ESPN Latest Report: LSU Women’s Basketball Capped as National Champions in a Historic Upset
Lubbock, LSU – In a jaw-dropping announcement that has left the world of collegiate athletics reeling, the LSU Women’s Basketball team has been crowned the 2025 NCAA National Champions after an exhilarating, unpredictable tournament run that has already earned its place in the history books. The Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, secured the coveted title after a thrilling 78-74 victory over the previously undefeated UConn Huskies in a game that showcased the grit, determination, and sheer skill of one of the most dominant teams in college basketball this season.
The win, which was the culmination of years of hard work, strategic maneuvering, and a renewed sense of purpose under Mulkey’s leadership, has not only marked a significant achievement for LSU but has also altered the landscape of women’s collegiate basketball. This remarkable victory comes at a time when women’s sports, particularly women’s basketball, are enjoying a surge in popularity and media attention, making the LSU Tigers’ triumph even more special.
The Road to the Championship
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was one for the ages, filled with upsets, last-minute shots, and players rising to the occasion. LSU, a team that had been flying under the radar for much of the regular season, entered the tournament with a solid but unspectacular record. However, the Tigers quickly proved they were ready to make a deep run when they knocked off several top-ranked teams en route to the Final Four.
Led by star guard Alexis Morris, who was playing the best basketball of her career, LSU’s balanced offense and suffocating defense kept opponents on their toes. Morris, a senior who had been the team’s backbone all season, showcased a blend of leadership and skill that made her one of the most feared players in the nation. But the Tigers were more than just one player. Forward Angel Reese, who had been a dominant force in the paint all season long, continued to assert her dominance throughout the tournament. Her rebounding ability, combined with her scoring prowess, made her an instrumental figure in LSU’s success.
What truly set the Tigers apart, however, was their defense. LSU’s full-court pressure, combined with the strategic matchup adjustments Mulkey made throughout the tournament, made them a nightmare for opposing offenses. The Tigers’ ability to stifle the best scorers in the game allowed them to control the tempo and dictate the pace of nearly every game they played.
LSU’s journey to the national championship was anything but easy. In the Sweet 16, they faced off against a tough Iowa State team that had been one of the surprises of the tournament. But LSU’s tenacity in the second half propelled them to a 68-63 victory, with Reese and Morris combining for 40 points and 18 rebounds. The Elite Eight matchup against Tennessee was even more intense, with the Tigers edging out their SEC rivals in a nail-biting 74-72 win, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Morris in the closing seconds.
The Final Four matchup against Stanford was perhaps LSU’s most challenging, as the Cardinal were a well-oiled machine, filled with veteran players and an all-around balanced squad. But Mulkey’s tactical genius and LSU’s unrelenting defense gave them the edge, and the Tigers prevailed 71-67, securing their spot in the national championship game.
The Championship Game: A Battle for the Ages
In what was expected to be a heavyweight showdown, LSU faced off against the UConn Huskies, a perennial powerhouse with an undefeated record and a team loaded with future WNBA talent. The Huskies, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, had been the dominant force in women’s basketball for over two decades, and they entered the championship game as the overwhelming favorites.
But from the opening tip-off, it was clear that LSU was not intimidated. The Tigers came out firing on all cylinders, with Alexis Morris hitting two quick three-pointers to set the tone early. UConn responded, as expected, with the dynamic Aaliyah Edwards and the sharpshooting Caroline Ducharme keeping the game close. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads. But LSU’s defensive pressure was the difference-maker, forcing the Huskies into several turnovers and limiting their high-powered offense to just 36 points in the first half.
As the second half unfolded, LSU continued to push the pace, with Morris orchestrating the offense and Reese dominating the boards. UConn, known for its composure in big moments, seemed rattled by the relentless intensity of the Tigers. With just under five minutes left in the game, LSU held a slim 72-68 lead, and the tension in the arena was palpable.
UConn, however, refused to go down without a fight. Ducharme hit a contested three-pointer to bring the Huskies within one, and a steal by Edwards gave UConn a chance to take the lead. But LSU’s defense held firm. A crucial block by Reese on a shot attempt by UConn’s Paige Bueckers kept the Huskies at bay, and Morris, ever the clutch performer, sank two free throws with 30 seconds left to extend the lead to three.
With time winding down, UConn had one last chance to tie the game, but Bueckers’ three-pointer at the buzzer rattled off the rim, and the LSU bench erupted in celebration. The Tigers had done it. They were national champions for the first time in school history, and their 78-74 victory over UConn would go down as one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history.
The Impact of the Win
LSU’s championship win has not only cemented the Tigers as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball but has also had a profound impact on the landscape of the sport itself. The victory marks a turning point for LSU, who has long been a powerhouse in men’s basketball and football but has struggled to gain the same level of recognition in women’s basketball. With Mulkey at the helm, the program has experienced a resurgence, and this championship will undoubtedly attract even more top-tier recruits to Baton Rouge in the coming years.
For Kim Mulkey, this victory is a crowning achievement in an already illustrious coaching career. Mulkey, who won three national titles at Baylor, has now brought LSU its first-ever women’s basketball championship, and her ability to build a team that can compete with the best in the nation is a testament to her coaching acumen. Her fiery passion, relentless work ethic, and commitment to her players have made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.
This championship also marks a historic moment for the SEC, which has long been a dominant force in women’s basketball. LSU’s victory adds another national title to the conference’s storied history and further cements the SEC’s place as the gold standard in the sport. The conference has been home to powerhouse programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, and LSU’s triumph only adds to the SEC’s legacy.
On the individual front, Alexis Morris was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, an honor that was well-deserved after her clutch performances throughout the tournament. Her leadership, poise, and scoring ability were instrumental in LSU’s success, and she will go down as one of the most iconic players in LSU’s history. Angel Reese also earned All-Tournament honors for her dominant rebounding and scoring in the championship game, making her one of the premier players in the nation.
Looking Ahead
As LSU celebrates its historic victory, the team is already looking toward the future. With several key players returning next season, including Morris and Reese, LSU will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. The Tigers’ victory has also sparked a new era of excitement around women’s college basketball, with more fans tuning in to watch the best teams in the country battle it out for supremacy.
For LSU, the road to this championship was long and challenging, but the result was worth it. The Tigers have now etched their names in the history books, and they will forever be remembered as the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champions.
In a world where the underdog story is often the most compelling, LSU’s triumph over UConn represents the power of perseverance, strategy, and belief. This championship is not just a victory for the LSU Tigers but a victory for women’s sports, a reminder that with the right leadership and determination, anything is possible. The Tigers have shown the world that they are here to stay, and the future of LSU Women’s Basketball has never looked brighter.