Dawn Staley claims that “familiarity” will help South Carolina women’s basketball defeat UConn.

The matchup between South Carolina and UConn is one of the most anticipated and high-stakes games in women’s basketball. These two programs, both perennial powerhouses in the NCAA, have dominated women’s college basketball for years, consistently producing championship-caliber teams. In the 2025 season, as South Carolina continues its march toward another national title, head coach Dawn Staley is adamant that one of the key factors in overcoming UConn lies in something that has long been the backbone of South Carolina’s success: “familiarity.”

Familiarity, as Staley describes it, doesn’t just refer to a well-known rivalry or previous matchups between the two teams, but to a deeper understanding of how UConn plays, how they approach big games, and what it takes to execute under pressure. As the Gamecocks face off against UConn in what promises to be another intense, closely contested game, Staley’s confidence in her team’s familiarity with UConn’s system and style of play is grounded in years of experience, past encounters, and the readiness that comes with playing at the highest level.

This article will explore the significance of Staley’s claim, examining how South Carolina’s familiarity with UConn goes beyond simple matchups and extends to the team’s mental and physical preparedness. We will also discuss the historical context of the South Carolina-UConn rivalry, key players on both teams, and how familiarity—coupled with South Carolina’s depth, defense, and overall talent—could give the Gamecocks the edge in their battle with the Huskies.

A Rivalry Built on History

The South Carolina-UConn rivalry has been one of the most exciting and fiercely contested in recent years. While UConn has long been the gold standard of women’s basketball, with its unmatched success under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, South Carolina has emerged as a powerhouse in its own right under the leadership of Dawn Staley. The two programs first met in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, and their battles since have only intensified, with both teams regularly meeting in the NCAA Tournament or the Final Four.

The historical backdrop of the rivalry only adds to the intensity of the matchup. UConn, led by the Hall of Fame coach Auriemma, has won multiple national championships and is known for its relentless, fast-paced play and sharp shooting. On the other hand, South Carolina has built its program around its unyielding defense, physicality, and depth. Under Staley, South Carolina has evolved into a juggernaut in its own right, winning national championships and regularly competing for the top spot in the nation.

These teams are no strangers to each other. Their regular encounters have given both programs a deep understanding of the other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they each approach the games with the recognition that each possession matters. The familiarity between the teams is not just about knowing the names and numbers of the players on the other side—it’s about understanding the style, tempo, and mindset that each team brings to the floor. And that, according to Staley, will be crucial in determining the outcome of future games.

The Power of Familiarity: What Staley Means

When Dawn Staley talks about “familiarity,” she is referring to more than just a surface-level recognition of UConn’s players or their offensive schemes. Instead, she is pointing to the deeper understanding that comes with repeated matchups against a top-tier opponent and how that shapes a team’s mental and strategic preparation.

For South Carolina, familiarity with UConn means understanding their tendencies—how they run their offense, how they switch on defense, and where their key players like to operate. UConn’s offense, known for its ball movement and three-point shooting, requires an understanding of how to close out on shooters, especially the Huskies’ sharp-shooting guards. UConn also likes to push the pace, often looking to score in transition, so the Gamecocks’ defense will need to be disciplined and organized in order to contain the Huskies’ fast break.

On the flip side, South Carolina’s familiarity with UConn also involves recognizing the Huskies’ defensive schemes. UConn often plays aggressive defense, with Auriemma known for deploying complex defensive systems that challenge his opponents’ offensive flow. South Carolina’s players, under Staley’s tutelage, have faced similar challenges against other top teams, and their ability to recognize these patterns allows them to adjust their play and find weaknesses to exploit.

However, the true power of familiarity lies in its psychological impact. Staley has built a program that thrives on resilience, and she knows that South Carolina’s players, many of whom have faced UConn in high-stakes games before, will be mentally prepared for the challenge. The Gamecocks know that UConn is going to be tough, but they also know what to expect from the Huskies, and they have learned from past encounters. Whether it’s maintaining their composure in a close game, keeping their focus during UConn’s runs, or executing a game-winning play down the stretch, South Carolina has the mental edge gained through years of playing against one of the best programs in the history of women’s basketball.

