TAMPA, FL. – The two-seed UConn Huskies defeated the one-seed UCLA Bruins 85- 51 to advance to their first national championship since 2022. In a game the Huskies dominated from the start, it was evident their Final Four-experienced roster reigned supreme. Thanks to their defense and shot-making from their key players, UConn looks to cap off their run with their first championship since 2016.
The Huskies started strong, taking a lead over the Bruins 23-13 after the first quarter. Freshman forward Sarah Strong led the way for UConn, scoring seven of her 22 points in the period. Fifth-year Senior guard Azzi Fudd (A-Zee Fuhd) scored seven of her 19 points in the quarter, shooting 100% from the floor on three attempts. Despite the slow start for UCLA, Lauren Betts scored seven of her 26 points in the quarter, to go along with one rebound. The Huskies started better than the Bruins from beyond the three-point line, making three three-pointers on seven attempts. UCLA was unable to make a three-pointer on its two attempts, something that hurt them throughout the contest. The Bruins dug a deep hole early in the game, and the deficit only became a bigger problem to overcome heading into the locker room.
After the second quarter, the Huskies took a 42-22 lead thanks to a 19-9 second quarter. Fudd continued to find her shot in the first half, scoring her last 12 points in the period. UConn also shot well to end the half, making 16 of their 25 shot attempts (64%), which further increased their lead. UCLA’s struggles continued into the halftime break, only converting 10 shots on 28 attempts (35.7%). After a strong first quarter, Betts was held to four points, which didn’t help their attempt to climb back into the contest. The Bruins also struggled to take care of the ball, turning it over 14 times in the first half. The Huskies turned those turnovers into 19 points. UConn, on the other hand, turned the ball over three times, a key area they dominated in. As the two teams came out of the locker room, UCLA continued to have issues climbing back in the game.
The third quarter ended with the Huskies taking a 60-37 lead, all but securing their spot in the national championship. UConn star and presumed number one pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers (BECK-ers) scored six of her 16 points in the period. She finished with three steals, five rebounds, and two assists, making an impact on both ends of the floor. Although their other forward scored six points in the contest, Jana El Alfy (YANA El-ALFEE) had eight rebounds and four steals, making her presence felt on defense. She was a big reason for Betts’ struggles after the first quarter. The Huskies also played more aggressively, getting to the free-throw line 17 times and converting eight attempts. Although UCLA’s season was memorable, their first-time experience in the Final Four was evident as their journey came to an end.
UConn beat the Bruins in a wire-to-wire victory with spectacular shot-making and shutting down their opponents’ strengths. As their journey continues, they look to add another championship while also avenging a loss in their last championship game. The Huskies will face the South Carolina Gamecocks in a rematch of the 2022 national championship. South Carolina won that matchup 64-49, but the Huskies will look to rewrite history when they face off on April 6th, 2025.
