Gamecocks Face UConn in National Championship Amid Watkins’ Injury

TAMPA, Fla. — The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks are set to clash with No. 3 UConn in the NCAA National Championship game on April 6 at 3 p.m. The matchup comes during turbulent times for the Gamecocks, especially following the injury of star forward Ashlyn Watkins.

Watkins, a junior known for her impressive performances, averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. However, her season was derailed by an ACL tear during a critical game against Mississippi State in January 2025. With Watkins sidelined, the Gamecocks have had to adapt, a challenge they have managed to embrace.

Head Coach Dawn Staley expressed the team’s resilience after Watkins’ injury. “We’re a program that when we sustain a loss like that, we’re not hung up on it because there’s nothing we can do,” she said. “The fact we’re here without her is quite an incredible feat.”

Despite not being able to contribute on the court, Watkins remains an essential part of the team’s spirit. She has been present at practices and games, providing moral support and encouragement to her teammates from the bench.

“We’re doing this for Ash,” said guard Raven Johnson, reflecting on the team’s motivation to succeed despite the setback. “Honestly, she’s a big part of our team, and when she went down, I think everybody thought, ‘We want to win for Ash.’”

The Gamecocks have performed surprisingly well in the tournament, demonstrating depth with seven players averaging at least 7.0 points per game, including a variety of scoring leaders and strong defensive statistics. Coach Staley noted that the players have embraced their expanded roles and have performed well under pressure.

As they prepare for the title match, their performance has sparked discussions on their ability to maintain momentum without Watkins. Currently, South Carolina holds an impressive record of 30-0 when tying or out-rebounding their opponents, showcasing their grit and determination.

The upcoming game against UConn marks a high-stakes rematch, as the two teams faced off earlier this year with UConn emerging victorious. The Gamecocks are intent on turning the tide this time, buoyed by the prospect of a championship.

“They know that losing Ashlyn is a big void to fill,” Coach Staley said. “They’ve adapted and are playing more freely.”

As the Gamecocks chase their third national title since 2017, all eyes will be on how they execute their strategies without their star player. The answer to whether they can claim victory remains to be seen when the final buzzer sounds in Tampa.