COLUMBIA, S.C. — No. 7 UConn handed the top-ranked women’s college basketball team in the nation, the defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks, a stunning 87-58 loss on Sunday afternoon. The Huskies’ vintage performance marked the largest road win over a top-five team since 2009 and snapped the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak.
UConn dominated nearly every facet of the game, leading from the start and never letting up. Senior leader Te-Hina Paopao described their defense as “trash,” while Staley deemed the performance a “major implosion.” The Huskies took control early, outscoring South Carolina 45-23 at halftime and maintaining a large lead for the remainder of the game.
UConn’s Azzi Fudd had a standout game, scoring a season-high 28 points, including 18 in the third quarter. Her performance was a turning point for the team, which had previously struggled against top-ranked opponents. The Huskies’ ability to maintain momentum throughout the game, combined with their strong defense and rebounding, made all the difference.
The loss marks a significant setback for the Gamecocks, who had been on a historic winning streak in SEC regular-season play. Staley acknowledged that the team’s performance was not just about basketball, but also about mental toughness and effort. “We got beat. We got beat bad,” she said.
For UConn, the win was a much-needed statement against a top-ranked opponent. Coach Geno Auriemma praised his team’s performance, saying they played to win and never let up. The Huskies’ ability to overcome adversity and stay focused under pressure will be crucial as they move forward in their season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/43877086/uconn-ends-south-carolina-71-game-home-winning-streak