If you blinked during the first half, you might’ve missed it — because the UConn Huskies didn’t just beat UCLA in the Final Four… they ran them out of the building.
Final score? 85-51.
That’s a 34-point statement win. And with it, the Huskies are headed to the NCAA championship game to face top-ranked, undefeated South Carolina in what’s shaping up to be a women’s hoops showdown for the ages.
The Huskies Woke Up and Chose Violence
From tip-off, it was clear: UConn wasn’t here to mess around. They came out firing like they had somewhere to be — and that somewhere is the national title game.
Freshman phenom Sarah Strong? An absolute problem. She looked like a veteran out there, dropping 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds like it was just another scrimmage.
And then there’s Azzi Fudd. She dropped all 19 of her points in the first half, casually hitting jumpers like she was playing in her driveway. She was on fire — and by halftime, it was pretty much a wrap.
The Huskies dropped 40 in the first 20 minutes and led by 20 heading into the break. This wasn’t a slow-burn kind of domination. This was a blowtorch to the Bruins’ game plan.
Paige Bueckers Did What Paige Bueckers Does
You can’t talk about UConn without talking about Paige. Bueckers, the walking bucket and floor general, was as calm and locked-in as ever. She didn’t need to take over — she just steered the ship like a seasoned captain.
16 points. 5 rebounds. 3 steals. A whole lot of poise.
She’s the kind of player who can read a defense like a novel and write her own story on the court. She kept UCLA on their heels all night, making sure her team stayed composed, efficient, and lethal.
UCLA Ran Into a Buzzsaw
Look, this wasn’t the Bruins’ night — but let’s give them some love. UCLA had a record-setting season. They made their first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era. They won 23 straight games before running into UConn.
And they’ve got a certified star in Lauren Betts.
The 6-foot-7 All-American center tried to keep her team in it with 26 points. She showed out. But she didn’t have enough help. UConn’s defense swarmed, their shooters hit everything, and the Bruins just couldn’t keep pace.
It’s the kind of loss that stings, for sure — but UCLA’s future? Bright. This team isn’t going anywhere.
UConn’s Defense Was Straight-Up Scary
While the offense was cooking, UConn’s defense was suffocating.
The Huskies held UCLA to just 38.5% from the field and 25% from deep. They clogged passing lanes, closed out hard, and bullied the Bruins off the three-point line. UCLA had only 21 points outside the paint — they were forced to scrap for everything.
Geno Auriemma’s squad executed with scary precision. They didn’t just want to win — they wanted to send a message. And after this game, that message is loud and clear:
UConn is back.
And Now… the Rematch of the Decade
So what’s next? Only the most anticipated title game in recent memory.
UConn vs. South Carolina. Sunday. 3 p.m. ET. ABC. Block your calendar.
If this feels familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before. In 2022, South Carolina beat UConn for the championship. Now it’s time for revenge — or repeat.
It’s Dawn Staley vs. Geno Auriemma. It’s Paige vs. South Carolina’s wall of young talent. It’s a perfect season vs. a legacy reborn.
This is peak women’s hoops.
The Vibes Are Through the Roof
Let’s be real: this tournament has been elite. Upsets. Drama. Wild finishes. And now, we’ve got the dream matchup.
UConn hasn’t won it all since 2016. That’s nearly a decade without a title for the sport’s most decorated program. This team — a mix of young killers like Strong and vets like Bueckers — feels like it’s built to flip that script.
On the other side? South Carolina, the new standard. Deep. Dominant. Disciplined. They’re trying to run the table and go 39-0 — and they’re one win away.
It’s classic vs. current. It’s hunger vs. history. It’s everything you could want in a title game.
If You’re Not Watching, What Are You Doing?
This isn’t just about basketball. This is culture. This is energy. This is the moment.
Women’s college hoops is having a full-blown renaissance. The talent is off the charts. The personalities are magnetic. And the games? Better than ever.
If you’re in your 20s and you’re not tapped into this, you’re missing the wave. Whether you’re a hoops head, a casual fan, or just someone who loves elite competition — this championship is it.
Get your crew together. Throw on some snacks. Rock your favorite hoodie. And lock in.
UConn’s Mindset? All Gas, No Brakes
After the UCLA beatdown, there was no over-celebrating. No overhyping.
The Huskies know the real work isn’t done.
“This isn’t the end goal,” said Bueckers after the win. “We’ve got one more game. That’s the one we came here to win.”
That laser focus? That’s what makes them dangerous.
They’ve been tested. They’ve battled injuries. They’ve rebuilt their identity. Now they’re one game away from silencing the doubters and reclaiming the crown.
Final Thoughts: We’re Witnessing Greatness
Let’s zoom out for a second.
UConn. South Carolina. Two dynasties, two philosophies, two elite programs on a collision course.
This is the kind of game people will talk about for years. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The narratives are electric. And the talent? Generational.
So if you love sports, now’s the time to lock in. Because this Sunday, we’re getting fireworks.
And whether UConn completes the comeback story or South Carolina locks in the perfect season — one thing’s for sure:
We’re all winning.