The No. 7 UConn Huskies delivered a statement victory on Sunday, dismantling No. 4 South Carolina 87-58 and ending the Gamecocks’ remarkable 71-game home winning streak. The loss marks South Carolina’s first defeat on their home court since December 3, 2020, when they fell to NC State.
A Historic Streak Comes to an End
South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak was the fourth-longest in women’s Division I basketball history, a testament to their dominance under head coach Dawn Staley. However, UConn came into Columbia determined, setting the tone early and never looking back.
Fudd Leads the Charge
Azzi Fudd put on a shooting clinic, leading all scorers with 28 points, including six of UConn’s 13 three-pointers. She was unstoppable from beyond the arc and proved to be the X-factor in the Huskies’ commanding victory.
Other Key Performers:
- Sarah Strong: The freshman phenom added 16 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and dominance on the boards.
- Paige Bueckers: The UConn star filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, playing a crucial role in orchestrating the Huskies’ offense.
- Joyce Edwards: South Carolina’s top performer, finishing with 17 points in the losing effort.
Total Team Domination
UConn executed at an elite level on both ends of the floor. The Huskies shot 43.7% from the field and an impressive 46.4% from three-point range. They also controlled the rebounding battle, outrebounding South Carolina 48-29. By halftime, UConn had built a commanding 22-point lead, silencing the raucous Gamecock crowd.
What This Means Moving Forward
This victory cements UConn as a national title contender and a force to be reckoned with as March Madness approaches. For South Carolina, this loss serves as a wake-up call, but if history is any indication, Dawn Staley’s squad will regroup and come back stronger.
With the Huskies surging and the Gamecocks seeking redemption, this could be just the beginning of an exciting rivalry brewing in women’s college basketball.
