No. 4 South Carolina is blown out 87-58 by No. 7 UConn, ending the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning run.

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, the No. 7 UConn Huskies blew out the No. 4 South Carolina Gamecocks 87-58, ending South Carolina’s remarkable 71-game home winning streak. The loss, which took place at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, was a defining moment in both teams’ seasons, with implications that will be felt well beyond the confines of this single game. For South Carolina, a program that had become synonymous with home dominance under head coach Dawn Staley, the defeat was not only a blow to their pride but a harsh reminder of the volatility of even the best teams in college basketball. For UConn, the victory was a statement of their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion against one of the most formidable programs in the country.

The game unfolded in a way that few could have predicted. UConn, coming into the matchup as an already experienced and talented team, took control early and never let up. The Huskies played with precision on offense, suffocating defense, and a level of confidence that overwhelmed the Gamecocks at every turn. The 29-point margin of victory is one of the most lopsided losses South Carolina has suffered at home in recent years. The Gamecocks, known for their physicality and suffocating defense, were outplayed in nearly every facet of the game.

In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of the game, analyze what went wrong for South Carolina, highlight the standout performances for UConn, and reflect on the impact this loss will have on both programs moving forward.

A Historic Streak Comes to an End

South Carolina’s 71-game home winning streak had been one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of women’s college basketball. The streak, which began in 2021, spanned multiple seasons and included some of the top teams in the country. Under the leadership of Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks had developed a reputation for suffocating defense, dominant inside play, and a relentless pursuit of victory—especially when playing in front of their home crowd in Colonial Life Arena.

This streak had become a point of pride not just for the team, but for the entire South Carolina community. The fans were fiercely loyal, and the atmosphere at home games was electric, often intimidating for visiting teams. For a program that had quickly ascended to the top of women’s college basketball, the streak symbolized their dominance and unwavering commitment to excellence. But as the old adage goes, “All streaks must come to an end.”

When UConn came into town, it was clear that they would be a formidable opponent. However, no one could have predicted the overwhelming nature of their victory. UConn’s dominant performance, led by Geno Auriemma, exposed several weaknesses in South Carolina’s game and set the stage for a new chapter in both programs’ histories.

UConn’s Dominant Performance

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that UConn had come to play. Their offensive attack was relentless, and their defense stifled South Carolina’s efforts at every turn. The Huskies’ aggressive play on both ends of the floor was a key factor in their runaway victory.

1. Balanced Scoring:
   UConn’s offensive game was led by several players who contributed significantly to the scoring, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster. Aaliyah Edwards, the Huskies’ powerful forward, led the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds, dominating both in the post and on the boards. Edwards’ physicality in the paint proved to be too much for South Carolina’s defense, as she repeatedly powered through defenders for easy baskets and second-chance points. Edwards’ presence on the glass was particularly crucial in stymying South Carolina’s fast breaks and limiting their offensive possessions.

   Alongside Edwards, Azzi Fudd added 19 points, including several key three-pointers that stretched the South Carolina defense. Fudd’s shooting was a critical weapon for the Huskies, as her ability to hit from beyond the arc forced South Carolina to extend their defense, opening up space for UConn’s inside game. Paige Bueckers, the Huskies’ floor general, contributed 15 points and 7 assists, displaying her ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively. Bueckers’ leadership on the court allowed UConn to execute in key moments and maintain their composure throughout the game.

   UConn also got significant contributions from Caroline Ducharme and Lou Lopez Senechal, who combined for 15 points and helped to keep the Gamecocks on their heels. The Huskies’ balanced scoring attack left South Carolina scrambling to match up with each offensive weapon, and the result was an efficient, high-scoring offensive performance that kept the Gamecocks from ever finding a rhythm.

