No. 1 UConn faces No. 1 Gamecocks in Championship rematch
The No. 1-seeded UConn Huskies (38-0, 20-0) will clash with the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks (35-3, 15-1) in a 2025 NCAA Championship rematch to determine who’s going to the Finals.
Game time, TV channel, How to Watch
WHO: South Carolina Gamecocks (35-3, 15-1) vs. UConn Huskies (38-0, 20-0)
WHEN: Friday, 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
WHERE: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
All-Time Series History
The Huskies are favored to win by -6.5, as they own an 11-5 record over the Gamecocks, dating back to the 2007-2008 season. The last time these two prestigious programs met, Connecticut defeated South Carolina 82-59 in the 2025 NCAA Championship.
Paving the way for UConn, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong tied for the most points amongst the team with 24 apiece. Fudd finished the day with five rebounds, an assist and three steals. In 38 minutes, the 23-year-old knocked down eight of 11 (72.7%) floor shots, one of six (16.7%) deep attempts and went five-for-five from the free-throw line.
As for Strong, the star forward earned a double-double, snagging 15 boards, dishing out five assists, three blocks and two takeaways. In 37 minutes, the 2026 Naismith Player of the Year buried eight of 12 (66.7%) shots from inside the arc, two of three (66.7%) long-range tries and went two-for-two from the free-throw line.
Trailing behind the duo, Paige Bueckers contributed 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. In her final collegiate game, the Dallas Wings’ guard drained five of 12 (41.7%) paint shots and went seven-for-seven from the free-throw line, but missed a pair of threes.
It is worth noting that KK Arnold racked up nine of the Huskies’ 13 off-the-bench points and three assists.
Overall, Connecticut banked 26 of 45 (57.8%) field goals, four of 17 (23.5%) three-pointers and 18 of 21 (85.7%) free throws.
Compared to the Gamecocks, only two players reached double figures. By the end of the contest, Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson tied for the most points amongst the squad with 10 apiece. Behind them, Chloe Kitts and Milaysia Fulwiley accumulated nine points apiece.
Collectively, South Carolina connected on 17 of 45 (37.8%) field goals, four of 16 (25%) shots from beyond the perimeter and 13 of 18 (72.2%) free throws.
Scouting South Carolina Basketball
Helping the Gamecocks to victory, Edwards tops the team with just under 20 points and almost two steals per meeting. In South Carolina’s 78-52 triumph over the TCU Horned Frogs on Monday, the sophomore notched a double-double.
In 33 minutes, the forward scored 24 points, grabbed 12 boards and dished out two assists. Additionally, Edwards blocked three potential buckets and stole the ball once. The South Carolina native looked stellar from the field, shooting 10 of 20 (50%) tries and going four-for-four from the free-throw line. If Connecticut can keep Edwards out of the paint, the beginning of the end could be on the horizon quickly.
From the three-point line, Tessa Johnson went three-for-three, converting three of the Gamecocks’ deep shots. Alongside Johnson, Raven Johnson splashed two of three (66.7%) attempts.
As a whole, the squad nailed 27 of 61 (44.3%) field goals, six of nine (67%) three-pointers and six of eight (75%) free throws.
Scouting UConn Basketball
In her first NCAA Tournament, Blanca Quiñonez has been nothing but impeccable for the Huskies. So far in the tournament, the freshman has averaged just over 17 points, nearly five rebounds and slightly over two assists per match.
In 23 minutes, the forward has registered 62.8% from the field, 47.4% from the three and 66.7% from the free-throw line. With that being said, it should come as no surprise to see the Ecuadorian native play a major role for UConn.
While facing the No. 6-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sunday, the squad struggled to get the offense going. Up until the third quarter, the outing stayed within 10 points.
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