South Carolina Ends UConn’s Unbeaten Streak with Sweet Revenge

The UConn women’s basketball team’s impressive undefeated run ended on April 3, 2026, at the Final Four. In a rematch of the previous year’s championship game, UConn faced off against South Carolina, suffering a loss that highlighted their struggles throughout the matchup. The Gamecocks triumphed with a final score of 62-48, ending UConn’s quest for a perfect season at 38-1.

Notable Game Highlights

South Carolina showcased its defensive strength. The Gamecocks outscored UConn by 16 points in the second half, solidifying their victory. Ta’Niya Latson was a key contributor with 16 points, while Agot Makeer added 14 points, including a crucial three-pointer that helped extend their lead.

UConn’s Struggles

This matchup marked a tough night for UConn. They finished the game with a shooting percentage of just 31.1%, their lowest of the season. The Huskies managed only 19 field goals out of 61 attempts. Sarah Strong led the team with 12 points and also secured 12 rebounds, but her shooting was inefficient at 4 for 16.

Game Dynamics

• Leading 46-44 early in the third quarter, South Carolina scored five consecutive points.
• UConn responded with a three-pointer but struggled to find the basket afterward, only scoring once more until the closing minute.

A Rivalry Renewed

The game was charged, featuring a heated exchange between head coaches Geno Auriemma of UConn and Dawn Staley of South Carolina. The rivalry deepened as this loss marked UConn’s third consecutive exit from the national semifinals, having previously fallen short in 2017 and 2018.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, South Carolina advanced to the national championship game against UCLA on April 5, 2026. This will be the fourth time in five years that the Gamecocks have reached this pivotal matchup. Meanwhile, UConn will seek to rebuild and learn from this challenging defeat as they aim for redemption in future seasons.