In the just-concluded 2025 NCAA Championship final of college women’s basketball, the UConn Huskies won emphatically 82-59 over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
The win secured UConn’s 12th national title and first since 2016, marking their return to dominance. Azzi Fudd’s standout performance earned her the Most Outstanding Player award, prompting an exuberant celebration from her teammate Paige Bueckers.
Azzi Fudd’s MOP Performance Caps Her Remarkable Comeback Story
In the championship match, Fudd scored 24 points, along with five rebounds and three steals. She made an immediate impact, contributing seven of the team’s first 19 points to secure an early lead for the Huskies, who held a 36-26 advantage at halftime.
Fudd displayed excellent consistency throughout the tournament, notably against UCLA in the Final Four. She scored 19 points in the first half of that game, helping UConn secure an early lead and, ultimately, a 34-point victory.
Fudd’s journey to this victory has not been without challenges. She has endured two ACL injuries, one during her sophomore year at UConn and another in high school. Despite these setbacks, her unyielding determination propelled her to this outstanding performance.
After the game, Fudd announced her return to UConn for a fifth season, forgoing the WNBA draft despite her potential as a first-round pick. This decision reflects her commitment to further developing her skills and building a lasting legacy with the Huskies.
Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong Lead UConn’s Championship Core
Bueckers, a UConn star guard, took to social media to praise Fudd’s extraordinary performance, writing, “You the MOP and a DAWG.” “DAWG” is a term in sports that denotes toughness, grit, and a relentless spirit, qualities Fudd embodied in the title game. Bueckers’ words reflect their deep connection through triumphs and trials.
In the game, Bueckers scored 17 points, and freshman Sarah Strong matched Fudd’s 24 points while also grabbing 15 rebounds. The performance of these three players against South Carolina exemplified UConn’s depth and teamwork.
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For Bueckers, this championship marked the conclusion of her college basketball career as she prepares to enter the WNBA as the projected No. 1 overall pick. Her junior season was hampered by injury, leading her to describe the victory as destiny, a reward for unyielding determination and faith.
Fudd and Bueckers share a strong connection, and their on-court chemistry was a cornerstone of UConn’s success, as reflected in Bueckers’ praise and their shared journey.
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