UConn Wins 12th National Championship
UConn Defeats South Carolina 82-59
TAMPA, Fla. — UConn is back on top of women’s basketball, winning its 12th national championship by routing defending champion South Carolina 82-59 on Sunday behind Azzi Fudd’s 24 points.
Sarah Strong added 24 points and 15 rebounds while Paige Bueckers had 17 points in her final game at UConn (37-3).
Ending a Nine-Year Title Drought
Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies’ first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year title drought for the team. That was longest for coach Geno Auriemma and his Huskies since the team won its first championship in 1995 led by Rebecca Lobo.
Since then the Huskies have had dominant championship runs, including in the early 2000s led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, 2009-10 with Maya Moore and finally the four straight from 2013-16 with Breanna Stewart. All were in attendance in Florida on Sunday to see the Huskies’ latest title.
Previous Championships
The Huskies have a rich history of success, with 12 national championships under their belt. Their previous titles were won in 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and now 2023.
Bueckers’ Incredible Career
Finally healthy, the expected No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 14, Bueckers delivered for the Huskies throughout their championship season.
It was the only thing missing from her incredible UConn career that was slowed by injuries. She was the first freshman to win AP Player of the Year before missing a lot of her sophomore season with a tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear. She then tore an ACL before the next season.
The Championship Game
UConn closed the first half up 10 points and then put the game away in the third quarter behind Fudd, Strong and Bueckers. The trio combined for 23 of the team’s 26 points in the quarter. UConn was up 50-39 with 3:21 left in the period before closing with a 12-3 run to put the game away.
Fudd and Strong got it started with back-to-back 3s, and the rout was on. Auriemma subbed Bueckers, Fudd and Strong out with 1:32 left. Bueckers and Auriemma had a long hug on the sideline, having finally gotten that championship that he so wanted for her.
South Carolina’s Run
Dawn Staley’s team was trying for a third title in four years and fourth overall. It would have tied her with Kim Mulkey for third most behind Auriemma and former Tennessee Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, who had eight.
UConn had reached the title game only once during its drought since 2016. The Huskies had been eliminated by heartbreaking last-second losses in the Final Four on buzzer-beaters. The Huskies’ last title game appearance came in 2022 when Staley’s team beat UConn to start the Gamecocks’ current run of success, a game that ended Auriemma’s perfect record in title games.
Game Highlights
There seemed to be no nerves early for either team as the game got off to a fast start. The teams traded baskets for the first few minutes before the defenses started to clamp down. The Huskies led 19-14 after one quarter and then extended the advantage to 36-26 at the half. Fudd had 13 points and Strong added eight points and 11 rebounds.
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Conclusion
UConn’s 12th national championship is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. With Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong leading the way, the Huskies were unstoppable. The team’s victory marks the end of a nine-year title drought and cement’s UConn’s status as one of the top programs in women’s basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the national championship?
A: UConn won the national championship, defeating South Carolina 82-59.
Q: Who was the leading scorer for UConn?
A: Azzi Fudd led the team with 24 points, followed by Sarah Strong with 24 points and Paige Bueckers with 17 points.
Q: How many national championships has UConn won?
A: UConn has won 12 national championships, with their first title coming in 1995 and their most recent title coming in 2023.
Q: Who is the head coach of UConn?
A: Geno Auriemma is the head coach of UConn, and he has led the team to 12 national championships during his tenure.
