The UConn Huskies stormed into the national championship game after delivering one of the most dominant performances in NCAA Final Four history, defeating UCLA 83-49 on April 5, 2025. The 34-point victory marked the largest margin ever in a women’s Final Four matchup, sending a clear message ahead of their title clash with South Carolina. With a blend of clinical offense and stifling defense, UConn left no doubt about their championship intentions.
Azzi Fudd Shines as Huskies Overpower Bruins
UConn’s offensive rhythm was led by guard Azzi Fudd, who exploded for 24 points, sinking five three-pointers and rediscovering her form after a season shadowed by injury. Fudd’s early scoring run set the tone, and she remained lethal throughout, keeping UCLA’s defense stretched and on its heels.
Paige Bueckers, the team’s veteran playmaker, added 17 points while controlling the game’s tempo and facilitating ball movement. Together, they orchestrated a relentless attack that dismantled UCLA’s game plan and exposed defensive lapses.
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UConn shot 48% from the field and tallied 24 points off 18 UCLA turnovers. The Huskies out-rebounded the Bruins 40-31 and commanded the paint, outscoring UCLA 36-18 inside.
UCLA Struggles to Respond Under Defensive Pressure
UCLA, which had been riding momentum through the tournament, found itself completely neutralized. The team shot just 27.5% from the field and was held to single digits in the second and third quarters, where UConn’s defensive intensity peaked.
Charisma Osborne, the Bruins’ leading scorer, was limited to just 11 points. With limited ball movement and constant pressure from UConn’s guards, UCLA struggled to find offensive rhythm and never recovered after a 20-5 third-quarter run by the Huskies.
Coach Cori Close acknowledged UConn’s superior execution, stating postgame that her team “ran into a buzzsaw” and would learn from the experience.
Auriemma’s Strategy and Title Hopes
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma praised his team’s balance and maturity, emphasizing the importance of defense in big-game scenarios. “You win championships with defense. Tonight, we showed we can play it at the highest level,” Auriemma said.
He also lauded Fudd’s performance as a turning point, calling it “vintage Azzi” and a spark that ignited the entire team. With South Carolina looming, Auriemma noted that his squad is peaking at the right moment.
Fan Reaction and Championship Expectations
The blowout victory sent shockwaves across women’s college basketball and ignited social media, with fans and analysts hailing UConn’s return to dominance. Many compared the performance to the program’s championship runs of the past, praising the team’s depth, discipline, and hunger.
With the championship game just days away, expectations are high. The matchup against South Carolina, a team known for its physicality and depth, is expected to be a classic. UConn will rely on its perimeter shooting and elite guard play to counter South Carolina’s powerful frontcourt.
Looking Ahead
The Huskies have now won 12 straight games and appear fully reloaded after earlier injuries and inconsistent performances. If they can replicate the intensity and precision of their win over UCLA, a national title may be within reach.
As the Final Four dust settles, one thing is clear: UConn is not just back—they’re back with a vengeance.
