In an exhilarating and hard-fought 2025 Women’s National Championship game, the UConn Huskies emerged victorious, securing their 13th NCAA title in an unforgettable showdown. The championship clash against South Carolina, a team boasting their own incredible talent and strength, had fans on the edge of their seats. As the final buzzer sounded with UConn winning 74-70, the question on everyone’s mind was: What was the difference maker in this epic game?

Paige Bueckers: The Clutch Performer

It’s no surprise that the primary difference maker in this championship game was UConn’s star guard, Paige Bueckers. After recovering from a series of injuries that sidelined her in previous seasons, Bueckers delivered a championship performance that will go down in NCAA history. With 28 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, Bueckers was the steady hand guiding UConn through every pivotal moment.

Her ability to step up in crunch time and deliver clutch shots was what ultimately separated UConn from South Carolina. Whether it was her smooth three-pointers or her ability to drive the lane and create plays for teammates, Bueckers showed why she’s one of the best players in college basketball. It was her fearless leadership and poise under pressure that became the deciding factor in UConn’s triumph.

The Defensive Pressure: UConn’s Stifling D

Another key difference in the game was UConn’s defensive intensity, which proved to be a major factor throughout the contest. The Huskies’ defense was relentless, especially in the final minutes of the game when South Carolina was looking to make a last-ditch effort to grab the win. UConn’s ability to lock down key players like Aliyah Boston, South Carolina’s star center, was crucial. Boston, who had been dominant throughout the tournament, was limited to just 22 points and 15 rebounds, but her impact was minimized when it mattered most.

UConn’s defense, led by Bueckers and senior guard Nika Mühl, provided constant pressure on South Carolina’s offense, forcing turnovers and contested shots. The Huskies’ defensive schemes were designed to trap Boston in the paint, making it difficult for her to dominate inside. UConn’s ability to close out shooters and control the glass was a major difference in the game, ensuring that South Carolina couldn’t gain the upper hand in the final moments.

Azzi Fudd: The Key Scoring Support

While Bueckers took center stage, Azzi Fudd was another critical player who helped fuel UConn’s offense, especially in the second half. Fudd finished with 15 points, providing much-needed scoring when the team needed a spark. Her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting and her knack for creating her own shot helped UConn maintain a lead in the second half, keeping South Carolina’s defense on its toes.

Fudd’s timely baskets and her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor were crucial in UConn’s victory. When South Carolina attempted to mount a comeback, it was Fudd’s scoring bursts that kept the Huskies’ lead intact and thwarted any late-game surge by the Gamecocks.

Coaching and Strategy: Geno Auriemma’s Masterclass

No conversation about UConn’s success is complete without mentioning the mastermind behind it all, Coach Geno Auriemma. Auriemma’s strategic approach to the game, particularly his decision to neutralize South Carolina’s strengths while exploiting their weaknesses, played a huge role in the Huskies’ victory. His game plan was executed to near perfection, with UConn playing a controlled but aggressive style of basketball that kept South Carolina on the defensive throughout the contest.

One of the most significant adjustments Auriemma made was his ability to get the ball out of Aliyah Boston’s hands when it mattered most. UConn’s defensive rotations and double-teams on Boston in key moments helped stifle the Gamecocks’ offensive flow. Auriemma’s emphasis on ball movement, quick transition plays, and limiting second-chance opportunities also kept South Carolina from gaining momentum during the second half.

Free Throws and Clutch Shooting

While UConn’s defensive prowess and Bueckers’ clutch performance were the main headlines, free throws played an important role in the final margin of victory. In the closing moments, UConn showed composure from the charity stripe, hitting key free throws that allowed them to extend their lead and fend off any late-game dramatics from South Carolina.

UConn finished the game shooting a higher percentage from the free-throw line, which was crucial when the game tightened up in the final minutes. Bueckers, Fudd, and Mühl all stepped up when it counted, knocking down their free throws under pressure.

South Carolina’s Missed Opportunities

While UConn played an exceptional game, South Carolina’s missed opportunities also played a significant role in the outcome. Despite stellar individual performances, particularly from Boston and Zia Cooke, South Carolina struggled to execute in critical moments. Several turnovers, missed open shots, and missed free throws in the final minutes of the game kept the Gamecocks from closing the gap.

South Carolina’s inability to capitalize on key possessions and execute in the clutch ultimately proved costly. UConn’s defense and their ability to capitalize on these mistakes made all the difference in the end.

Conclusion: UConn’s Championship Formula

The UConn Huskies’ 2025 National Championship victory was a masterclass in teamwork, leadership, and execution. The combination of Paige Bueckers’ clutch scoring, Azzi Fudd’s timely contributions, UConn’s relentless defense, and Coach Auriemma’s brilliant strategy culminated in a well-deserved title.

In the end, the difference maker wasn’t just one factor—it was a combination of individual brilliance and collective execution. UConn proved why they are a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and this victory adds yet another chapter to their storied legacy. As they hoisted the National Championship trophy, it was clear that UConn had earned every bit of their success, making this victory one to remember for years to come.