With an 87-58 thumping, No. 4 UConn snaps No. 7 South Carolina’s 71-game home winning run.

In what can only be described as a historic and emphatic statement, No. 4 UConn demolished No. 7 South Carolina with a dominant 87-58 victory, ending the Gamecocks’ remarkable 71-game home winning streak. This blowout was not just another game on the schedule for either team, but rather a defining moment in the season, one that sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball landscape. The victory was a testament to the Huskies’ return to dominance after a few seasons of rebuilding and marked a momentous achievement as they proved that they can once again compete with and defeat the top teams in the country.

The loss for South Carolina, led by coach Dawn Staley, came as a harsh reality check. The Gamecocks, who had been untouchable at home for well over two years, were taken apart by UConn’s potent offense and suffocating defense. With this victory, the Huskies not only snapped South Carolina’s historic streak but also solidified themselves as serious contenders in the national title race. UConn’s collective effort was nothing short of extraordinary, and it has major implications for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season and prepare for March Madness.

UConn’s Balanced Offense: A Scoring Avalanche

One of the most impressive elements of UConn’s performance was their balanced offensive attack. In the past, UConn has often relied on a few standout players to carry the scoring load, but in this game, the Huskies demonstrated that their success is predicated on a team-first mentality where everyone is involved. The offensive onslaught was a well-coordinated effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments, overwhelming the Gamecocks from every angle.

Aaliyah Edwards’ Dominance in the Paint

One of the standout players of the night was Aaliyah Edwards, who delivered a powerful performance with 23 points and 14 rebounds. The 6-foot-3 forward played with both power and finesse, using her size and athleticism to dominate in the paint. Edwards was a constant presence on both ends of the floor, finishing through contact and grabbing crucial rebounds that denied South Carolina any second-chance opportunities.

Her physicality was unmatched, and she was able to impose her will on the Gamecocks’ defense, even when they tried to collapse on her in the post. Edwards’ play was a pivotal factor in UConn’s ability to take control of the game early and never let up. The Gamecocks simply had no answer for her in the paint, as she consistently beat her defenders for easy baskets and grabbed key rebounds that limited South Carolina’s fast-break opportunities.

Azzi Fudd’s Sharp Shooting

While Edwards set the tone inside, Azzi Fudd provided the necessary firepower from the perimeter. Fudd, who has been one of the most prolific three-point shooters in the nation this season, scored 19 points, many of them coming from beyond the arc. Fudd’s ability to stretch the floor and hit from long range allowed UConn to open up South Carolina’s defense, pulling the Gamecocks away from the basket and allowing their interior players, like Edwards, to operate freely.

Fudd’s shooting performance was critical in UConn’s ability to jump out to a big lead and put the Gamecocks on the back foot early. By hitting key three-pointers, Fudd kept South Carolina’s defenders guessing, forcing them to choose between defending the paint or contesting the long-range shot. It was a dilemma the Gamecocks were unable to solve, and Fudd’s offensive presence made it clear that UConn could hurt South Carolina from anywhere on the floor.

Paige Bueckers: The Floor General

No UConn victory would be complete without the leadership of Paige Bueckers, and she was everything the Huskies needed in this game. Bueckers finished with 15 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo of the game with her brilliant court vision and basketball IQ. She distributed the ball to her teammates with precision, ensuring that every player got involved in the offensive action. Bueckers’ ability to dictate the flow of the game made it incredibly difficult for South Carolina to mount any consistent defensive pressure.

Her leadership extended beyond the stat sheet. Bueckers constantly communicated with her teammates, ensuring they were in the right spots and executing the offensive sets to perfection. Her ability to navigate through South Carolina’s defensive schemes with such ease was a testament to her growth and poise. When the Gamecocks began to show signs of life, Bueckers stepped up to make critical plays, whether it was a timely basket or a perfectly executed assist.

Other Contributors: Ducharme and Lopez Senechal

UConn’s depth also came into play, as Caroline Ducharme and Lou Lopez Senechal each contributed in meaningful ways. Ducharme provided 10 points off the bench, showcasing her scoring ability and high basketball IQ. She was able to score in a variety of ways, including attacking the rim and hitting mid-range shots. Meanwhile, Lopez Senechal added 8 points and provided solid perimeter defense, helping to limit South Carolina’s scoring opportunities.

The combination of multiple players stepping up and contributing allowed UConn to maintain a constant offensive onslaught throughout the game. South Carolina simply didn’t have the depth or the defensive cohesion to match UConn’s relentless pace.

