In the heart of Tampa, Florida, amidst the triumphant applause and celebratory air, Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers shared a poignant moment during UConn’s victory clinch for their 12th national title in women’s college basketball. This embrace in the closing stages of Bueckers’ final game with the Huskies symbolized the culmination of aspirations.
“This has been one of the most fulfilling wins,” Auriemma remarked. “The journey and the challenges we faced made this victory exceptionally emotional as a player stepped off the court.”
Leading UConn to victory were key players Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong, who played pivotal roles in the team’s dominant 82-59 win against last year’s champions, South Carolina. Fudd, who was honored as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, contributed significantly with 24 points, while Strong matched that with an impressive double-double, and Bueckers added 17 points to UConn’s tally, ending their season at 37-3.
Auriemma, now the oldest coach to secure a major college basketball championship, praised the synergy among these athletes. “Having three such talented players on a single squad is incredible,” commented the 71-year-old coach. “Sarah plays with such maturity, complementing Bueckers and Fudd beautifully. Their distinct skills are a perfect match.”
For Bueckers, this championship marked the zenith of an illustrious UConn career, ending a near decade-long title drought since the team last won in 2016. This period was one of reflection and perseverance for the program and Auriemma, tracing back to their first victory under icons like Rebecca Lobo and Jen Rizzotti in 1995.
“We often doubted if our time had passed. These players reignited my passion and determination to keep going,” Auriemma shared. Bueckers is poised to be the top selection in the upcoming WNBA draft—a fitting trajectory for a career marked by resilience amidst injury setbacks. “
Overcoming these obstacles taught me gratitude and resilience. I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bueckers reflected. UConn’s performance in the championship game was emphatic, with a commanding lead secured by halftime and further sealed in the third quarter. Their offensive trio proved unstoppable, closing with a powerful run that ensured victory.
The UConn team’s performance in the tournament was historic, with their leading trio racking up a combined 368 points—a new benchmark surpassing past records. The cohesion and prowess displayed by Fudd, Bueckers, and Strong were unmatched, overpowering South Carolina’s attempts to claim another title.
Despite the loss, South Carolina’s coach Dawn Staley acknowledged her team’s efforts, understanding the nature of competition at this level. “We gave everything we had and lost to a formidable opponent,” Staley noted, reflecting on the lessons learned from the encounter.
UConn had not reached the title game multiple times since 2016, often thwarted by nail-biting defeats in the Final Four. The memory of their previous encounter in 2022 when South Carolina emerged victorious was still fresh, yet it only fueled their resolve this season. The game’s opening tempo was brisk, with both teams displaying skill and defense, but UConn steadily built a commanding lead, propelled by Fudd’s and Strong’s efforts.