UConn returns to top of women's basketball, dominates South Carolina 82-59 to capture its 12th title

TAMPA, FL -- UConn is back on top of women's basketball, winning its 12th national championship by routing defending champion South Carolina 82-59 on Sunday behind Azzi Fudd's 24 points.

Sarah Strong added 24 points and 15 rebounds while Paige Bueckers had 17 points in her final game at UConn (37-3).

Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies' first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year title drought for the team. That was the longest for coach Geno Auriemma and his Huskies since the team won its first championship in 1995, led by Rebecca Lobo.

Since then, the Huskies have had dominant championship runs, including in the early 2000s led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, 2009-10 with Maya Moore, and finally the four straight from 2013-16 with Breanna Stewart. All were in attendance in Florida on Sunday to see the Huskies' latest title.

Dawn Staley's South Carolina team was trying for a third title in four years and fourth overall. It would have tied her with Kim Mulkey for third most behind Auriemma and former Tennessee Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, who had eight.

Video in media player is from a previous report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.