In a stunning and historic turn of events, No. 7 UConn women’s basketball team handed No. 4 South Carolina their first home loss in over three years, defeating the Gamecocks 87-58 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. The victory marked the end of South Carolina’s remarkable 71-game home win streak, which had stood as one of the longest in the history of college women’s basketball.
Azzi Fudd, the standout UConn guard, was the star of the game, contributing an outstanding performance to lead her team to the upset. Fudd poured in a game-high 26 points, including a number of crucial three-pointers, while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists. Her offensive firepower and ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates helped propel the Huskies to a commanding lead that South Carolina could not recover from.
The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, entered the matchup with the confidence of a powerhouse team, bolstered by their dominant home record. However, UConn’s defense, combined with efficient shooting from the field, threw South Carolina off balance from the start. The Huskies jumped out to an early lead, and despite the Gamecocks’ best efforts, they never relinquished their advantage.
In addition to Fudd’s individual brilliance, UConn’s balanced offensive attack was key to their success. Aaliyah Edwards contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Christyn Williams added 14 points to help stretch the lead. South Carolina’s leading scorer, Aliyah Boston, was largely stifled by UConn’s defensive schemes, finishing with just 10 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
The Huskies’ suffocating defense was equally impressive, as they held the Gamecocks to just 33.9% shooting from the field, including a lackluster 5-of-20 from beyond the arc. South Carolina’s offensive struggles were compounded by UConn’s ability to limit second-chance opportunities and disrupt the Gamecocks’ rhythm.
UConn’s victory not only shattered South Carolina’s home streak but also sent a message to the rest of the country that the Huskies, who have been plagued by injuries this season, are still a force to be reckoned with. The win further bolsters UConn’s credentials as one of the premier teams in women’s basketball, and it adds a crucial feather in the cap for head coach Geno Auriemma as his squad looks toward the postseason.
For South Carolina, this loss was a painful reminder of the volatility of college basketball, where even the most dominant teams can be taken down on any given day. While their 71-game home win streak may have come to an end, the Gamecocks remain a strong contender for the national title, and with a roster loaded with talent, they will certainly look to bounce back as they move forward in the season.
This game also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the women’s college basketball season. With UConn’s victory, the balance of power in women’s hoops continues to shift, and the competition for national supremacy is as fierce as ever.
UConn’s dominant 87-58 victory, led by Azzi Fudd’s performance, will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 season, a statement win for the Huskies and a significant milestone in the ongoing rivalry between these two powerhouse programs.