South Carolina Gamecocks Claim National Championship Title
For the second time in school history, the South Carolina Gamecocks are national champions in women’s college basketball. The Gamecocks, the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, dominated all season, and Sunday night’s final against UConn was no different. They jumped out to a 22-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, defeating the Huskies 64-49 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
South Carolina point guard Destanni Henderson scored a game-high 26 points and added four assists and three steals. Gamecocks forward Aliyah Boston, the Naismith Player of the Year, scored 11 points and had 16 rebounds. This impressive performance exemplifies the strength and skill of the Gamecocks throughout the tournament.
South Carolina finishes the season with a record of 35-2, achieving their first championship since 2017. This victory reinforces their position as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
On the other side, UConn (30-6) was aiming to extend its record of 11 national titles. However, the Huskies were overmatched by a South Carolina team that dominated the boards 49-24 and forced 15 turnovers. Notably, this marks the first time in school history that UConn has lost an NCAA final; they entered this match with an unblemished 11-0 record in championship games.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley celebrates with her team as Boston lifts the trophy.Bree Hall savors the big win.The Gamecocks celebrate after the final buzzer.Gamecocks guard Destanni Henderson had a game-high 26 points.Boston blocks Evina Westbrook’s shot in the fourth quarter.South Carolina players celebrate a basket during the game.South Carolina’s Zia Cooke is defended by UConn’s Christyn Williams during the first half.Saxton and UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards hit the floor for a loose ball.UConn guard Paige Bueckers takes a shot.Boston is swarmed by a group of UConn defenders.Staley, this season’s Naismith Coach of the Year, reacts to a play.Edwards tries to box out Cooke.Boston and UConn’s Caroline Ducharme wrestle for the ball.Edwards defends Saxton in the first half.UConn head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during a tough first half for the Huskies.Edwards shoots a layup in the first quarter.Boston and UConn’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa go after a loose ball during the first quarter.The South Carolina bench reacts to a play in the first half.Nelson-Ododa and Saxton compete on the opening tip.South Carolina’s starters prepare to be introduced before the game.Edwards and Nelson-Ododa are introduced to the crowd at Minneapolis’ Target Center.The UConn band plays before the game.South Carolina takes part in pregame warmups.
