"UConn Big 3 was eating all tourney" - A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart lead WNBA tributes for Paige Bueckers-led Huskies' title-clinching heroics

By Michael Macasero

Modified Apr 07, 2025 05:17 GMT

WNBA: Playoffs-Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty - Source: Imagn — A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and some WNBA players react to UConn's 82-59 win over South Carolina on Sunday. [photo: Imagn]

A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and past and present WNBA players had their eyes on Sunday’s game between Paige Bueckers’ UConn and South Carolina. The Huskies ended a nine-year championship drought with a dominating 82-59 win over the Gamecocks. Behind Paige, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, UConn won its 12th championship, all under coach Geno Auriemma.

Wilson seemingly had a friendly bet with Las Vegas Aces teammate Kiah Stokes, who won two titles with the Huskies, reacted:

Paige Bueckers ended her collegiate tournament with a championship after heartbreaking losses over the past few years. In 2024, they lost a controversial 71-69 thriller in the Final Four to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

This year, Bueckers needed Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd to carry UConn, particularly against South Carolina. Strong and Fuzz combined for 48 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and five steals in the title-clinching game. Bueckers’ impact belied her 17-point, six-rebound, three assist and two-block night.

A'ja Wilson, a Gamecocks legend, could not help but give the Huskies their props.

A'ja Wilson lost to UConn in the 2018 NCAA championship

A'ja Wilson led South Carolina to the 2017 NCAA women’s basketball championship. The Gamecocks beat the Mississippi State 67-55 in the title-clinching game. Fans were robbed of a titanic South Carolina-UConn finals when the Bulldogs downed the Huskies 66-64 in overtime.

The following year, the basketball world finally got the Gamecocks-Huskies showdown. Wilson, 0-2 against UConn in her collegiate career, could not carry her team to a breakthrough win in the championship game.

Wilson was again unstoppable, scattering 27 points and eight rebounds, but South Carolina lost 94-65. The Huskies dominated behind a starting five that eventually played in the WNBA.

A'ja Wilson finished her career at South Carolina with a 0-3 mark against UConn. Unlike Paige Bueckers, she ended her collegiate career with a loss to her former rivals.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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