No. 7 UConn stunned No. 4 South Carolina with a dominant 87-58 victory; Azzi Fudd led the charge with 28 points, including an explosive 18-point third quarter.
In a rare setback, defending champion South Carolina struggled to respond, suffering their first home loss since a 54-46 defeat to NC State on December 3, 2020. The loss snapped their 71-game home winning streak, the fourth longest in women's Division I basketball history.
Game Breakdown:
- First Half: UConn established early dominance, leading 21-14 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 45-23 by halftime.
- Second Half: South Carolina struggled offensively, scoring only 14 points in the third quarter, while UConn continued their efficient play. The Gamecocks were outscored 25-14 in the third and 17-9 in the fourth, sealing their 29-point defeat.
South Carolina Key Player Performances:
- Joyce Edwards: Led the team with 17 points, shooting 7-10 from the field and making 3-3 from the free-throw line.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley: Provided 11 points, hitting 4-8 from the field and 3-3 from the free-throw line.
- Te-Hina Paopao: Scored 10 points, but struggled from the field (3-11 FG, 2-6 3PT).
- Bree Hall: Added 7 points but shot 3-7 overall.
Team Struggles:
- Shooting Woes: South Carolina struggled offensively, shooting a low percentage across the board.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Gamecocks struggled from beyond the arc, making just 3 of their 14 attempts.
- Turnovers & Defense: UConn’s defense limited South Carolina’s scoring opportunities, and the Huskies capitalized on mistakes.
This loss marks a rare blowout for the Gamecocks at home, as they fall to 23-3 on the season. Head coach Dawn Staley and the team will need to regroup as they prepare for the rest of the SEC schedule and a deep postseason run.