The Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak is ended as UConn defeats South Carolina women’s basketball.

The basketball world was rocked on a historic night as No. 7 UConn went into Colonial Life Arena and ended the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak with a commanding 87-58 victory. It was a stunning defeat that not only ended a remarkable stretch of dominance but also sent shockwaves through women’s college basketball. This loss was more than just a defeat for South Carolina—it was a wake-up call for a team that had long been considered one of the most formidable in the nation.

The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, had built their reputation on their relentless defense, impressive depth, and the leadership of some of the top players in the country, including A’ja Wilson, Breein Tyree, and Zia Cooke. For almost four years, South Carolina’s home court had been a fortress—undefeated at home in 71 consecutive games. But on this night, Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies were simply too much for the Gamecocks to handle.

UConn, long one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, was coming off a challenging season that saw them struggle with injuries, most notably to Bueckers, the former national player of the year. But on this night, Bueckers was at her absolute best, leading the Huskies to one of the most dominant victories of the season, helping UConn show why they remain a perennial contender for national championships.

This article will explore the key moments of the game, the standout performances, and what this loss means for both South Carolina and UConn as they move forward in a season that is far from over.

Final Score: UConn 87, South Carolina 58

The game’s final score of 87-58 was a clear indication of UConn’s overwhelming performance. From the very beginning, the Huskies’ offense was sharp, their defense tenacious, and their overall play crisp and well-coordinated. In contrast, South Carolina looked disjointed and, at times, out of sync, unable to find the rhythm that had made them so dominant in recent years.

UConn shot 58% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, showing both efficiency and versatility in their offensive attack. South Carolina, on the other hand, struggled to score, finishing the game shooting just 37% from the field and a miserable 2-of-18 from three-point range.

The Huskies made 13 three-pointers in the game, a testament to their excellent shooting and spacing on the floor. South Carolina, whose defense had been its trademark, couldn’t get stops when they needed them most. They struggled to contest UConn’s shooters, and when they did manage to close out on shots, UConn’s offensive movement often created wide-open looks.

Paige Bueckers: A Return to Form

There was no question that the star of the game was Paige Bueckers, who delivered a performance that was equal parts efficient, confident, and dominant. After a long recovery from a knee injury, Bueckers has slowly but surely regained her form this season. But against South Carolina, she appeared to be at her best, putting together one of her finest performances since returning to the court.

Bueckers finished with 21 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. She was everywhere for UConn—whether it was hitting deep three-pointers, making pinpoint passes to set up her teammates, or getting key steals on defense, she was the engine that drove the Huskies’ success.

Bueckers’ ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc was crucial to UConn’s dominance. Her three-point shooting stretched South Carolina’s defense and opened up lanes for Aaliyah Edwards, who added 16 points and 9 rebounds. Bueckers also showed her playmaking ability with several assists that helped keep the offense flowing smoothly. But perhaps more importantly, her presence on the floor gave UConn a level of composure and confidence that was evident from the opening tip.

Supporting Cast: Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards

While Bueckers was the clear standout, Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards also had significant contributions to UConn’s success. Fudd, one of the most dynamic shooters in college basketball, scored 15 points, including several key three-pointers that helped stretch the Gamecocks’ defense even further. Fudd’s ability to knock down shots from deep forced South Carolina to extend their defense, which allowed UConn to create more driving lanes and open shots.

Edwards, the Huskies’ powerful forward, was a force inside, finishing with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Her combination of size and skill made it difficult for South Carolina to contain her, particularly in the post, where she used her physicality to establish deep position and finish plays. Edwards’ work on the boards also helped UConn dominate the glass, finishing the game with a 43-35 advantage in rebounding.

The Huskies also got solid performances from Caroline Ducharme, who chipped in with 12 points and played well off the bench. UConn’s offensive attack was well-balanced, with contributions from multiple players, and it was this depth that helped them keep the pressure on South Carolina throughout the game.

South Carolina’s Struggles: Lack of Offensive and Defensive Rhythm

For South Carolina, this game represented a rare misstep, particularly on their home court. The Gamecocks have long been known for their suffocating defense, high-pressure style, and ability to score in transition. However, in this game, they were unable to execute their game plan on either end of the floor.

