UConn Blows Past UCLA 85–51, Sets Up Title Clash with South Carolina

No. 2-seeded UConn dominated No. 1 seed UCLA from start to finish, winning 85–51 in Friday’s second national semifinal at Amalie Arena to advance to the NCAA Championship game.

The Huskies (36–3) will now face South Carolina (35–3) on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with the Gamecocks looking to defend their 2024 national title and the Huskies aiming for their record-extending 12th championship under head coach Geno Auriemma.

From the opening tip, UConn looked locked in. Freshman Sarah Strong hit two early threes and never looked back, finishing with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Azzi Fudd added 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, and Paige Bueckers tallied 16 points and 5 boards, controlling the pace with her usual poise.

UCLA (34–3), making its first-ever Final Four appearance, struggled under UConn’s pressure. The Bruins committed 19 turnovers, leading to 27 UConn points, and shot just 38.5% from the field. Despite a strong showing from Lauren Betts (26 points, 11-of-18 FG), the Bruins couldn’t generate enough offense elsewhere. Kiki Rice was limited to 8 points, and UCLA’s bench produced just 11.

By halftime, the Huskies led 42–22 after a stifling second quarter in which they held UCLA to 9 points. UConn continued to pour it on after the break, shooting 64% in the second half and never letting the lead dip below 20.

In total, the Huskies shot 55% from the floor, dished out 17 assists, and showed off the kind of depth and balance that’s defined their postseason run. Jana El Alfy grabbed 8 rebounds, and Kaitlyn Chen added 6 points and 5 assists.

The win sends Geno Auriemma to his 13th national championship game and UConn to its first title appearance since 2022. Up next is a showdown with South Carolina — the same team that handed UConn one of its three losses this season in a decisive 87–58 rout back in February.

With revenge on the line and a title at stake, Sunday’s final tips at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC.