In a dominant display of basketball excellence, the UConn Huskies claimed their 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship with an impressive 82-59 victory over South Carolina on April 6, 2025.
The game caught the attention of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who took to social media to praise the exceptional talent of freshman phenom Sarah Strong alongside UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.
UConn’s Trio Delivers Historic Championship Performance
Durant’s admiration came during the first half, when UConn had built a 36-26 lead. “Azzi is just surgical, Paige is just an all-around monster, Sarah strong, my goodness, how did you get so good so early??? Great bump on ESPN,” wrote Durant, highlighting the trio’s extraordinary performances, which ultimately propelled the Huskies to a championship blowout victory over the top-seeded defending champions.
Sarah Strong answered Durant’s question with a game-high 24 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in what became a coming-out party on college basketball’s biggest stage. The 19-year-old freshman forward dominated the paint, helping UConn control the boards with a 42-38 rebounding advantage over South Carolina’s typically dominant frontcourt.
Azzi is just surgical..Paige is just an all around monster….Sarah strong, my goodness, how did u get so good so early??? Great bump on espn
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 6, 2025
Bueckers and Fudd completed the trio of excellence that caught Durant’s eye. Bueckers delivered a well-rounded performance with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, living up to Durant’s “all-around monster” praise.
Fudd, who the NBA star described as “surgical,” scored 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist, including her 1,000th career point during the second quarter.
The significance of Durant’s praise extends beyond mere social media commentary. As one of basketball’s most respected talents, his recognition of Strong’s abilities alongside established stars Bueckers and Fudd highlights the exceptional level of talent in women’s collegiate basketball, particularly at UConn, under legendary coach Geno Auriemma.
UConn’s domination was evident throughout, and a decisive third quarter saw them outscore South Carolina 26-16, turning a 10-point halftime advantage into an insurmountable 23-point lead.
Their efficient offensive performance with 48.4% field goal percentage compared to South Carolina’s 34.4% and superior ball movement with 18 assists to South Carolina’s nine assists demonstrated why Durant was so impressed with the Huskies’ stars.
South Carolina’s defeat ended their hopes of winning back-to-back championships despite bright spots from Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson, who each scored 10 points.
KEEP READING: Women’s Basketball Programs With the Most National Championship Wins
As the final buzzer sounded, UConn’s 12th championship further cemented its dynasty status in women’s college basketball. Strong’s breakout performance signaled a bright future for both the program and women’s basketball as a whole.
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