No. 1 seed South Carolina faces No. 2 seed UConn in 2025 national title game

Before we preview today’s game, let’s recap Friday’s sold-out Final Four matchups — tough day for the “nobody watches women’s sports” folks.

South Carolina takes over late to top No. 1 Texas: This game initially seemed like it might come down to the wire with the Gamecocks leading by just three points at halftime. But a dominant third quarter sealed the deal — they put the Longhorns away for the third time this season, notching a confident 74–57 dub.

• The key to their win? Solid defense. Superstar Texas sophomore Madison Booker was the only Longhorn starter to score in double figures, and she managed just 11 points. As for the SC offense, a double-double from Gamecocks freshman Joyce Edwards certainly didn’t hurt.

UConn obliterates No. 1 overall seed UCLA: Even though the Huskies eviscerated every opponent en route to the Final Four, no one expected this much of a smackdown when they took on the nation’s top-ranked team. UConn wiped the floor with the Bruins 85–51 to reach their 13th national title game in program history.

• The Huskies really showcased their depth: The inimitable Paige Bueckers had a relatively quiet night with just 16 points, but the other two members of UConn’s trifecta, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, made up for it with 19 and 22 points, respectively. Teamwork makes the dream work.

When you think “dominant,” you probably think South Carolina women’s basketball. Friday’s game marked their fifth straight Final Four appearance (!!!), and tonight, they’ll play for their third national championship in four years. HC Dawn Staley isn’t just a fashion icon and a great dancer — she’s a basketball institution.

• Last year’s title run was extra-special, as it put a bow on the Gamecocks’ first-ever undefeated season, a feat no team had accomplished since UConn in 2016. Turns out Hannah Montana was wrong.

How they got here: Notably, these Gamecocks are much more vulnerable than in years past. They dropped three games this season (as many as in their last three seasons combined), including a brutal 87–58 blowout L when they hosted UConn on February 16th.

• South Carolina also won by surprisingly slim margins in the second round, Sweet 16, and Elite Eight. But the fact that a three-loss season is a sign of vulnerability is simply a testament to the Gamecocks’ incredible consistency over the past few years.

Keys to success: A deep bench. The reigning champs lead all Division I teams in bench points per game, led by the aforementioned Joyce Edwards. In order to keep up with the high-powered Huskies, they’ll need every player firing on all cylinders.

• On that note, they also need to lock in from tip-off — their lopsided loss to UConn in February happened because they let the Huskies off the leash early.

• Not to mention, the Gamecocks shot a measly three-for-17 from the three-point line in that game, which won’t fly if they want to run it back, championship style.

When it comes to women’s hoops longevity, it’s all about the Huskies. HC Geno Auriemma and Staley first faced off in 1991, when he was a sixth-year coach at UConn competing in his first Final Four…and she was a star sophomore point guard at Virginia.

• Auriemma’s career coaching numbers are truly mind-boggling, but one stat rules them all: This season, he became the winningest HC in college basketball history, women’s or men’s. And he’s not done yet.

How they got here: UConn also lost just three games this season, all to teams who ultimately made it to at least the Sweet 16: Notre Dame, USC, and Tennessee. And they absolutely dominated conference play, cruising their way to a 13th consecutive Big East regular-season championship and fifth straight tournament title without dropping a single conference matchup.

• They’ve now advanced to 13 national championship games and lost only once, a 64–49 loss in 2022 to — you guessed it — South Carolina. Revenge? Possibly loading.

Keys to success: Two words: Paige Bueckers. The projected No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick is one of the best to ever don a Huskies uniform, which is really saying something. The only thing she’s missing? A ring — and she will not be denied.

• South Carolina relied on their tough D to advance past Texas in the Final Four, but literally no one is better than the Huskies on the defensive end.

• Plus, they never let up, which is how they run up the score on opponents game after game. Woof woof.

Paige Bueckers, UConn guard: From being the first freshman to win Player of the Year in 2021 to overcoming an ACL tear to becoming an NIL mogul and, arguably, Geno’s favorite, Bueckers has been one of the faces of women’s hoops since she arrived at UConn five years ago.

• And she’s been on an absolute roll throughout the tourney, busting out highlights aplenty She’ll do whatever it takes to lift the Huskies today.

MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina guard: The sophomore speed demon shot to stardom last year thanks to her smooth ball-handling. Her biggest fan? Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry, who signed her to his Curry Brand last year and supports her on the reg, even wearing her signature shoe in his Friday game against the Denver Nuggets.

Azzi Fudd, UConn guard: After suffering multiple injuries during her UConn career, Fudd is hungry for redemption — and she’s proving it on the court. She’s the peanut butter to Bueckers’ jelly, a serious threat from the three-point line, and a defensive powerhouse who’s already committed to a fifth year with the Huskies.

Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina guard: Cool as a cucumber, Paopao is a veteran sharpshooter and a crucial leader who keeps her teammates calm and focused on the floor. The senior can take over when the Gamecocks are on the ropes and will be the first line of defense against Bueckers and Fudd.

Sarah Strong, UConn forward: The freshman phenom doesn’t just have a bright future ahead of her — she’s Player of the Year material right now. A rebounding machine and prolific block party host, the famously reserved first-year can’t hide her excitement after making the title game.

Joyce Edwards, South Carolina forward: As mentioned, South Carolina’s depth is key to their dominance, and Edwards’ role off the bench is essential. She leads the team in scoring with 12.7 points per game and will be crucial in containing her fellow freshman, Strong, in the paint.

Ready your snacks: the title game tips off at 3 p.m. ET (notably not primetime — don’t get us started) on ABC in the U.S. and TSN4 in Canada.

• And if you’re looking for some expert commentary with a heavy side of sarcasm, watch The Bird & Taurasi Show simulcast on ESPN in the U.S. and TSN+ in Canada. Confetti cannons, loading.