The NCAA Women’s Division 1 Basketball Championship has produced many thrilling finals. Some of these games have shaped the history of the sport.
Each title game brings drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. Online sports betting enthusiasts are gearing up for what should be another thrilling occasion in 2025. Therefore, it is worth looking back at some of the best championship games in NCAA women’s basketball history.
LSU vs Iowa (2023) – LSU’s First Title
LSU defeated Iowa 102-85 in the 2023 championship game. This was the Tigers’ first-ever national title. They delivered a record-breaking offensive display.
Angel Reese dominated the game with a double-double. Jasmine Carson shone with 22 first-half points, hitting crucial three-pointers. LSU’s 59 first-half points set a new championship game record.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark scored 30 points but faced foul trouble. The Tigers’ defence limited her teammates’ impact. LSU’s depth and scoring power secured the win.
This was arguably the game that sparked a revolution in women’s basketball and saw college hoops and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) thrust into the spotlight like never before. Clark and Reese are the faces of a new generation and Reese’s trash talk towards Clark during this fixture sparked plenty of debate.
“It’s just a full-circle moment of how women are viewed when it comes to trash-talking. It’s OK in men’s sports. We’re going to normalize that in women’s sports as well. So it’s just super-competitive. I think we’re two great competitors,” Reese later said in WSJ Magazine.
Notre Dame vs Mississippi State (2018) – Arike Ogunbowale’s Heroics
Notre Dame beat Mississippi State 61-58 in the 2018 final. Arike Ogunbowale hit a buzzer-beater to win the title. This was her second game-winning shot in a row.
The Fighting Irish fought back from a 15-point deficit. Their defence tightened in the second half. Ogunbowale’s shot sealed a historic comeback.
Mississippi State had upset UConn in the semi-finals. They aimed to win their first title. However, Notre Dame’s resilience proved too strong.
UConn vs Tennessee (1995) – The Start of a Dynasty
UConn (1.25) defeated Tennessee 70-64 in 1995. This game marked the rise of the Huskies’ dominance. They completed an undefeated season.
Rebecca Lobo led UConn with 17 points and 8 rebounds. The Huskies overcame Pat Summitt’s experienced Tennessee squad. Their defence played a key role in securing the win.
This was UConn’s first national championship. It set the stage for their future success. They went on to become the most successful programme in women’s college basketball.
Baylor vs Notre Dame (2019) – A Game of Grit
Baylor edged Notre Dame 82-81 in 2019. The Lady Bears won despite losing star forward Lauren Cox to injury. Their defence held strong in the final moments.
Chloe Jackson stepped up, scoring 26 points. She hit the game-winning shot with under a minute to play. Baylor’s depth proved crucial in their third national title win.
Notre Dame’s Ogunbowale scored 31 points but missed a crucial free throw. The Fighting Irish had won in 2018. However, Baylor’s resilience denied them back-to-back titles.
Stanford vs Arizona (2021) – A Defensive Basketball Battle
Stanford defeated Arizona 54-53 in the 2021 final. This was a low-scoring thriller. Defence defined the game from start to finish.
Haley Jones led Stanford with 17 points. The Cardinal held firm on the final possession. Arizona’s Aari McDonald missed a contested shot at the buzzer.
Stanford secured their first title since 1992. Their defensive effort proved decisive. The win cemented Tara VanDerveer’s legacy as a top coach.
Conclusion: Women’s Basketball Extravaganza
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship has delivered many unforgettable games. Each title match tells a unique story. These finals showcase the best of women’s college basketball.
From record-breaking performances to clutch shots, the tournament continues to excite fans. Every year, new stars emerge. The championship remains a must-watch event in sports.
