The Stage is Set for a Historic Rematch

Two titans of women's college basketball - UConn Huskies and South Carolina Gamecocks - collide Sunday in Tampa for the 2025 NCAA Championship (3 p.m. ET, ABC). This marks a rematch of both February's regular-season clash (UConn won 87-58) and the 2022 title game (South Carolina prevailed 64-49).

Tale of the Tape

South Carolina (34-1):

• Defending national champions seeking 4th title since 2017
• 12-game win streak since UConn loss
• Elite 10-player rotation outscored Texas bench 35-0 in semifinal

UConn (32-3):

• 11-time national champions (last title: 2016)
• 15th championship game appearance under Geno Auriemma
• Big Three of Bueckers/Strong/Fudd combined for 57 in semifinal

Key Matchup Factors

UConn's Offensive Firepower

The Huskies' offensive trio presents unique challenges:

• Paige Bueckers (4th Final Four) averaging 22.8 PPG in tournament
• Freshman phenom Sarah Strong (22 & 8 vs UCLA)
• Sharpshooter Azzi Fudd hitting 45% from three

South Carolina's Defensive Identity

Gamecocks must:

• Rotate defenders effectively against UConn's motion offense
• Limit transition opportunities (UConn outscored UCLA 28-4 on fast breaks)
• Generate offense through stops (All-SEC defenders Johnson & Cardoso)

X-Factors That Could Decide the Game

1. Paint Dominance: Can SC's Kamilla Cardoso neutralize UConn's interior scoring?
2. Freshman Impact: Both teams rely on first-year contributors (Strong for UConn, Fulwiley for SC)
3. Coaching Chess Match: Auriemma's 11 rings vs Staley's 3 championships
4. Free Throw Margin: UConn shoots 78% as team; SC just 68%
5. Turnover Battle: SC averages 18.2 forced TOs/game

Expert Predictions

"UConn's offensive versatility will prove too much. When Bueckers gets 25+ and two others score 15+, they're virtually unstoppable." - Andrea Adelson

"South Carolina's defense travels. They'll make UConn work for every basket and outlast them in a rock fight." - Michael Voepel

Championship Implications

• For UConn: Would complete Paige Bueckers' career resurrection after ACL injuries
• For South Carolina: Potential back-to-back titles cement Dawn Staley's dynasty

The teams tip off Sunday at Amalie Arena in Tampa - the final chapter of college basketball's premier women's rivalry this season.