UConn Women’s Basketball Advances to Championship Game with Dominant Win

TAMPA, Florida — The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team earned a commanding 85-51 victory over UCLA on Friday, securing their spot in the NCAA championship game. The Huskies’ performance marked their return to the title game for the first time since winning four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016.

UConn’s Sarah Strong contributed significantly with 22 points, while teammate Azzi Fudd shone in the first half, scoring all of her 19 points before halftime. The matchup, part of the NCAA Tournament Final Four, saw the Huskies advance with an impressive overall record of 36-3.

“This team is resilient and capable of big performances,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said after the game. “We have been waiting for a moment like this.”

UConn took control early, leading 23-13 at the end of the first quarter. Their momentum continued, and they held a commanding 42-22 advantage at halftime, proving difficult for UCLA to counter. Star player Paige Bueckers, who had previously scored 30 or more points in three consecutive games, finished with 16 points in the semifinal.

“We know what it takes to win at this stage, and our experience shines through,” Bueckers said. “It’s all about teamwork and making the right plays.”

Lauren Betts was a standout for UCLA, scoring 26 points, but her efforts were not enough to keep the Bruins competitive in their first-ever Final Four appearance. UCLA, who ended the season with a 34-3 record, had dominated the regular season, but struggled to find answers against UConn’s tenacious defense.

The victory has set up a rematch for UConn against defending champions South Carolina in the championship game on Sunday. The teams previously met in February, where UConn performed an impressive upset, beating South Carolina by 29 points.

UConn is seeking its 12th national championship, the longest title drought in school history since winning their first in 1995. The game against South Carolina is expected to be a highly contested battle, reminiscent of the 2022 championship encounter, in which the Gamecocks emerged victorious.

“We have one more game to show what we can do,” Fudd said. “It’s going to take everything we’ve got, but we’re ready for the challenge.”