The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship tips off on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET, as South Carolina and UConn meet for the third time this season. However, there is far more on the line with this matchup.
The Gamecocks are looking to take home another national title, while the Huskies are looking to reclaim their throne. But both teams have dealt with key players being out with injuries this season, but will this be a factor heading into the championship game? Both teams seem to be playing well regardless.
South Carolina Injury Report
Ashlyn Watkins has been sidelined since tearing her ACL in the January matchup against Mississippi State. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the game after a collision on a drive to the basket. The program confirmed that she would be out for the remainder of the season a few days later.
UConn Injury Report
Morgan Cheli, freshman guard, was sidelined for the season after a re-aggravating a lingering ankle issue during a game against Providence. After undergoing a successful surgery, she was listed as being out for the remainder of the season.
Ayanna Patterson has been out since December after undergoing shoulder surgery after a setback at the Baha Mar Women's Championship. She originally suffered the injury during preseason practice in October and never quite returned to full capacity.
Today's game will be the 16th overall meeting between the two programs. UConn leads the series 10-5, but South Carolina has won the last two- most recently, an 87-58 blowout in February. Now, with the National Championship title on the line, experience and health will be determining factors as to who comes out on top.