NCAA Women's Championship Showdown: Can UConn Topple Defending Champ South Carolina in Epic Rematch?
Expert analysis and predictions for the high-stakes NCAA women's basketball championship rematch between powerhouse programs UConn and South Carolina.
The Stage is Set for a Historic Rematch
Two titans of women's college basketball - UConn Huskies and South Carolina Gamecocks - collide Sunday in Tampa for the 2025 NCAA Championship (3 p.m. ET, ABC). This marks a rematch of both February's regular-season clash (UConn won 87-58) and the 2022 title game (South Carolina prevailed 64-49).
Tale of the Tape
South Carolina (34-1):
- Defending national champions seeking 4th title since 2017
- 12-game win streak since UConn loss
- Elite 10-player rotation outscored Texas bench 35-0 in semifinal
UConn (32-3):
- 11-time national champions (last title: 2016)
- 15th championship game appearance under Geno Auriemma
- Big Three of Bueckers/Strong/Fudd combined for 57 in semifinal
Key Matchup Factors
UConn's Offensive Firepower
The Huskies' offensive trio presents unique challenges:
- Paige Bueckers (4th Final Four) averaging 22.8 PPG in tournament
- Freshman phenom Sarah Strong (22 & 8 vs UCLA)
- Sharpshooter Azzi Fudd hitting 45% from three
South Carolina's Defensive Identity
Gamecocks must:
- Rotate defenders effectively against UConn's motion offense
- Limit transition opportunities (UConn outscored UCLA 28-4 on fast breaks)
- Generate offense through stops (All-SEC defenders Johnson & Cardoso)
X-Factors That Could Decide the Game
- Paint Dominance: Can SC's Kamilla Cardoso neutralize UConn's interior scoring?
- Freshman Impact: Both teams rely on first-year contributors (Strong for UConn, Fulwiley for SC)
- Coaching Chess Match: Auriemma's 11 rings vs Staley's 3 championships
- Free Throw Margin: UConn shoots 78% as team; SC just 68%
- Turnover Battle: SC averages 18.2 forced TOs/game
Expert Predictions
"UConn's offensive versatility will prove too much. When Bueckers gets 25+ and two others score 15+, they're virtually unstoppable." - Andrea Adelson
"South Carolina's defense travels. They'll make UConn work for every basket and outlast them in a rock fight." - Michael Voepel
Championship Implications
- For UConn: Would complete Paige Bueckers' career resurrection after ACL injuries
- For South Carolina: Potential back-to-back titles cement Dawn Staley's dynasty
The teams tip off Sunday at Amalie Arena in Tampa - the final chapter of college basketball's premier women's rivalry this season.
Alcobendas
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Bm Nava
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SC Magdeburg
01:00 Germany, Bundesliga - Regular Season
01:00
Erlangen
TBV Lemgo
01:00 Germany, Bundesliga - Regular Season
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1.Vfl Potsdam
Fenerbahçe
02:00 Europe, EuroLeague, Round 34
02:00
Bayern Munich
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