The stage is set for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, tipping off this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, as South Carolina and UConn square off for the third time this season — but this time, the stakes are higher than ever.
With the national title on the line, the Gamecocks are aiming to secure another championship, while the Huskies are on a mission to reclaim their spot atop women’s college basketball. Despite both teams enduring significant injuries to key players, they’ve shown resilience and continued dominance heading into the final showdown.
South Carolina Injury Update
Ashlyn Watkins has been out since January, after suffering a torn ACL during a game against Mississippi State. The injury happened in the second quarter following a collision on a drive to the hoop. A few days later, the program confirmed she would miss the rest of the season.
UConn Injury Report
Morgan Cheli, a promising freshman guard, was ruled out for the season after re-aggravating a persistent ankle injury in a matchup against Providence. She underwent successful surgery, but UConn announced she would not return this year.
Meanwhile, Ayanna Patterson has been sidelined since December after undergoing shoulder surgery due to a setback at the Baha Mar Women’s Championship. The injury originally occurred in preseason practice in October, and she was unable to regain full strength.
Sunday’s clash marks the 16th meeting all-time between UConn and South Carolina, with the Huskies leading the series 10-5. However, the Gamecocks have won the last two matchups, including a dominant 87-58 victory in February.
With history, injuries, and momentum all factoring in, the question remains — will Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad continue their reign, or can Geno Auriemma’s Huskies turn the tide and capture the crown? The championship awaits.
