The UConn Women’s Basketball team is back on top of the college basketball world.

After back-to-back Final Four heartbreaks, the Huskies returned to familiar territory and reclaimed their throne, capturing their 12th national title—the most in NCAA women’s basketball history.

On Sunday, April 6, UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59 in the national title game, ending a near decade-long championship drought. It marks the program’s first title since 2016 and reinforces its place as the gold standard in the sport.

At the center of it all was Paige Bueckers.

One year after falling to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Final Four, Bueckers powered the Huskies to redemption and glory. The senior guard’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable—overcoming multiple major injuries, including an ACL tear, a tibial plateau fracture, and a lateral meniscus tear. Her return to the court was a story of resilience, and her play was nothing less than spectacular.

Bueckers finished the title game with 17 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 5-of-14 and a perfect 7-of-7 from the stripe, and was the steady force for the Huskies from start to finish.

Bueckers entered the Final Four riding a stretch of three consecutive 30-point games, including a career-high 40-point explosion in the Sweet Sixteen. But this time, she didn’t have to carry the load alone.

Freshman sensation Sarah Strong added a historic performance of her own, scoring the most points ever by a freshman in Division I NCAA tournament history. Strong had a monster game with 24 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks – an all-around effort for someone so young yet already so good.

Azzi Fudd, Bueckers’ best friend and fellow former No. 1 overall recruit, was electric throughout both Final Four games—ultimately earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Fudd dropped 24 points with 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

A year ago, UConn limped into the Final Four with just seven healthy players. This season, they came back healthy, focused, and determined—and they finished the job.

Now, led by a generational talent in Bueckers and a reloaded, resilient roster, the Huskies are champions once again.

For Bueckers, who has already declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft and is widely projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, this championship only cements her legacy as one of the greatest to wear a UConn jersey.