South Carolina is back atop the zenith of NCAA women's basketball after beating the University of Connecticut for the national title, 64-49 on Sunday night.

The top-seeded Gamecocks started the game on fire, outscoring the second-seeded Huskies, 22-8 in the opening frame. They then held Paige Bueckers and company to just 12 points in the fourth quarter to seal their second title in five years.

South Carolina was once again led by Aliyah Boston, who tallied 11 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. During the title ceremony, Boston couldn't help but give a shoutout to her idol, WNBA star Candace Parker who was happily watching the celebration. Parker, who led Tennessee to back-to-back NCAA crowns in 2007 and 2008, acknowledged Boston and said, “I'm so proud of you” (via Bleacher Report).

 

Boston should be very proud of herself too, as she was named Most Oustanding Player of the Final Four. The 20-year-old forward averaged a double-double in the NCAA Tournament and was the heart and soul of South Carolina all season. Winning the championship in front of her childhood hero must be one of the most memorable moments of her rising career.

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UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma, with an unhappy expression on his face

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UConn women's basketball Coach Geno Auriemma, with stars and around him and a trophy

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Caitlin Clark stands next to Fever's Aliyah Boston after WNBA Draft

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Boston got plenty of help from Destanni Henderson, who finished with a game-high 26 points on top of four assists and three steals.

South Carolina captured its second NCAA crown under coach Dawn Staley, who overtook the program in 2008. The Gamecocks also handed UConn coach Geno Auriemma his first loss in an NCAA title game after 11 straight wins.