2. Defensive Prowess:
   UConn’s defense was just as impressive as their offense. The Huskies played a suffocating full-court press for much of the game, disrupting South Carolina’s ball movement and forcing the Gamecocks into a series of mistakes. UConn’s defensive strategy was to limit the impact of South Carolina’s two biggest stars—Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke—by applying constant pressure on them from the opening whistle.

   Boston, the reigning Naismith Player of the Year, was held to just 14 points and 9 rebounds, well below her usual output. UConn’s defenders, led by Edwards and Bueckers, were physical and strategic in limiting Boston’s post touches and rebounding opportunities. On the perimeter, South Carolina’s outside shooters—who had been prolific all season—struggled to find open looks against UConn’s perimeter defense. The Huskies’ ability to close out on shooters and force difficult shots was a major factor in limiting South Carolina’s offensive flow.

   Furthermore, UConn’s rebounding dominance played a critical role in the game. They out-rebounded South Carolina 42-29, controlling the boards and limiting second-chance opportunities for the Gamecocks. South Carolina, a team known for its strong rebounding, simply couldn’t match UConn’s intensity and physicality on the glass.

South Carolina’s Struggles

While UConn’s performance was near flawless, South Carolina’s struggles were just as evident. The Gamecocks, who had come to rely on their defensive strength and dominant inside game, were outmatched and outclassed in nearly every aspect of the game.

1. Aliyah Boston’s Frustrations:
   Aliyah Boston, who had been South Carolina’s undisputed leader all season, simply couldn’t get things going against UConn’s defense. Boston, who typically excels in the post and dominates in the paint, was visibly frustrated by UConn’s physical defense and inability to find open space. With UConn’s defense collapsing on her every time she touched the ball, Boston was forced to work harder than usual for every point. While she still finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds, it was clear that she was not in control of the game as she has been in past contests.
2. Zia Cooke’s Quiet Night:
   Zia Cooke, one of South Carolina’s top scorers and playmakers, was held to just 7 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Cooke’s ability to create her own shot and drive to the basket had been a staple of the Gamecocks’ offense, but UConn’s defense effectively neutralized her offensive output. Cooke struggled to get good looks and was forced into difficult, contested shots by the Huskies’ defense.
3. Turnovers and Offensive Efficiency:
   One of the most glaring issues for South Carolina was their turnover problem. The Gamecocks were forced into committing 18 turnovers, which allowed UConn to capitalize on fast breaks and create easy scoring opportunities. UConn’s defensive pressure created chaos for South Carolina, and the Gamecocks simply could not execute their offense with the same fluidity that had made them so successful earlier in the season.

   South Carolina also shot just 38% from the field, a far cry from their usual efficiency. They struggled to find open looks and were forced to take contested shots throughout the game. While the Gamecocks’ defense remained competitive for portions of the game, their offensive struggles left them unable to keep up with UConn’s high-powered attack.

Impact on Both Teams Moving Forward

This loss represents a significant turning point for South Carolina, which had built its identity around being virtually unbeatable at home. The 71-game home winning streak was a source of immense pride for the team, and now, the Gamecocks will need to regroup and find a way to rebound after this humbling defeat.

1. South Carolina’s Path Forward:
   While the loss is a setback, it is not the end of South Carolina’s season. The Gamecocks are still one of the most talented teams in the country, and they have the coaching and leadership to bounce back. Dawn Staley will undoubtedly use this defeat as motivation for her team to continue pushing toward an SEC title and a potential NCAA championship. South Carolina’s players will need to sharpen their execution, particularly on offense, and adjust to the kind of defense UConn showed them in this blowout.
2. **U

Conn’s Statement Victory**:
For UConn, this victory was a statement of their return to dominance in women’s college basketball. After a few years of rebuilding, the Huskies have now proven that they are back among the elite. The victory over South Carolina not only ends the Gamecocks’ home streak but also solidifies UConn’s position as one of the top teams in the nation. Coach Geno Auriemma and his squad will likely use this win as a springboard for their future games, knowing that they are capable of taking down any opponent, including the defending champions.