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2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four: Highlights and Key Moments

ByCoach

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament delivered electrifying Final Four action in Tampa, Florida.

South Carolina and UConn emerged victorious to set up a highly anticipated championship clash. Both teams showcased their dominance, setting the stage for an epic showdown. This article delves into the highlights, key performances, and the journey of these elite programs as they vie for the national title.

South Carolina’s Commanding Performance

Defending champions South Carolina continued their impressive run, overwhelming Texas with a 74-57 victory.

Head coach Dawn Staley’s squad demonstrated their depth and poise, with three players scoring in double figures. Te-Hina Paopao led the way with 14 points, while freshman star Joyce Edwards added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Gamecocks’ dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring Texas 40-22 in that area.

Key Players and Contributions

South Carolina’s success was a team effort, with significant contributions from multiple players:

  • Te-Hina Paopao: 14 points, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership.
  • Joyce Edwards: 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, highlighting her all-around game.
  • Bree Hall: 11 points, adding depth to the Gamecocks’ offensive arsenal.

The Gamecocks’ ability to weather an early deficit and take control of the game speaks volumes about their experience and resilience. Their victory over Texas marks their return to the title game, where they aim to secure consecutive championships, a feat last achieved by UConn from 2013-2016.

UConn’s Dominant Display

UConn showcased their prowess with an emphatic 85-51 victory over top-seeded UCLA.

Freshman Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd led the charge, combining for 41 points. Strong finished with 22 points, while Fudd scored all 19 of her points in the first half. Paige Bueckers, the likely top pick in next month’s WNBA draft, added 16 points, propelling the Huskies to their 12th national championship game appearance.

The Huskies’ Hot Start

UConn’s explosive start set the tone for the game. Strong and Fudd were instrumental in building a 23-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Huskies extended their advantage to 42-22 at halftime, with Bueckers making a highlight-reel touch pass to Kaitlyn Chen for a layup. Despite UCLA’s efforts, the Bruins couldn’t mount a comeback, as UConn maintained their dominance throughout the second half.

  • Sarah Strong: 22 points, showcasing her sharp-shooting skills.
  • Azzi Fudd: 19 points, all scored in the first half, demonstrating her scoring prowess.
  • Paige Bueckers: 16 points, adding to her impressive tournament performance.

UConn’s victory over UCLA was a testament to their depth and talent, as they now prepare to face South Carolina in a rematch of the 2022 championship game.

The Road to the Championship

The journey to the national title game has been marked by impressive performances and standout moments for both South Carolina and UConn.

The Gamecocks, with a record of 35-3, have relied on their depth and experience to navigate the tournament successfully. Meanwhile, UConn, boasting a 36-3 record, has been driven by the stellar play of their freshmen and the leadership of Bueckers.

South Carolina’s Path

South Carolina’s path to the championship has been defined by their resilience and ability to dominate in the paint. Key victories include:

  • Defeating Texas: A convincing 74-57 win in the Final Four.
  • Overcoming Early Deficits: Demonstrating their poise and experience.
  • Depth and Team Effort: Multiple players contributing significantly to their success.

The Gamecocks’ balanced approach and strong defensive play have been crucial in their quest for back-to-back titles.

UConn’s Journey

UConn’s journey has been characterized by their explosive offense and standout individual performances. Notable achievements include:

  • Dominating UCLA: An 85-51 victory in the Final Four.
  • Freshmen Contributions: Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd leading the way.
  • Paige Bueckers’ Leadership: Guiding the team with her scoring and playmaking abilities.

The Huskies’ ability to start strong and maintain their momentum has been a key factor in their success.

Anticipating the Championship Clash

The upcoming championship game between South Carolina and UConn promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Both teams have demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament, and their contrasting styles of play will make for an exciting matchup. South Carolina’s defensive prowess and depth will be tested against UConn’s high-powered offense and star power.

Key Factors to Watch

As the two teams prepare to face off, several key factors will likely influence the outcome:

  • Defensive Strategies: How South Carolina plans to contain UConn’s explosive offense.
  • Star Performances: The impact of players like Paige Bueckers and Joyce Edwards.
  • Coaching Tactics: The strategic decisions made by Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament has showcased the best of women’s college basketball. South Carolina and UConn have emerged as the top contenders for the national title. As these two powerhouses prepare to clash in the championship game, fans can expect a high-stakes, high-energy battle. To stay updated on all the latest highlights and scores from the tournament, visit Fox Sports.

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