The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship is set to feature a clash of titans as South Carolina and UConn meet on the sport’s biggest stage.
Both programs have dominated the college basketball landscape for the past decade, combining for 14 national titles and numerous Final Four appearances.
South Carolina enters the title game as the reigning champion, looking to add a fourth championship under head coach Dawn Staley, who boasts a perfect record in national finals.
UConn, led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma, returns to the championship spotlight after a dominant tournament run, fueled in part by the resurgence of Azzi Fudd and a deep, battle-tested roster.
Fans can catch all the action live from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, today at 3 p.m. EST on ABC or stream it via ESPN+.
UConn Huskies vs. South Carolina NCAA National Championship live updates from Tampa, Florida:
Battle for basketball glory in Tampa
Two powerhouses of women’s college basketball are set to clash Sunday afternoon in Tampa.
For South Carolina, it’s a chance to secure back-to-back titles and cap another dominant run under head coach Dawn Staley.
UConn, meanwhile, eyes a return to the top for the first time since 2016, aiming to add a 12th national title under legendary coach Geno Auriemma.
The Gamecocks (35-3) enter the title game riding a 12-game win streak, having not lost since their February defeat to the Huskies.
UConn (36-3), meanwhile, hasn’t dropped a game since that same matchup, a commanding 87-58 victory that now looks prophetic.
With both programs peaking at the right time, the championship stage promises a compelling rematch between two of the sport’s most consistent contenders.
South Carolina has gotten the better of UConn in recent years, winning five of their last seven meetings.
That includes the 2022 national championship, when the Gamecocks defeated the Huskies 64-49 in Minneapolis.
Staley is a perfect 3-0 in title games, while Auriemma carries an 11-2 record in such matchups.
This meeting marks the second time the schools have met for the championship and adds another chapter to a budding rivalry.
Paige Bueckers delivers powerful locker room message as UConn heads to National Championship
March Madness performance for UConn & South Carolina
The road to the final has revealed each team’s identity.
UConn has bulldozed its way through the NCAA Tournament, winning every game by double digits and putting on a clinic in the Final Four with an 85-51 rout of UCLA.
Guard Azzi Fudd, quiet in earlier rounds, found her rhythm in the semifinal, pouring in 19 points to lead the charge.
South Carolina has had to grind through tougher stretches but looked dominant in its semifinal win over Texas, 74-57.
Freshman Joyce Edwards posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, while Te-Hina Paopao added 14 points in a balanced effort.
Betting odds from BetMGM list UConn as 6.5-point favorites (-250 moneyline), with the total set at 132.5 points.
South Carolina comes in as a +210 underdog, a rare position for the defending champions.
