The 2025 NCAA Championship Game between South Carolina and UConn tips off tonight at 3 p.m. ET. The two powerhouse programs are meeting for the third time this season—this time, with the national title on the line.
As the teams prepare for the final, here’s a breakdown of the key injuries and which players will miss tonight’s game.
South Carolina vs. UConn: Series History
This will mark the 16th all-time meeting between South Carolina and UConn. The Huskies lead the series 10–5, but the defending national champion Gamecocks have won the last two matchups.
In their most recent meeting on Feb. 16, South Carolina defeated UConn 87–58. Both teams punched their ticket to the title game after winning their semifinal matchups on Friday.
With history on the line, the stage is set for a thrilling final—but injuries could play a key role in tonight’s outcome.
South Carolina Injury Report
Ashley Watkins Jr., F: OUT
Watkins suffered a torn ACL in her left knee during a Jan. 5 game against Mississippi State. The injury occurred in the second quarter following a collision on a drive to the basket. Two days later, South Carolina announced Watkins would miss the remainder of the 2024–25 season.
Her absence is significant. In 14 games this season, Watkins averaged 7.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. A dynamic presence on both ends of the court, her impact will be missed as the Gamecocks look to repeat as national champions.
UConn Injury Report
Morgan Cheli, Fr., G: OUT
Though the specific timing of her injury remains unclear, Cheli reportedly played through discomfort for several weeks before aggravating the issue during a game against Providence.
On Feb. 21, UConn announced that Cheli would miss the rest of the 2024–25 season. The freshman guard played in 24 games, averaging 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. A solid contributor off the bench, Cheli’s absence shortens UConn’s rotation.
Ayanna Patterson, J., Fr: OUT
Patterson sustained an injury during preseason practice in October 2024. After returning to full-contact practices in November, she suffered a setback during the Baha Mar Women’s Championship in the Bahamas and later underwent surgery on Dec. 16.
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As a freshman last season, Patterson appeared in 30 games, averaging 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. She has been ruled out for the remainder of the current season and will not suit up for the final.
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