Offensive Inconsistencies

The Gamecocks’ offense was uncharacteristically poor. They shot just 37% from the field and missed 16 three-pointers, finishing with only 2 made from beyond the arc. For a team that has relied heavily on their perimeter shooting, this was a major concern.

Breein Tyree, one of South Carolina’s leading scorers, struggled throughout the game. She finished with just 9 points on 4-of-12 shooting, unable to get going against UConn’s defense. Zia Cooke, another key player for South Carolina, added just 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting, and A’ja Wilson had only 14 points and 6 rebounds in a game where she had trouble finding space in the post.

South Carolina’s ball movement was sluggish, and they had trouble breaking down UConn’s defense. The Huskies applied consistent pressure on the ball, forcing South Carolina to take difficult shots and turn the ball over. UConn’s ability to contest shots, block passing lanes, and disrupt South Carolina’s offensive flow left the Gamecocks flustered.

Defensive Failures

Defensively, South Carolina was also caught off guard by UConn’s precision. The Gamecocks have built a reputation on stifling opponents with their tough, physical defense. But UConn moved the ball so quickly and efficiently that South Carolina was often left scrambling. The Gamecocks’ inability to contest UConn’s three-point shooters was particularly troubling. As the game wore on, South Carolina’s defense looked disjointed, unable to adjust to the fast-paced, high-scoring attack that UConn unleashed.

South Carolina’s usually reliable post defense was also exposed. Aaliyah Edwards dominated in the paint, using her size and strength to overpower South Carolina’s interior defenders. Kamilla Cardoso and Victoria Saxton, typically strong in the post, were unable to stop Edwards or disrupt UConn’s offense effectively.

The Gamecocks also struggled with UConn’s fast break, allowing the Huskies to get out in transition and score easy baskets. UConn’s ability to execute both in the half-court and in transition kept South Carolina on the back foot for most of the game.

Turning Points in the Game

Several key moments in the game helped solidify UConn’s control and contribute to the Gamecocks’ downfall:

1. Early UConn Surge: A Quick Lead From the opening tip, UConn set the tone, racing out to an early 9-0 lead. South Carolina was slow to get going, missing open shots and turning the ball over early. This initial burst by UConn was critical, as it forced South Carolina to play catch-up for the entire game.
2. End of the First Half: UConn Establishes a Commanding Lead By halftime, UConn had built a 45-27 lead, thanks in large part to their three-point shooting and aggressive defense. Bueckers, Fudd, and Edwards were already in double figures, and the Gamecocks had no answer to UConn’s balanced attack. A late three-pointer by Bueckers as time expired further widened the gap, setting the stage for a dominant second half.
3. Third Quarter Dominance: UConn Puts Game Out of Reach UConn came out strong in the third quarter, extending their lead to 20 points with a series of big shots, including back-to-back three-pointers by Azzi Fudd. South Carolina tried to respond but couldn’t get anything going on offense, and UConn’s defense continued to stifle their efforts. At this point, the Game

cocks were clearly overwhelmed, and UConn’s lead seemed insurmountable.

4. Final Blow: UConn Finishes Strong In the final quarter, South Carolina’s offense fell apart, and UConn kept their foot on the gas. The Huskies continued to make shots, while South Carolina’s shooting remained cold. UConn pushed their lead to 29 points late in the game, and the final minutes were a mere formality as the Huskies cruised to an easy victory.

Looking Ahead: What This Loss Means for Both Teams

For South Carolina, this loss is undoubtedly a tough one to swallow, especially considering the stakes in the postseason. However, there is no reason to panic. The Gamecocks still have an incredibly talented roster and are very much in the conversation for a national title. This loss should serve as a valuable learning experience, one that will help them refocus and address areas that need improvement, particularly on defense and in their shooting consistency.

For UConn, this victory is a statement that the Huskies are back to being one of the top teams in the country. With Paige Bueckers playing at a high level and a supporting cast that can contribute across the board, UConn has firmly placed itself in the conversation for the national championship. This win will only add confidence to an already dangerous team, and it could be the momentum they need as the season progresses.

South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak may be over, but their season is far from finished. For UConn, this victory is a crucial moment in their march toward another potential championship. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, and this game will surely be remembered as one of the key moments that defined it.