UConn Women Roll to Victory Over UCLA in Final Four

Game Overview

The UConn Huskies showcased their dominance in the Women's Final Four, defeating UCLA Bruins 85-51 on April 4, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This win marks UConn's 24th trip to the Final Four under coach Geno Auriemma and their first national championship game appearance since 2022.

Key Performances

Azzi Fudd led UConn's first-half charge with 19 points, while Sarah Strong added 22 points overall, including a strong third quarter. Paige Bueckers contributed 16 points, maintaining her leadership on the court. For UCLA, Lauren Betts scored 15 points but couldn't counter UConn's balanced attack.

Looking Ahead

UConn now prepares to face South Carolina in the national championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, promising an exciting matchup for college basketball fans.

Detailed Analysis and Background

In a commanding performance that solidified their status as a powerhouse in women's college basketball, the UConn Huskies defeated the UCLA Bruins in the Women's Final Four on April 4, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The final score of 85-51 not only advanced UConn to the national championship game but also set a new benchmark for the largest margin of victory in women's Final Four history, with a 34-point gap. This victory, occurring just hours ago at 02:22 AM PDT on April 5, 2025, underscores UConn's continued dominance and depth, marking their 24th trip to the Final Four under head coach Geno Auriemma and their first title game appearance since the 2022 season.

Game Details and Context

The matchup, part of the 2024-25 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, pitted the No. 2 seed UConn (35-3) against the No. 1 seed UCLA (34-2). UConn's victory was decisive from the outset, with the Huskies leading 23-13 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 42-22 by halftime. This 20-point halftime deficit was the largest UCLA had faced all season, highlighting UConn's ability to maintain pressure throughout. The game, broadcast on ESPN, saw UConn forcing 14 turnovers in the first half alone, converting these into 14 points, and shooting an impressive 48.6% from the field in the same period.

UConn's statistical profile entering the game included an average of 81.6 points per game (PPG), 52.0 points allowed per game (PAPG), 38.3% from three-point range, and 76.4% from the free-throw line, with only 10.7 turnovers per game. In contrast, UCLA averaged 78.7 PPG, allowed 57.9 PAPG, shot 33.7% from three, and had 15.1 turnovers per game, indicating a slight edge for UConn in ball security and defensive efficiency. This game was a rematch of sorts, with UCLA having won their last meeting in November 2023 by a score of 78-67, but UConn holds a 7-1 all-time advantage, including a 2-0 record in NCAA Tournament play.

Key Player Performances

The game showcased several standout performances, particularly from UConn's roster. Azzi Fudd was instrumental in the first half, scoring 19 points, nearly matching UCLA's total for the first 20 minutes. Her 12 points in the second quarter alone, coupled with three steals, marked her second-most points in an NCAA tournament half in her career, improving UConn's record to 25-1 when she scores 15 or more. Sarah Strong emerged as another key contributor, finishing with 22 points, including 10 in the third quarter, and hitting her fourth three-pointer of the game. This performance made her the third UConn freshman in history to score 20+ points in a Final Four game, joining legends Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart. Paige Bueckers, despite not lighting up the scoreboard as much with 16 points, made crucial plays, including an and-one in the third and a midrange stepback at the first-quarter buzzer, reinforcing her role as a leader.

For UCLA, Lauren Betts was the lone bright spot, scoring 15 points and grabbing rebounds, achieving her 19th double-double of the season and her 100th career block. However, the Bruins struggled offensively, with only Betts scoring more than five points by halftime (11 points), and the team going 1-9 from three-point range. Kiki Rice, who had a strong performance in their previous meeting with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, was unable to replicate that form, starting but unable to find her rhythm against UConn's defense.

Highlights and Turning Points

The game's highlights included UConn's relentless first-half dominance, with Fudd's scoring spree setting the tone. The Huskies' defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on UCLA's offensive struggles. A notable moment was Strong's third-quarter surge, where she scored 10 of UConn's 18 points, maintaining their large lead. UCLA's inability to cut the deficit below 20 points in the second half for more than 41 seconds underscored the one-sided nature of the affair. Extended highlights of the game can be viewed at NCAA video, providing fans with a closer look at the action.

This table highlights UConn's superior shooting efficiency, ball security, and rebounding, which were critical to their victory.

Historical Context and Looking Ahead

UConn's performance aligns with their storied history, with Geno Auriemma holding records including 11 national titles, the last of which was likely in 2022, given the context of this being their first title game since then. UCLA, appearing in their first NCAA Final Four since 1979, showed promise but was outmatched by UConn's experience and depth. The Bruins' journey, led by players like Betts and Rice, had been notable, reaching the Sweet 16 six times in the past decade under coach Cori Close, but this game exposed the gap against a seasoned UConn squad.

Moving forward, UConn now faces South Carolina in the national championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, a matchup that promises to be a clash of titans given both teams' rich histories and talented rosters. Fans can follow live updates and additional analysis at NCAA updates and UConn athletics.

The uconn vs ucla women's basketball game on April 4, 2025, was a testament to UConn's dominance, with a record-setting victory that showcased their depth, defense, and offensive firepower. As they prepare for the championship, all eyes will be on whether they can continue this form against South Carolina, adding another chapter to their legendary program.