end of the day. Benching MiLaysia Fulwiley, the Gamecocks were desperate for answers on the offensive end. The deepest bench in all of NCAA women’s basketball, the reserves combined for 35 points.

It was uncharacteristic for the Gamecocks, who’s been dominant all year long.  Showing no mercy towards her players, Staley admits it’s a learning curve that will ultimately motivate the group.

“I hope they are crying, I hope they are boo-hooing,” said Staley post game.  “From crying and having emotion about losing makes you work a little bit harder in the off season. Makes you look at it, and really analyze what the separation is from their program to our program.”

How UConn’s Defense Disrupted South Carolina’s Scheme 

Of that 35 points, freshman Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson led the way with 10 points a piece for the Gamecocks. Although having won the offensive rebounds, UConn freshman Sarah Strong was a force to be reckoned with on the interior. Recording two steals and three blocks, the paint was on lock for UConn. Overall, the UConn defensively held South Carolina to 21-61 (34.4 %) from the field, and 4-16 (25 %) from beyond the arc.

It’s not everyday you see senior Te-Hina Paopao held to 1-6 shooting for three points. With that, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall were limited to a combined four points. UConn’s defensive effort shown on Sunday should be shown to all young athletes learning the game of basketball. Of course, it wasn’t just one stand out player. Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Ashlynn Shade each recorded 2+ steals. 

The Story has been the defense, however let’s talk about the offense. 82 points wasn’t surprising, since UConn averaged 87.2 tournament points heading into Sunday’s Championship matchup. 

With Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd leading the Huskies with 24 points a piece, Strong finished with 15 rebounds, along with five assists, two steals, and three blocks. Dominant on the boards and paint points, the Huskies scored 14 points off turnovers. That was in large part to Fudd, who added five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. 

Azzi Fudd Was Named NCAA Most Outstanding Player

Speaking of Fudd, she missed the entire 2023-2024 season due to a torn ACL. Not only did she come back a champion, but was named Most Outstanding Player. Having announced she’ll return for Storrs for one last dance, she was a monumental reason for UConn’s early success.  A menace on both ends of the court, Azzi was efficient in attacking downhill. Despite shooting 1-6 from deep, it was Fudd who kick started the Huskies. 

It was all gas and no breaks for UConn, who outscored South Carolina 46-33 in the second half. With a colossal 26 point third quarter, the Gamecocks picked up steam with Fulwiley back in the game. Despite their efforts, it was all Sarah Strong and Fudd in the third quarter. With a strong two-player game, the two combined for 20 third quarter points. The inside game and fouls were too much for South Carolina. 

Every player on the Huskies roster saw playing time, which is unheard of in a championship game. Scoring six of her nine points in the final quarter, the nation witness a glimpse of the future. With freshman forward Jana El Afly in foul trouble, the Huskies resorted to small ball.

With that, KK Arnold’s ability to swiftly attack downhill was impressive. A defensive menace, Arnold finished with nine points, and three assists. Alfy, who’s parents flew all the way from Egypt, finished with two points and two rebounds. 

Paige Bueckers Made NCAA History

Paige Bueckers often impacts the game in ways the box score doesn’t show, and we saw that on Sunday. Having finished her final collegiate career game with 17 points, Bueckers added six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Consistent throughout her career, it was the hustle plays, running the offense. Of course, creating her own shot when UConn needed her production the most. 

Given the Huskies shot poorly from the three-point line (23.6 %), they reverted to a game plan that was effective in defeating the Gamecocks. The big three consisting of Bueckers, Strong, and Fudd came through with a combined 65 points, 26 rebounds, nine rebounds, six steals, and five blocks. Talk about a masterpiece. 

Making history Sunday, Bueckers passed former UConn legend Maya Moore as the third most points scored in NCAA Tournament history with 477. According to ESPN, the trio of Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong recorded a combined 100+ points each in this year’s NCAA Tournament. That marks the most since Maya Moore, Tina Charles, and Renee Montgomery in 2009. 

It Was An Emotional Fairy Tale For UConn

Despite injuries to Fudd and Buckers the narrative quickly shifted to “what could have been,” to “how UConnn prevailed.” An inspirational story in all of sports, it was about multiple individual comebacks who came together unselfishly for a common goal. 

With their 12th tittle, UConn Women’s Basketball will continue to etch themselves deeper into the history books. Visibly emotional, coach Auriemma told ESPN’s Holly Rowe this has been one of the most sentimental championship wins of them all. Having entered the season ranked as No.3 by the Associated Press, UConn wasn’t always the favorite. 

“It’s because these players make me want to hang in there, Auriemma,”told Holly Rowe.  “They’ve all been gratifying, don’t get me wrong. But this one here, because of the way it came about and what’s been involved- it’s been a long time since I’ve been that emotional when the players walked off the court.’

A fairly tell ending, Paige Bueckers received her last curtain call as a Husky, and shared an emotional moment with Geno Auriemma on the sidelines. Set to move on to the WNBA as the projected No.1 overall pick, Fudd and Strong will continue to build their legacy, while South Carolina will rebuild alongside Joyce Edwards. 

With that, UConn get’s a bakers dozen, and Bueckers now accomplished her goal she set as a freshman. She’s an NCAA Champion. 

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Sara Jane Gamelli





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