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What players and coaches said after South Carolina vs. UConn – Reactions & quotes

Hear what South Carolina and UConn players and coaches had to say after their matchup. Get postgame reactions, key quotes, and insights from the Gamecocks and Huskies.
ByLauren Beasley
Connecticut v South Carolina
Connecticut v South Carolina | Sean Rayford/GettyImages

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.”  

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