South Carolina’s Struggles: Defensive Breakdown and Offensive Inefficiencies

While UConn was firing on all cylinders, South Carolina was left scrambling to put together any kind of coherent game plan. For the first time in over two years, the Gamecocks were exposed at home, and the loss was both humbling and revealing.

Defensive Disarray: No Answer for UConn’s Versatility

South Carolina’s defense, which had been their calling card during their incredible home winning streak, appeared disjointed and ineffective against UConn’s versatile attack. The Gamecocks’ hallmark has always been their suffocating pressure and physicality on the ball, but UConn’s ball movement and spacing completely neutralized their defense. UConn’s shooters were given far too much space on the perimeter, and when the Gamecocks collapsed inside to stop Edwards, they were burned by Fudd’s outside shooting.

South Carolina also struggled to defend in transition. UConn’s ability to push the ball up the floor and exploit South Carolina’s slow rotations led to easy scoring opportunities, both in the half-court and on fast breaks. The Gamecocks’ lack of defensive communication was evident as they failed to match up with UConn’s speedy offense, leading to wide-open shots and uncontested layups.

Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke: Silent Stars

For South Carolina, the performances of Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, who have been their top two players throughout the season, were far below expectations. Boston, the reigning national player of the year, was held to just 14 points and 9 rebounds, well below her usual production. UConn’s defensive schemes were designed to limit Boston’s impact in the paint, and they succeeded in forcing her into tough, contested shots. Boston’s frustration was evident as she tried to find her rhythm, but UConn’s defensive pressure made it nearly impossible for her to get clean looks at the basket.

Cooke, who has been the Gamecocks’ primary perimeter scorer, was also stymied by UConn’s defense. She was held to just 7 points on 3-of-11 shooting, struggling to create offense against the Huskies’ aggressive defense. Cooke’s inability to get going was a major factor in South Carolina’s offensive struggles, as the Gamecocks had few options beyond their stars.

In addition to the struggles of their two biggest names, South Carolina’s supporting cast was unable to step up. Players like Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere, who have been important contributors this season, were unable to provide the necessary scoring or defensive support. South Carolina’s offensive sets were stagnant, and they failed to generate consistent scoring, shooting just 38% from the field for the game.

Rebounding and Second-Chance Opportunities

South Carolina’s dominance on the boards had been a hallmark of their success, but in this game, UConn out-rebounded them 42-29. UConn’s ability to win the battle of the boards limited South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities and ensured that the Gamecocks couldn’t gain any momentum after missed shots. UConn’s defense and rebounding were equally suffocating, as they denied South Carolina the opportunity to run the floor and generate easy baskets.

UConn’s Statement Victory: A Turning Point for the Huskies

For UConn, this game represented more than just an important win—it was a statement victory that sent a clear message to the rest of the country: The Huskies are back, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. After a few years of rebuilding, UConn showed that they have the depth, the experience, and the talent to challenge for the national title. With Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Aaliyah Edwards leading the charge, the Huskies have once again positioned themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in women’s college basketball.

This victory also proved that UConn is capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. Their offense was fluid and efficient, and their defense was stifling. UConn’s performance in Columbia will go down as one of the most impressive of

the season and could prove to be the turning point in their quest for another national championship.

South Carolina’s Road Ahead: Learning from Defeat

For South Carolina, this loss will serve as a critical learning moment. Despite their previous dominance, the Gamecocks were reminded that they are not invincible, especially when they fail to execute on both ends of the floor. Coach Dawn Staley and her team will undoubtedly use this defeat as motivation to regroup and refine their play in the coming weeks. South Carolina remains one of the most talented teams in the country, but they will need to shore up their defense, improve their offensive execution, and find ways to help Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke get going when the pressure is on.

As the calendar flips toward March Madness, the Gamecocks still have plenty of time to adjust and reassert themselves as championship contenders. But this loss is a reminder that in women’s college basketball, the road to the national title is far from guaranteed—anything can happen in March, and teams like UConn are always lurking, ready to take advantage of any misstep.

: A Historic Night in Columbia

UConn’s 87-58 victory over South Carolina was a historic and stunning upset that ended the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak. The Huskies’ dominant performance on both ends of the floor showed that they are back at the top of their game and ready to compete for a national title. For South Carolina, the loss was a humbling reminder that no team, no matter how dominant, is immune to defeat. As both teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, this game will undoubtedly have long-term implications for their postseason hopes.