Following the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) decisive 87-58 victory over the University of South Carolina (USC) on February 16, 2025, both teams’ coaches and players shared their perspectives on the game. This victory not only snapped USC’s 71-game home winning streak but also served as a significant confidence booster for UConn as they approach the postseason.
UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma:
Coach Auriemma acknowledged the exceptional performance of his team, emphasizing the necessity of near-perfect execution to overcome a formidable opponent like South Carolina. He stated, “I know how hard it is to play on the road against a great program like this. You’re going to have to be—not perfect—but pretty darn good to be successful down here.”
South Carolina Head Coach Dawn Staley:
Coach Staley expressed her disappointment with her team’s performance, highlighting the need for improvement. She remarked, “We’ve got to play better. We’ve got to perform better. I feel really bad for our fans. They packed the house, they did their part, and we didn’t do our part.”
South Carolina Guard Te-Hina Paopao:
Reflecting on the game’s outcome, Paopao candidly stated, “We just got punked today. It’s very much embarrassing. We know that that’s not who we are. It was very much self-inflicted as well.”
UConn Guard Azzi Fudd:
Leading all scorers with 28 points, Fudd credited her teammates for their collective effort. She noted, “I think the collective mindset when we came down here, there was just a really good vibe about everything.”