The 2025 NCAA basketball tournaments concluded with the Florida Gators and UConn Huskies capturing the men’s and women’s national titles, respectively, each showcasing resilience and dominance throughout their campaigns.
Florida Gators Capture Third Men’s Title
The Florida Gators clinched their third NCAA men’s basketball championship, narrowly defeating the Houston Cougars 65–63 in a thrilling final on April 7 in San Antonio. This victory marks Florida’s first national title since 2007.
The Gators’ path to the championship was marked by consistent performances, including a semifinal win over Auburn (79–73) and a hard-fought victory against Houston in the title game. Their success was bolstered by standout contributions from players like Denzel Aberdeen, who is set to transfer to Kentucky for his senior season.
Houston’s journey to the final was equally impressive, featuring a dramatic win over Duke in the semifinals. Despite their valiant effort, the Cougars fell just short in the championship game, marking their third appearance in the national final.
UConn Huskies Dominate Women’s Tournament
On the women’s side, the UConn Huskies secured their 12th national championship with a commanding 82–59 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on April 6 in Tampa, Florida.
The Huskies’ tournament run was highlighted by stellar performances from senior guard Paige Bueckers, who averaged 35 points over three consecutive games leading up to the final. In the championship game, Azzi Fudd earned the Most Outstanding Player honors, contributing significantly to UConn’s decisive win.
Under the leadership of Coach Geno Auriemma, UConn’s victory marked their first national title since 2016, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The women’s championship game garnered significant attention, averaging 8.6 million viewers, making it the third most-watched women’s championship game in U.S. history.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 season approaches, both programs face transitions. Florida will look to maintain their momentum amidst roster changes, while UConn prepares for life without Bueckers, who is set to join the WNBA’s Dallas Wings. The upcoming season promises new challenges and opportunities as teams across the nation aim to dethrone the reigning champions
