UConn returns to top of women’s basketball, dominating South Carolina en route to 12th title
The 12th national title win for the UConn Huskies was a moment of pure celebration and emotion as head coach Geno Auriemma and star guard Paige Bueckers shared a heartfelt embrace after Bueckers played her final game for the team.
Auriemma expressed his deep emotions following the victory, stating that while all the championships have been gratifying, this one held a special place in his heart. Bueckers, along with teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to an 82-59 victory over defending champion South Carolina.
Fudd, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, showcased her skills by scoring 24 points in the championship game. Strong also had an impressive performance with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Bueckers added 17 points to secure the victory for UConn.
The win marked UConn’s first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year drought for the program. The team’s dominant championship runs in the past, led by legendary players like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart, have set a high standard for success that Bueckers and her teammates were able to uphold.
Bueckers, who is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, delivered a stellar performance throughout the championship season. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries in previous seasons, Bueckers rose to the occasion and solidified her legacy as one of the greatest players in UConn history.
The Huskies took control of the game early on and never looked back, with Fudd, Strong, and Bueckers leading the charge in a decisive victory. Auriemma’s strategic substitutions in the final moments allowed for a touching moment between him and Bueckers, symbolizing the culmination of their journey together.
South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, put up a valiant effort in their quest for a third title in four years but ultimately fell short against a formidable UConn team. The Huskies’ resilience and determination to reclaim the championship title after years of near misses and heartbreaks were evident throughout the game.
As confetti fell and celebrations ensued, the Huskies basked in the glory of their hard-earned victory, cementing their place in women’s college basketball history. The legacy of excellence established by Auriemma and his players continues to inspire future generations of athletes, ensuring that the UConn dynasty will endure for years to come.