South Carolina’s Strengths Against UConn

While familiarity is important, South Carolina’s overall team strengths are just as crucial in determining how the Gamecocks can defeat UConn. Staley has built a balanced team that excels on both ends of the floor, and this depth could be a key advantage against UConn.

Dominant Defense

South Carolina has become synonymous with elite defense under Staley. The Gamecocks’ defense is physical, aggressive, and suffocating, and they rely on this strength to wear down opponents, disrupt offenses, and create scoring opportunities. This defensive identity is likely to play a major role in the team’s success against UConn.

UConn, while a high-scoring team, can struggle when they are forced to play at a slower tempo or when they face disruptive defenses. South Carolina’s ability to apply pressure, disrupt passing lanes, and close out on shooters will be critical in limiting UConn’s offensive options. The Gamecocks’ length and athleticism, particularly in the post, can create problems for UConn’s forwards, especially when the Huskies try to establish an inside presence. Players like Aliyah Boston, one of the best defensive players in the country, will be crucial in stifling UConn’s attempts to score in the paint.

Depth and Versatility

One of the hallmarks of South Carolina’s success is its depth. The Gamecocks are able to rotate fresh legs throughout the game, keeping the pressure on their opponents while maintaining high levels of energy. This depth is something that can wear down UConn over the course of a game. South Carolina doesn’t rely on one or two stars to do all the heavy lifting—they have multiple players who can contribute in different areas, making them a more versatile and unpredictable team.

While UConn relies heavily on their core players like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, South Carolina can rely on a more balanced offensive attack. With players like Zia Cooke, Victaria Saxton, and Laeticia Amihere, the Gamecocks can shift their offensive strategy depending on how the game unfolds. This flexibility in terms of offensive contributions is something UConn may struggle to match, as South Carolina has the ability to go deep into their bench without sacrificing too much on either end of the floor.

Rebounding Dominance

Another key area where South Carolina holds an advantage is rebounding. The Gamecocks are known for their physicality and aggressiveness on the boards, and this is an area where they can impose their will on UConn. Aliyah Boston, in particular, has been a dominant force on the glass, and her ability to secure offensive and defensive rebounds allows South Carolina to control the tempo of the game. UConn’s rebounding, while solid, often doesn’t match up to South Carolina’s sheer size and athleticism.

Securing rebounds will be crucial in limiting UConn’s second-chance opportunities, especially given their penchant for shooting from long range. If South Carolina can limit UConn’s offensive rebounds and control the boards, they will have a better chance of keeping UConn from getting easy points and maintaining the defensive focus they need to succeed.

UConn’s Key Threats

Despite South Carolina’s advantages, UConn remains one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The Huskies have been a dominant force in women’s basketball for decades, and even though they face challenges, their talent and coaching make them formidable opponents.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd

UConn’s star duo, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, are capable of carrying the Huskies to victory on any given night. Bueckers, a dynamic point guard with elite scoring ability, is one of the most versatile players in college basketball. She can create her own shot, facilitate for her teammates, and make plays in clutch moments. Fudd, known for her deadly shooting from beyond the arc, is another offensive weapon that can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities from anywhere on the floor.

Stopping these two players will be a monumental task for South Carolina, but familiarity with their styles of play could give the Gamecocks the edge in containing them. With a strong defensive game plan focused on limiting their touches, forcing difficult shots, and rotating quickly to close out on Fudd’s three-pointers, South Carolina has the personnel to challenge both Bueckers and Fudd effectively.

UConn’s Defense and Experience

UConn has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation for years, and their defensive schemes will likely test South Carolina’s offensive efficiency. Auriemma’s teams are known for their ability to switch defenses, create turnovers, and stifle their opponents’ offensive flow. In big games, experience also plays a key role, and

UConn’s long history of success in the NCAA Tournament could help them stay calm and focused under pressure.

However, South Carolina’s familiarity with these defensive tactics, coupled with their ability to attack UConn’s defensive weaknesses, will be pivotal in dictating the tempo and forcing UConn to adjust.