Final score of the UConn-South Carolina women’s basketball game: Highlights of the Huskies’ victory
In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the No. 7 UConn Huskies made a statement, ending the No. 4 South Carolina Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak with a resounding 87-58 victory in Colonial Life Arena. The Huskies’ complete dominance across all phases of the game stunned South Carolina and its passionate fan base, shaking the foundation of what had been one of the most formidable home court advantages in all of women’s college basketball. For UConn, it was a performance that showcased both the depth of their talent and their ability to rise to the occasion in a hostile environment.
For South Carolina, this loss, their most significant defeat in years, raised more questions than answers. The Gamecocks, who had been on top of the college basketball world for nearly half a decade, were outclassed in every area of the game, struggling to get their offense flowing, failing to contain UConn’s balanced attack, and unable to make any significant defensive stops.
This article will provide an in-depth breakdown of the game’s highlights, from key performances to turning points, and what both teams can take away from such an impactful contest.
Final Score: No. 7 UConn 87, No. 4 South Carolina 58
This wasn’t just an upset; it was a comprehensive dismantling of one of the best teams in the nation. South Carolina entered the game with a perfect home record, an impressive resume, and a sense of invincibility. However, UConn, led by the brilliant coaching of Geno Auriemma, had other plans.
UConn’s Offensive Prowess: A Total Team Effort
UConn’s performance in this game was nothing short of spectacular. From start to finish, the Huskies executed their offense to perfection, attacking South Carolina’s defense with precision and variety. They shot 58% from the field, including 41% from three-point range, an area where they were able to exploit the Gamecocks’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Contributors: Aaliyah Edwards and Azzi Fudd
The standout performances came from Aaliyah Edwards and Azzi Fudd, who were both instrumental in breaking down South Carolina’s defense. Edwards, the 6-foot-3 post player, was a force inside and on the boards, finishing the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Her ability to establish deep position in the paint and finish with either hand made her nearly impossible to stop, even for South Carolina’s formidable defense.
Fudd, UConn’s sharpshooting guard, was also a difference-maker. She scored 18 points, including a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range. Her ability to space the floor and make shots from the perimeter was critical in stretching South Carolina’s defense, which struggled to adjust to UConn’s offensive schemes. Fudd’s shooting helped maintain a cushion for UConn as they built their lead throughout the game.
Balanced Scoring from the Huskies
While Edwards and Fudd led the charge, UConn’s offense was incredibly balanced, with contributions from nearly every player on the roster. Caroline Ducharme, a 6-foot-2 forward, added 14 points and provided crucial rebounds in the second half, while Nika Mühl, the point guard, dished out 7 assists and played excellent defense, limiting South Carolina’s offensive flow.
UConn’s ability to share the ball and take advantage of mismatches was apparent from the first quarter. They moved the ball swiftly, never allowing South Carolina to settle into their typical defensive rhythm. The Huskies displayed exceptional teamwork, finding open shooters, executing pick-and-rolls to perfection, and making timely cuts to the basket. This unselfish style of play completely overwhelmed the Gamecocks, who had no answer for UConn’s offensive efficiency.
South Carolina’s Struggles: Offensive Inconsistencies and Defensive Breakdown
For South Carolina, this game was a wake-up call. The Gamecocks had relied on their defense and physicality to control games, but against UConn, neither aspect of their game was effective.
Offensive Inconsistencies
South Carolina’s offense, which had been a well-oiled machine throughout the season, was stymied by UConn’s defense. The Gamecocks shot just 37% from the field, and 2-of-15 from three-point range, an area they have often excelled in. The lack of perimeter shooting allowed UConn to clog the paint and suffocate South Carolina’s inside game.
Breein Tyree and Zia Cooke, two of South Carolina’s most reliable scorers, had subpar performances. Tyree finished with only 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, and Cooke added just 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting. The Gamecocks’ offense was forced to rely heavily on A’ja Wilson, but she, too, was limited to just 14 points and 6 rebounds, a far cry from her usual dominant performances. Wilson, who has been the centerpiece of the Gamecocks’ attack, found herself double-teamed for much of the game and struggled to assert herself against UConn’s defensive pressure.
