March Madness 2025: UConn Claims 12th Title as Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong Shine in Victory Over South Carolina

Paige Bueckers is leaving college basketball on a high note. She led the UConn Huskies to a convincing 82-59 victory over South Carolina in the national championship game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This win not only gives UConn its 12th championship title, but it also makes them the first team in Division I history to reach that milestone, all under the guidance of head coach Geno Auriemma.

UConn’s dominance during the tournament was impressive. They won every game by a double-digit margin, including a stunning 34-point win over top-seeded UCLA in the Final Four. Bueckers shined throughout the tournament, but it was her teammates, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, who also played crucial roles in their success.

In the championship game, South Carolina started strong, but their performance quickly faded. After making five of their first seven shots, the Gamecocks struggled, ending the first quarter down by five points. UConn took full advantage, allowing South Carolina to score only 12 points in the second quarter, and the Huskies led 36-26 at halftime.

Fudd sparked UConn’s offense in the third quarter, scoring 11 points and helping extend their lead to 20 by the end of the period. The Huskies kept their momentum in the fourth, closing out the game with an 18-6 run.

Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong combined for an impressive 65 points. Bueckers contributed 17 points, surpassing Maya Moore for the third-most career points in NCAA tournament history. Fudd’s 24 points earned her the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, while Strong also scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Her performance set a record for the most points scored by a freshman in a single NCAA tournament.

Despite their loss, South Carolina’s achievements are noteworthy. They have reached five consecutive Final Fours and won two national championships in recent years. Players like Edwards and Johnson scored in double figures for South Carolina, but their overall shooting struggles hindered their chances.

Reflecting on Bueckers’ journey, it’s clear she is set to make waves in the WNBA, likely as the first pick in the upcoming draft. Her time at UConn, highlighted by championship glory, prepares her for the challenges ahead.

With this victory, Bueckers ended her college career on a remarkable note, demonstrating her skill and leadership on the court. The game may have shifted, but her legacy and the new chapter in her career will undoubtedly inspire many.



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