The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball championship is set to be a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse programs, South Carolina and UConn. The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, are looking to win their fourth title and become the first team to repeat as champions since 2019. Meanwhile, UConn, under Geno Auriemma, seeks its 12th championship and a historic three-peat.
The Huskies have been on a roll lately, with star guard Paige Bueckers leading the charge. Voepel notes that UConn’s younger players have matured well, making them a formidable opponent. The team’s depth and ability to play together are key factors in their success.
South Carolina, on the other hand, has elite defenders at every position, which has been a staple of their dominance in the SEC for the past decade. However, they struggled against UConn earlier this season, with guard Raven Johnson calling their defensive effort “embarrassing.” The Gamecocks have not lost since then, but will face a tough test against the Huskies.
The matchup between Bueckers and South Carolina’s big three of Strong and Fudd could be the difference-maker in the game. If UConn can outscore the Gamecocks’ trio, it could give them an edge in the championship. However, South Carolina has what it takes to win, with a team full of players who have been in this spot before.
Ultimately, the outcome will depend on various factors, including defense and shooting accuracy. The game is expected to be much closer than UConn’s previous meetings with South Carolina, and if South Carolina gets ahead early, they may struggle to maintain their lead.
Prediction: Despite being the favorites, UConn’s combination of Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong will prove too much for South Carolina to handle. The Huskies will win their 12th championship, but it won’t be a blowout.
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44548417/womens-final-four-2025-ncaa-championship-title-game-predictions-live-analysis-highlights-scores-uconn-south-carolina