South Carolina vs. UConn: Epic Rivalry Reignites in 2025 NCAA Women’s Championship Final

South Carolina vs UConn women's basketball history

As the curtain rises on the 2025 NCAA Women’s National Championship, the Gamecocks and Huskies will once again collide in a heavyweight bout that has transcended generations and reshaped the sport.

This is not just a final – it’s a clash of legacies, philosophies, and dynasties. In one corner stands South Carolina, undefeated, fearsome, and methodical. In the other, UConn, reborn, battle-tested, and armed with elite firepower. As a journalist covering this rivalry for over a decade, I can say with certainty: the stakes have never felt higher.

Read more: Best Free Websites to Watch South Carolina vs UConn – NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship 2025 (Full Guide)

Rivalry Roots: A Legacy of High Stakes Showdowns

Though their rivalry is less historic than UConn-Tennessee, the South Carolina-UConn series has become the defining duel of the 2020s. Their meetings often hold Final Four or national title implications, with coaches Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma turning each encounter into a masterclass of preparation and strategy.

Game-by-Game Results in Series History:

• Dec. 17, 2007 (Storrs, CT): UConn 97, South Carolina 39

• Dec. 28, 2008 (Columbia, SC): UConn 77, South Carolina 48

• Feb. 9, 2015 (Storrs, CT): UConn 87, South Carolina 62

• Feb. 8, 2016 (Columbia, SC): UConn 66, South Carolina 54

• Feb. 13, 2017 (Storrs, CT): UConn 66, South Carolina 55

• Feb. 1, 2018 (Columbia, SC): UConn 83, South Carolina 58

• March 28, 2018 (Albany, NY): UConn 94, South Carolina 65

• Feb. 11, 2019 (Hartford, CT): UConn 97, South Carolina 79

• Feb. 10, 2020 (Columbia, SC): South Carolina 70, UConn 52

• Feb. 8, 2021 (Storrs, CT): UConn 63, South Carolina 59 (OT)

• Nov. 22, 2021 (Bahamas): South Carolina 73, UConn 57

• March 3, 2022 (Minneapolis): South Carolina 64, UConn 49

• Feb. 3, 2023 (Hartford, CT): South Carolina 81, UConn 77

• Feb. 11, 2024 (Columbia, SC): South Carolina 83, UConn 65

• Feb. 16, 2025 (Columbia, SC): UConn 87, South Carolina 58

• April 6, 2025 (Tampa, FL): No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 2 UConn (Championship Game)

• Total Meetings (as of April 2025): 16

• Series Record: UConn leads 10–6

• Last 6 Games: South Carolina leads 4–2

• Most Notable Game: 2022 NCAA Championship – South Carolina defeated UConn 64–49

Since 2020, South Carolina has flipped the narrative, winning four of the last six games and proving they are no longer the underdog. Yet UConn remains the most decorated program in NCAA history and proved their staying power with a dominant 87–58 win in February 2025.

Tournament Form: Peaking at the Right Time

South Carolina Gamecocks

• Record: 37-0 (undefeated)

• Avg. Winning Margin in Tournament: +18.6

• Notable Wins: vs Texas (Final Four), vs Oregon State (Elite Eight)

• Key Strengths: Physicality, rebounding, post dominance, elite defense

South Carolina’s run to the championship has been clinical. Their defensive scheme, anchored by Kamilla Cardoso, has shut down perimeter threats, while Joyce Edwards and Te-Hina Paopao have emerged as dynamic two-way stars.

UConn Huskies

• Record: 34-3

• Avg. Winning Margin in Tournament: +22.4

• Notable Wins: vs UCLA (Final Four), vs Iowa State (Elite Eight)

• Key Strengths: Perimeter shooting, tempo control, veteran leadership

UConn has overcome a challenging road with resilience. Behind Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and breakout freshman Sarah Strong, the Huskies are playing their best basketball of the season. Their semifinal demolition of UCLA (85–51) sent a clear message: they are not just back – they are dangerous.

Tactical Breakdown: Fire vs Ice

• Pace: South Carolina will want to slow the game, dominate possession, and control the boards. UConn thrives in the open floor, shooting early and often.

• Inside Battle: Cardoso’s size vs Aaliyah Edwards' versatility will be a key frontcourt duel.

• Backcourt Duel: Bueckers vs Paopao is a matchup of IQ, vision, and tempo-setting.

Expect South Carolina to hedge screens and force mid-range shots, while UConn will space the floor to neutralize the Gamecocks’ size.

Coaching Legacy: Staley vs Auriemma

• Dawn Staley: In pursuit of her third national title (2017, 2022). Revered for building a defensive culture and empowering her players on and off the court.

• Geno Auriemma: Chasing his 12th championship. The architect of UConn’s dynasty, known for his offensive systems and development of generational talents.

This duel is as much about sideline decisions as on-court execution. Staley’s ability to adjust defensively will be tested against Auriemma’s tactical brilliance.

Who Has the Edge?

South Carolina vs UConn

Journalist's Pick: Who Will Win the 2025 NCAA Title?

South Carolina enters as the favorite – undefeated, physically dominant, and battle-tested. Their ability to impose their style, especially on the glass, gives them a clear advantage in controlling the game's rhythm.

However, UConn’s momentum and shooting form are undeniable. If Azzi Fudd gets hot early and Paige Bueckers finds her rhythm late, UConn has the firepower to dethrone the unbeaten.

That said, defense wins championships. South Carolina's depth, poise, and physicality have consistently overwhelmed elite offenses. Their hunger to complete a perfect season, combined with the leadership of Kamilla Cardoso and Dawn Staley's sideline savvy, makes them too formidable to ignore.

Prediction: South Carolina 71, UConn 64

MVP: Kamilla Cardoso – 18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks

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