TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks are on the brink of achieving back-to-back NCAA championships, a victory that would mark the third title for the program in a span of four years. The team aims to secure this achievement against the formidable UConn Huskies, led by star player Paige Bueckers, on Sunday.

A win for Staley's squad would be notable for her as well, bringing her total championship count to four, which would tie her with Kim Mulkey for the third-most NCAA championships won by a coach. Ahead of them in historical rankings are UConn's legendary coach Geno Auriemma, who has amassed 11 titles, and Tennessee's iconic coach Pat Summitt, with eight. By winning this upcoming championship, South Carolina would join UConn and the Lady Vols as the only schools to have won three championships within a four-year timeline.

Meanwhile, UConn has not claimed a national championship in nine years, following a remarkable streak of four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016. Since then, the Huskies have reached the title game only once, facing challenges and heartbreaks during crucial moments, including last-second buzzer-beater losses in the Final Four. Their last title appearance was in 2022 when they faced South Carolina, a game that not only ended Auriemma's perfect record in championship games but also marked the commencement of the Gamecocks' significant success under Staley.

Among UConn's players, Paige Bueckers stands out as the only one who played a significant role in the previous championship game against South Carolina. As she approaches her final game for UConn, Bueckers seeks to leave the university with a championship title, joining the ranks of many other Huskies legends who have played under Auriemma's esteemed guidance.

The stakes are high as both teams prepare for the championship clash. South Carolina's ambition to solidify its legacy and UConn's desire to return to their former glory set the stage for a captivating matchup that promises to deliver drama and excitement. Fans and analysts alike are keenly anticipating this significant encounter in NCAA women's basketball history.