Tampa, FL – The South Carolina Gamecocks and Connecticut Huskies are set to clash in the national championship game after both teams secured convincing victories in the women’s Final Four on Friday night. The defending champion Gamecocks faced off against the Texas Longhorns and emerged victorious with a score of 74-57.
South Carolina started slow, trailing early as the Longhorns took a quick 12-4 lead. However, the Gamecocks rallied back, dominating the remainder of the game. They outscored Texas in each quarter, especially showcasing their strong defense, which held the Longhorns to just 39.3% shooting from the field and forced 14 turnovers. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao led the Gamecocks with 14 points, while freshman forward Joyce Edwards contributed 13 points off the bench, marking a stellar performance.
On the other side, Texas struggled, particularly after a strong start. Their star player, Madison Booker, who was named the SEC Player of the Year, ended up with a disappointing stat line of 11 points, 1 rebound, and no assists after her initial six points in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the Huskies delivered an impressive performance against the UCLA Bruins, winning 85-51. The game was dominated by Connecticut right from the start, as they employed a strong defensive strategy that stifled UCLA’s offense. Center Lauren Betts stood out for the Bruins with 26 points, but was the only player on her team to score in double digits. For the Huskies, senior guard Azzi Fudd shined, scoring 19 points, while freshman Sarah Strong added 22 points.
With these victories, the Gamecocks are heading to their third national championship game in four years, while the Huskies will aim to reclaim the title they last held in 2016. This matchup will not only be a rematch for both teams but also a chance for South Carolina to defend their title and for Connecticut to reestablish their dominance in women’s college basketball.
The national championship game is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, where fans can expect a thrilling showdown between these two powerhouse programs.
