The second-seeded Connecticut Huskies wrapped up an incredible season on Sunday afternoon by defeating top-seeded South Carolina 82–59 to win the NCAA Tournament national championship. The victory was powered by standout performances from Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and senior star Paige Bueckers. Strong led the way with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while Bueckers contributed 17 points, six boards, and three assists. Fudd matched Strong with 24 points of her own. The trio accounted for 65 of UConn’s 82 total points.
Following their dominant performance, the Huskies received widespread recognition, including a congratulatory message from former President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan, who wrote, “Congratulations to Coach Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and all the Huskies for winning the NCAA Championship!”
Although Obama had picked South Carolina to win it all in his annual bracket, UConn defied the prediction. This title marks the Huskies’ first since 2016, further cementing their legacy as the most storied program in college basketball under head coach Geno Auriemma. Now in his 40th season, Auriemma has led UConn to a record 12 national championships, surpassing UCLA’s men’s program, which won 11.
The Huskies have consistently developed some of the game’s greatest players, and Bueckers is set to be the next star as she prepares to enter the WNBA Draft following her final collegiate game.
