UConn Avenges 2022 Loss, Wins 12th NCAA Title With 82–59 Rout Of South Carolina

In a clash of titans, UConn overpowered South Carolina 82–59 on Sunday afternoon in Tampa to capture its 12th NCAA women’s basketball national championship in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,777. The Huskies, now 12–1 all-time in NCAA championship games, were led by Azzi Fudd, who scored 24 points and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Freshman Sarah Strong also added 24 points along with 15 rebounds, two blocks and two steals, anchoring UConn’s inside presence at Amalie Arena.

UConn led 36–26 at halftime and broke the game open in the third quarter. South Carolina closed within 11 midway through the period, but the Huskies responded with an 8–0 run highlighted by Fudd’s back-to-back jumpers and a Strong three-pointer to regain full control. UConn outscored the Gamecocks 26–16 in the third.

Paige Bueckers finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The Huskies shot 48.4% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line, committing nine turnovers while converting 11 South Carolina turnovers into 14 points. South Carolina managed 10 points off UConn’s mistakes.

South Carolina, playing in its fourth national title game since 2017, was led by Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson with 10 points each. The Gamecocks shot 34.4% overall and 25% from three-point range. No player reached double figures until the fourth quarter.

UConn also held a 36–28 edge in points in the paint, a 14–10 advantage in second-chance points, and won the rebounding battle 40–36. The Huskies controlled the tempo and made timely stops.

The win marks UConn’s first championship since 2016 and avenges its 2022 title game loss to South Carolina—the only mark on its championship record prior to Sunday.