South Carolina defeated previously undefeated UConn 62-48 on Friday night in the women’s Final Four, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the NCAA championship game. The Gamecocks (36-3) will face the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between Texas and UCLA for the national title.
UConn (38-1) entered the Final Four aiming to complete an undefeated season, but fell short in their ninth appearance into the semifinals with such a record. This marks the third consecutive year UConn has exited the tournament without a title after reaching the semifinals, including losses in 2017 and 2018.
South Carolina’s victory was fueled by guard Ta’Niya Latson’s 16 points and Agot Makeer’s 14, combined with a strong defensive effort that stifled UConn’s offense. The Huskies managed only 48 points, their lowest output since scoring 49 in the 2022 championship game against South Carolina.
The game, played in Phoenix, was a defensive battle between the nation’s second- and third-leading scoring teams, both averaging over 87 points per game before the matchup. South Carolina took the lead early in the third quarter during a decisive 12-2 run and extended the margin to as much as 10 points.
UConn struggled offensively, shooting just 31.1% from the field (19 for 61) and missing 10 of their first 11 three-point attempts. AP Player of the Year Sarah Strong led UConn with 12 points and 12 rebounds but was only 4-for-16 shooting. Star guard Azzi Fudd finished with eight points on 3-of-15 shooting, as South Carolina’s defense effectively contained UConn’s key scorers.
The win advances South Carolina to compete for its fourth national championship, all won within the past decade. The two programs faced off last season in the final, when UConn won convincingly 82-59 to secure its 12th national title.
After the game, a tense exchange occurred between UConn coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley before the teams shook hands. Auriemma exited without shaking hands.
Why it matters
UConn’s loss ends a dominant winning streak and halts their pursuit of an undefeated season, spotlighting South Carolina’s rise as a powerhouse contender. The result sets up a highly anticipated championship rematch and maintains South Carolina’s status as one of the elite programs under Dawn Staley.
Background
UConn has a storied women’s basketball program, entering the 2026 Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in their history. Despite frequent deep tournament runs, the Huskies have faced recent challenges converting Final Four appearances into titles. South Carolina, led by Staley, has emerged as a consistent national contender, with three championships secured in the past decade, including a title meeting with UConn two years prior.
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