Defensive Lapses
South Carolina’s defense, usually their most consistent and intimidating asset, was unable to get stops when they needed them most. UConn’s ability to spread the floor and move the ball efficiently exposed the Gamecocks’ defensive rotations. At times, South Carolina looked out of sync defensively, and UConn took full advantage, hitting open shots with ease.
The Gamecocks struggled to contain UConn’s dribble penetration, allowing the Huskies to get to the rim and create open three-point opportunities. Whether it was Edwards in the post, Fudd on the perimeter, or Ducharme crashing the boards, UConn made South Carolina’s defense look pedestrian. UConn also dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with 43 rebounds compared to South Carolina’s 35, further limiting the Gamecocks’ second-chance opportunities.
Lack of Adjustment
As the game wore on, it became apparent that South Carolina was not adjusting quickly enough to UConn’s tactics. The Huskies’ quick ball movement and the shooting threat from the perimeter forced the Gamecocks to make decisions on the fly, and they weren’t able to respond in real-time. South Carolina’s coaches and players were visibly frustrated as UConn continued to extend their lead, with the Gamecocks failing to regain any sense of control.
Turning Points in the Game
There were several key moments in the game that helped UConn establish their dominance and ultimately blow South Carolina out of the water:
- First Quarter Surge: The game started with both teams trading baskets, but UConn quickly seized control with a 12-2 run, jumping out to an early lead. This early surge set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Huskies used their speed and shooting to overwhelm South Carolina.
- End of the First Half: UConn ended the first half with a commanding 45-27 lead. During this stretch, the Huskies hit several big three-pointers, including a buzzer-beater from Fudd that stretched their lead to 18 points going into halftime. That shot left South Carolina with a mountain to climb in the second half.
- Third Quarter Dominance: Coming out of halftime, UConn continued to extend their lead. A series of defensive stops and fast-break opportunities allowed them to push the margin to 25 points by the third quarter. South Carolina, who had shown some resilience early in the season, was unable to muster any significant offensive runs to close the gap.
- The Final Push: By the time the fourth quarter arrived, UConn had put the game out of reach. Their lead ballooned to as many as 32 points, and the Gamecocks were left to play out the final minutes in frustration. The Huskies’ defensive execution was perfect, and their offensive efficiency never waned, keeping South Carolina on its heels.
Post-Game Reactions: The Fall of the Streak
After the game, the South Carolina players and coaches expressed a mixture of disappointment and determination. Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks’ head coach, remained calm in the face of the defeat, acknowledging the performance of UConn while emphasizing the need for her team to learn from the loss.
“We didn’t play our best basketball, and UConn capitalized on that,” Staley said. “But this is a long season, and we’re going to keep working. We’ll bounce back.”
For UConn, Geno Auriemma celebrated the win but maintained that it was just another step on the journey toward their ultimate goal. “We don’t get too caught up in the hype of one game,” Auriemma said. “We came here with a job to do, and we did it. But we know this isn’t the end of the season. We have to keep improving.”
What Does This Loss Mean for South Carolina?
For South Carolina, this loss marks the end of an era—specifically, the end of their 71-game home winning streak. However, while the loss is significant, it is by no means the end of their season. South Carolina is still one of the best teams in the country, and this defeat could serve as a wake-up call. The Gamecocks now have a chance to reassess their weaknesses, particularly in terms of defense and offensive execution, before they head into the postseason.
Looking Ahead: UConn’s Statement Win
For UConn,
this victory was more than just a statement; it was a statement about their championship pedigree. The Huskies showed that they have the talent, discipline, and poise to compete with anyone in the nation. With this win, UConn has firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the country, and they will likely be a force to reckon with as March Madness approaches.
While the loss stings for South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ journey is far from over. As the season progresses, this game will undoubtedly provide valuable lessons for both teams as they prepare for the challenges that await in postseason play.
