The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four provided fans with thrilling matchups, and it didn’t disappoint. UConn and South Carolina, two of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball, showcased their sheer power and skill in their respective games, securing spots in the National Championship. Both teams delivered commanding performances, and now, the stage is set for an epic showdown to determine the national champion.

UConn’s Impressive Victory Over UCLA

In the first Final Four matchup, UConn took on UCLA, a team that had been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Bruins, led by a stellar defensive game plan, entered the game full of confidence. However, they were met with the relentless force of UConn’s high-powered offense.

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers were absolutely brilliant, combining for over 40 points and controlling the tempo of the game from start to finish. Fudd’s perimeter shooting and Bueckers’ court vision were key to breaking down UCLA’s defense. UConn’s defense also played a huge role, forcing the Bruins into tough shots and capitalizing on turnovers. The Huskies cruised to a 76-59 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower and depth.

While UCLA had its moments, UConn’s overall balance proved too much to handle. Their ability to dominate both sides of the ball was evident, as they put together a complete performance, reminding everyone why they are one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball.

South Carolina’s Dominance Over Texas

The second Final Four game saw South Carolina, the defending national champions, face off against Texas. The Longhorns, led by their dynamic duo of Rori Harmon and Aaliyah Moore, were hopeful of pulling off an upset. However, they ran into a South Carolina team that was simply in a different class.

Aliyah Boston, the reigning National Player of the Year, was a force in the paint, dominating both offensively and defensively. She finished with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. But it wasn’t just Boston—Zia Cooke and Brea Beal also made significant contributions, providing scoring and strong defense throughout the game.

South Carolina’s defense, known for suffocating opposing offenses, was on full display. They smothered Texas’ shooters and forced multiple turnovers, which led to fast-break opportunities. Texas simply couldn’t find an answer for South Carolina’s size, skill, and depth, and the Gamecocks rolled to a 74-58 win.

South Carolina’s performance was a reminder of why they are one of the most feared teams in the country. Their combination of elite defense, dominant post play, and explosive scoring makes them a near-impossible matchup for anyone.

The Championship Showdown: UConn vs. South Carolina

With both UConn and South Carolina winning their Final Four games in dominating fashion, the stage is set for a highly anticipated National Championship game. These two powerhouse programs are no strangers to each other, having met in several high-profile games over the years. However, this matchup is set to be different—it’s a clash of two teams that are at the peak of their powers.

UConn will rely on their offensive firepower, led by Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, to try and break down South Carolina’s defense. The Huskies have one of the most efficient offenses in the country, and their ability to score in a variety of ways will be critical in the championship game.

On the other hand, South Carolina will lean on their strength in the paint and their suffocating defense. Aliyah Boston will be the focal point, but players like Zia Cooke and Brea Beal will need to step up offensively to give the Gamecocks the edge. If South Carolina can control the pace of the game and limit UConn’s scoring opportunities, they will be in a good position to repeat as champions.

Keys to the Championship Game

Battle in the Paint: South Carolina’s size and strength in the post, particularly with Aliyah Boston, will be a major factor. UConn will need to find ways to neutralize Boston’s impact while also getting contributions from their bigs.

Guard Play: Both teams have dynamic guards in Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd for UConn, and Zia Cooke for South Carolina. The guard battle will likely determine the flow of the game, as these players are capable of taking over at any moment.

Defense: South Carolina is known for its stifling defense, but UConn has the tools to break it down with their quick ball movement and sharp shooting. Whichever team can execute their defensive game plan most effectively will likely come out on top.

Experience and Poise: UConn has a wealth of experience, having been here countless times before, while South Carolina enters as defending champions. Both teams are battle-tested, and the team that stays composed under pressure will have the advantage.

Conclusion

With UConn and South Carolina dominating their Final Four matchups, the stage is set for an incredible National Championship game. Both teams have been at the top of women’s college basketball for years, and this showdown promises to be one for the ages. Whether it’s UConn’s explosive offense or South Carolina’s defensive prowess and dominant post play, this game will feature some of the best talent in the country. Basketball fans everywhere will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.