2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament: UConn Clinches 12th National Championship
Tournament Journey
Women’s March Madness is the pinnacle of NCAA Division I women’s basketball, featuring 68 teams vying for the national crown. The 2025 tournament kicked off on Selection Sunday, March 16, and progressed through several stages:
- First Round: Lower-seeded teams battled for a spot in the next round while higher-seeded teams like UConn, a No. 2 seed, enjoyed a first-round bye.
- Second Round: UConn opened its campaign on March 24 with a decisive 91-57 victory over South Dakota State.
- Sweet Sixteen: On March 29, UConn edged past Oklahoma 82-59, setting the stage for further advancement.
- Elite Eight: UConn secured their Final Four berth on March 31 by defeating Southern California 78-64.
- Final Four: Held on April 4 at Amalie Arena, UConn overwhelmed UCLA 85-51, paving their way to the title game.
- Championship Game: The tournament climaxed on April 6 when UConn faced off against South Carolina. They emerged with an 82-59 victory, marking their first title since 2016.
Championship Game Highlights
In a matchup featuring UConn as the No. 2 seed and South Carolina as the top seed, the Huskies dominated the game. UConn built a substantial lead by halftime and extended it into a rout by the fourth quarter. The final score of 82-59 not only underscored their dominance but also ended a nine-year championship drought, reinforcing UConn’s legacy as a basketball powerhouse.
Player Spotlight: Paige Bueckers
UConn’s senior guard Paige Bueckers was a key factor in the championship victory. Her tournament averages of 27.6 points per game were a testament to her outstanding performance:
- Second Round (March 24, vs. South Dakota State): 34 points, shooting 14/21 overall with efficient two- and three-point scoring.
- Sweet Sixteen (March 29, vs. Oklahoma): A career-high 40 points.
- Elite Eight (March 31, vs. Southern California): 31 points with notable free-throw accuracy.
- Final Four (April 4, vs. UCLA): Contributed 16 points.
- Championship Game (April 6, vs. South Carolina): Scored 17 points, including a perfect performance from the free-throw line.
Her leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal in UConn’s journey through the tournament.
Other Notable Teams and Performances
- South Carolina Gamecocks: As the top seed, they were strong contenders but fell short against UConn. Their campaign, led by coach Dawn Staley and notable players like Joyce Edwards, ended after a tough championship matchup.
- Texas Longhorns: Making their first Final Four appearance since 1986, Texas showcased grit by defeating TCU in the Elite Eight, though South Carolina halted their journey.
- UCLA Bruins: Returning to the Final Four for the first time since 2011, UCLA’s run was ended by UConn’s overpowering performance in the semifinals.
Game-by-Game Statistical Insights
RoundDateOpponentResultBueckers’ PointsKey Shooting Stats
Second Round March 24 South Dakota State W 91-57 34 14/21 FG, 11/16 2P, 3/5 3P, 3/3 FT
Sweet Sixteen March 29 Oklahoma W 82-59 40 16/27 FG, 10/19 2P, 6/8 3P, 2/3 FT
Elite Eight March 31 Southern California W 78-64 31 9/18 FG, 5/10 2P, 4/8 3P, 9/11 FT
Final Four April 4 UCLA W 85-51 16 7/17 FG, 7/14 2P, 0/3 3P, 2/3 FT
Championship Game April 6 South Carolina W 82-59 17 5/14 FG, 5/12 2P, 0/2 3P, 7/7 FT
This table reflects Bueckers’ consistency and clutch performances in high-pressure moments throughout the tournament.
The 2025 Women’s March Madness showcased the growing competitiveness and excitement in women’s college basketball. UConn’s victory, propelled by Paige Bueckers and a strong supporting cast, not only added another chapter to their storied legacy but also set a high benchmark for future tournaments. With rising viewership and increasing talent across the board, the future of women’s basketball is indeed bright.
