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Women’s March Madness 2025: Championship Teams, Schedule, and Predictions

ByCoach

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the women’s NCAA Tournament national championship game. The defending champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, are set to face off against the UConn Huskies in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 title game.

Both teams have showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, making this championship clash one for the ages. As we dive into the details, we’ll explore the paths both teams took to reach this point, expert predictions, and how you can watch the big game live.

Path to the Championship

UConn’s journey to the national championship game has been nothing short of spectacular. The Huskies demonstrated their prowess with a resounding 85-51 victory over the top-seeded UCLA Bruins in the Final Four matchup.

Leading the charge for UConn was Sarah Strong, who delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Additionally, Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers combined for 35 points, further solidifying UConn’s dominance.

UConn’s Key Players

As UConn aims for their 12th national title, several key players have emerged as crucial to their success:

  • Sarah Strong: 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists in the Final Four matchup against UCLA.
  • Azzi Fudd: A consistent scorer and playmaker throughout the tournament.
  • Paige Bueckers: Known for her leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments.

South Carolina’s Dominance

On the other side, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been equally impressive. They secured their place in the championship game with a 74-57 victory over the Texas Longhorns.

Joyce Edwards stood out with a double-double performance, recording 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Gamecocks, with a strong starting five and an experienced bench, are aiming to claim their third title in four years and their fourth overall.

South Carolina’s Key Players

The Gamecocks’ success can be attributed to the following standout players:

  • Joyce Edwards: 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the Final Four matchup against Texas.
  • Aaliyah Boston: A dominant presence in the paint and a key defensive anchor.
  • Zia Cooke: Known for her scoring ability and leadership on the court.

Expert Predictions

As the championship game approaches, experts from the USA TODAY Network have weighed in with their predictions. The consensus leans slightly towards South Carolina, with three out of five experts picking the Gamecocks to win:

  • Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: UConn
  • Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: South Carolina
  • Meghan L. Hall, For The Win: South Carolina
  • Cora Hall, Knoxville News: South Carolina

Analysis and Insights

*Andrea Adelson* writes that UConn is the most talented team from top to bottom, beginning with Paige Bueckers, who seems determined to secure a national championship and etch her name among the all-time UConn greats. According to Adelson, UConn is playing its best basketball at the right time.

*Richard Deitsch* adds that while UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has often urged Bueckers to be more selfish on the court, her ability to be both a conductor and a soloist is a winning quality.

Deitsch believes that historically, the team with the best player and the player most willing to impose themselves on the game tends to win. He predicts that Bueckers and Strong will control the game offensively against a South Carolina team that has been relentless on defense lately. Deitsch’s final score prediction is UConn 67, South Carolina 61.

How to Watch the Championship Game

For fans eager to watch this epic showdown, here are the details:

  • Game Day: Sunday, April 6
  • Game Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • Location: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)
  • TV Channel: ABC, ESPN
  • Live Stream: Fubo (free trial)

Final Thoughts

The 2025 women’s national championship game will feature the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks and the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies. Both teams have been dominant throughout the tournament. Fans can expect an intense and closely contested game.

Whether you’re rooting for South Carolina to claim their third title in four years or for UConn to secure their 12th national championship, this matchup is one you won’t want to miss.

For more detailed insights and expert predictions, visit the full article on USA TODAY.

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