South Carolina takes down UConn to win the National Championship

MINNEAPOLIS, M.N. (FOX Carolina) - The Gamecocks beat the Huskies 64-49 and take home the NCAA women’s basketball national championship!

Destanni Henderson led the way for South Carolina all game and finished with 26 points.

On Uconn’s side, Paige Bueckers led the team with 14 points.

South Carolina dominated the boards throughout the game and led the rebound battle 49 to 24.

Uconn made a few runs throughout the game. However, they were never able to close the gap completely.

With this win, South Carolina takes home their first national title in women’s basketball since 2017!

In the postgame press conference, Coach Dawn Staley, Destanni Henderson and Aliyah Boston talked about how well UConn played during the tournament and about what it meant to them to win a championship against a team like the Huskies that has set a standard for women’s basketball.

Staley said her focus is more on creating a program with integrity than creating a “dynasty.”

“I just want to be a great example of how to do the game the right way,” Staley said.

Staley called Henderson an “epitome of trust in the process” when she talked about her development as a player since her freshman year.

“She’ll be in the record books,” Staley said. “I know whatever franchise gets her in the WNBA is getting a good one.”

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