The sun set on a dream season for South Carolina’s run at the national championship game on Sunday night. Dawn Staley's squad, the picture of dominance all season, found itself overwhelmed by a UConn team that wanted the trophy just a little bit more. With an 82-59 win over the Gamecocks, Geno Auriemma claimed his 12th...yes, you read that right...12th National Championship, etching his name even deeper into college basketball history.
For Dawn Staley, the loss to UConn means she remains tied for fourth all-time in national titles among women's basketball coaches, trailing Kim Mulkey (4), Pat Summit (8), and now once again chasing Auriemma, whos dozen titles now feels untouchable.
It wasn't all about South Carolina falling short, but more so about UConn rising to the occasion. Azzi Fudd delivered 24 points, three offensive boards, and three steals. Paige Buekers, the face of the program, added 17 points before walking off the court and embracing Geno Auriemma. She hugged Geno Auriemma as the crowd roared. “I love you,” he told her. “I told him I hated him,” she joked later. “No, I love that man more than words can describe.”
As the confetti fell after the win, Bueckers took a moment to shine on national television. “Stand firm in who you are,” she said. “People will doubt you, put you in a box. But we don’t do this alone. We lean on God’s strength. We lean on our village.”
For South Carolina, the dream of cutting the nets down and sending the seniors out as champions was cut short. As Raven Johnson checked out of the game, she buried her face in her hands on the bench with a few minutes left in the game. Bree Hall, who has been a steady presence all season, wrapped her arms around her teammate.
But even in defeat, the pride of what Dawn Staley has built with this team remains unmistakable. Bree Hall, one of the seniors who helped lay the foundation for South Carolina’s dynasty, embraced the moment with grace. “I hate losing,” she said, “but I’m so grateful. Four Final Fours, two national championships. I’ve given everything to this program.” While Raven Johnson felt the pain of the loss. “I was hurt. I was heartbroken. I was embarrassed,” she said. “I felt like my soul got snatched. I wanted to win so badly today. I feel like I fell short, and I’m going to beat up on myself about it. A loss just doesn’t sit right with me.”
The Gamecocks have been no stranger to the big stage in recent years, but on Sunday, UConn was sharper and a more physical team. The Huskies controlled the paint, outscoring South Carolina 36-26 inside. It was only the second time all year that the Gamecocks were outscored by double digits in the paint.
Coach Dawn Staley, as candid and unwavering as ever, gave credit where it was due: “They beat our ass, but they didn’t make us like it. There’s a difference. I hope they’re crying,” she said. “I hope it hurts—because that pain will fuel the offseason. That’s what championship programs do.”
This squad will say goodbye to seniors Bree Hall, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin, who gave their all to the garnet and black. But South Carolina's future remains bright. Freshman sensation Joyce Edwards will return after leading the team in scoring. So will Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and a healthy Ashlyn Watkins. Combine those with recruits such as Agot Makeer, and the foundation for another title run is in the works.