TAMPA, Fla. — The 2025 NCAA women’s Final Four kicked off Friday, April 4, with the Texas Longhorns against the South Carolina Gamecocks at 7 p.m. EST and was followed by the UConn Huskies against the UCLA Bruins at 9:30 p.m. EST. By the end, South Carolina and UConn came out victorious, setting the stage for Sunday’s championship game.
During the first quarter of the Texas and South Carolina game, Texas had some crisp ball movement, although there were many turnovers. South Carolina was quick when they needed to be. It was a close game at the end of the first quarter, with Texas leading 19-18.
Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards posts 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao had 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Texas was led by first-year guard Jordan Lee, with 16 points off the bench.
Texas sophomore forward Madison Booker scored 11 points all game. At the start of the game, Booker had a pretty hot start as was forced to temporarily sit after committing her second foul in the first quarter. After that, Texas largely struggled to establish an offensive rhythm, scoring just 45 points over the final 35:19.
As South Carolina’s defense tightened, they were able to pull ahead at halftime with a 38-35 lead.
The Gamecocks completely controlled the third quarter, outscoring Texas 20-9 to provide themselves a 58-44 lead. South Carolina led with double digits for the remainder of the fourth quarter, coasting to a 74-57 win.
Despite a strong season that led Texas to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2003, they fell short against the relentless South Carolina team. The fans were roaring at South Carolina’s win, focusing on Edwards’ play game as well as the success of the program under head coach Dawn Staley.
“We just wear teams down,” Staley said in her postgame press conference.
UConn dominated in the second semifinal, overpowering UCLA with a fast-paced offense and suffocating defense. UConn started strong with a 42-22 lead through the first 20 minutes.
In the second quarter, there was intensity rising between UConn’s Paige Bueckers and UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez. There was pushing and shoving, with both players staying right on top of each other.
Bueckers played a key role in setting up UConn’s offense. Bueckers often made quick passes in the second quarter. There was one point in the second when Bueckers had a pass touch in the air to guard Kaitlyn Chen, who finished with a layup.
Ahead of Bueckers’ final college basketball game on Sunday, soaking in every chance she can with the team is her number one priority.
“We prayed, we prepared and we hoped to be playing on the last day of the season, and we got that opportunity so we don’t want to take it for granted,” Bueckers said. “It’s pretty crazy it’s all coming to an end, but I’m glad we can do it on the last day.”
UCLA continued to struggle in the third quarter, missing several key shots.
Even though Paige Bueckers finished with 16 points, her teammates Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd combined for 41 points.
While UCLA center Lauren Betts kept the Bruins somewhat afloat with strong finishes to the rim, UConn’s fast break work and quick decision-making kept the Bruins on their toes. UConn closed the third quarter with a 60-37 lead.
In the 4th quarter, the crowd of 19,731 chanted with their t-shirts and scarves in support of UConn. UConn continued to add points with an overall score of 85-51 win for the Huskies.
UConn now owns the largest margin of victory in women’s Final Four history to advance to the program’s 13th national title game appearance. They have become the first women’s team in tournament history to beat a No. 1 seed by 30 points or more.
“It took everything we had,” said Geno Auriemma, head coach for UConn. “I don’t think Dawn’s gonna have any sympathy for me Sunday.”
The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball national championship game between UConn and South Carolina will take place on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. EST.
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Thumbnail image caption: South Carolina forward Sania Feagin takes a jump shot in the Gamecocks 74-57 win against Texas at Amalie Arena on Friday. Photo courtesy of Mariam Bernardini-Herrera.