7:51 pm, February 16, 2025
In a game that will have fans buzzing for days, the UConn Huskies delivered a statement win, 87-58 over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena. With this victory, UConn hands South Carolina their first home loss since Dec. 2020.
🏅 Azzi Fudd Takes Center Stage!
The star of the show? Azzi Fudd, who poured in 28 points (5 rebounds), including 5 three-pointers. Her 11-22 shooting performance left defenders scrambling and helped fuel UConn’s fiery offensive display.
💪 UConn’s Dominance in Numbers:
- Shooting: UConn shot a scorching 43.7% from the field (31-71), including an explosive 46.4% from three (13-28)! 🏀
- South Carolina: Struggling with a 37.7% shooting performance and just 17.6% from three (3-17), they couldn’t keep pace. 💨
- Rebounds: UConn outrebounded the Gamecocks 48 to 29, showcasing their size and hustle on both ends of the court. 🏀
- Assists: The Huskies dished out 22 assists, keeping the ball moving and creating open looks. 🤝
🎯 Fast Break Frenzy:
UConn completely controlled the transition game, scoring a massive 31 fast break points, outpacing South Carolina’s 12. The Huskies turned defense into offense with ruthless efficiency. ⚡
💥 Historic Win:
This marks UConn’s 16th 20-point victory over a top-5 opponent in the past 25 seasons, solidifying their legacy as one of the most dominant programs in women’s basketball. 🚀 The Huskies improve to an impressive 24-3 (8-2 away), while South Carolina falls to 23-3 (12-1 at home).
As UConn rolls through the rest of the season, they’re sending a clear message to the nation: they’re ready for whatever challenges come their way and there’s a high change we’ll see these teams battle it out in March.
7:40 pm, February 16, 2025
💥 Azzi Fudd showing up with an explosive 3-pointer & defensive rebound (7 PTS)!
💪 Sarah Strong adds 2 quick points with a layup
🔁 Big hustle from Jana El Alfy with key defensive boards!
🌀 Maddy McDaniel also putting in work with a clutch layup
UConn’s defense? Unstoppable. Their offense? Impressive. 💯
WE WANT SARAH pic.twitter.com/J3PjX7Tn3D
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 16, 2025
7:25 pm, February 16, 2025
Score: UConn 70 – South Carolina 44
The Huskies are in full control. Azzi Fudd sizzling from deep (🔥3 triples in the quarter), while Paige Bueckers offensive precision shines through. UConn’s defense turned up the pressure, forcing key turnovers that led to transition buckets.
🔹 Azzi Fudd: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 3PM
🔹 Paige Bueckers: 10 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL
🔹 Aubrey Griffin: 8 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
🔹 Joyce Edwards (SC): 12 PTS, 7 REB
🔹 MiLaysia Fulwiley (SC): 9 PTS, 3 STL
6:39 pm, February 16, 2025
At the break, UConn leads South Carolina 45-23, putting on an absolute clinic on both ends of the floor. South Carolina has a 71 game home win streak which is the 4th longest in NCAA history, can UConn snap it? Let’s check out the stats:
🌟 First Half Highlights:
- UConn: 17-37 FG (46%) & 7 threes on 13 attempts
- Sarah Strong = STRONG 💪🔥 The freshman has been everywhere—knocking down threes, crashing the boards, and even swiping a few steals!
- Paige Bueckers, the Bucket-Getter 🏀🎯 – She’s keeping the Huskies in rhythm with her elite shot-making and smooth playmaking.
- Defensive Lockdown Mode 🔒 – UConn’s defense has been relentless, forcing turnovers and limiting South Carolina’s shot attempts.
🐔 South Carolina’s Struggles:
- Shooting woes 😵💫 – The Gamecocks are ice-cold from deep and struggling to find good looks.
- Turnover troubles 🚨 – Costly giveaways have led to easy buckets for UConn.
- Need a second-half spark! ⚡️
6:31 pm, February 16, 2025
Azzi Fudd is cooking!
AZZI FUDD 3⃣ pic.twitter.com/XrkpFl9F6K
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 16, 2025
UConn is consistent from deep, shooting 71% from three! Azzi Fudd & Ashlynn Shade splash big shots, while Paige Bueckers dishes dimes. Huskies up 29-14—South Carolina needs answers fast!
6:22 pm, February 16, 2025
YEEHAW 🤠 pic.twitter.com/BXDKEHgWzO
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 16, 2025
UConn came out firing, closing the quarter on a 10-3 run to take a 7-point lead! Ashlynn Shade drilled a late corner triple off a slick dime from Paige Bueckers, while Azzi Fudd & KK Arnold attacked the rim.
South Carolina struggled from deep (1/6 from 3PT), but Te-Hina Paopao finally got one to fall. Joyce Edwards is battling inside, but UConn’s defense is locked in.
Can the Gamecocks respond, or will UConn keep the momentum? 👀
6:10 pm, February 16, 2025
- Paige Bueckers – G | #5 | SR | 6’0″
- Kaitlyn Chen – G | #20 | SR | 5’9″
- Azzi Fudd – G | #35 | SR | 5’11”
- Sarah Strong – F | #21 | FR | 6’2″
- Jana El Alfy – C | #8 | FR | 6’5″
- Te-Hina Paopao – G | #0 | SR | 5’9″
- Raven Johnson – G | #25 | JR | 5’9″
- Bree Hall – G | #23 | SR | 6’0″
- Chloe Kitts – F | #21 | JR | 6’2″
- Sania Feagin – F | #20 | SR | 6’3″
5:42 pm, February 16, 2025
A top-10 showdown is set as #1 South Carolina takes on #7 UConn, with both teams featured in the NCAA’s latest Top 16 reveal:
🔥 NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Top 16 (Feb. 16): 🔥 Check it out! 1️⃣ UCLA
2️⃣ South Carolina
3️⃣ Texas 4️⃣ Notre Dame 5️⃣ Southern California 6️⃣ LSU
7️⃣ UConn
8️⃣ NC State 9️⃣ TCU 🔟 Duke 1️⃣1️⃣ North Carolina 1️⃣2️⃣ Kansas State 1️⃣3️⃣ Kentucky 1️⃣4️⃣ Ohio State 1️⃣5️⃣ Oklahoma
1️⃣6️⃣ Tennessee
1:12 am, February 16, 2025
This Sunday marks the final game between these two teams under the current scheduling contract, so there’s a sense of urgency and excitement in the air. With UConn looking to break South Carolina’s four-game streak, Coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies will have their work cut out for them. South Carolina, led by Dawn Staley, has been playing their brand of aggressive, fast-paced basketball, which has caused problems for UConn in previous matchups.
Key Players to Watch:
- Paige Bueckers (UConn): The Huskies’ star guard is always a threat, and South Carolina will look to put their best defenders on her to slow her down.
- Joyce Edwards (South Carolina): She’s been a standout for the Gamecocks, and her scoring ability could be the difference-maker.
- Sarah Strong (UConn): The freshman sensation is becoming a huge contributor for UConn, and she’ll need to step up in a big way.
What to Watch for:
- The Return of UConn’s Stars: Despite multiple injuries, Azzi Fudd is back, and UConn is feeling more confident. How will they adjust to South Carolina’s pressure defense? 🏃♀️💥
- Guard Play: South Carolina has been shutting down opposing guards with their quickness and athleticism. Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley could have big roles in breaking down UConn’s defense. 🛑🌀
- The Battle of Bench Depth: UConn has been relying on their starters, but South Carolina boasts one of the best bench units in the country, averaging 42.0 points per game. Will UConn’s fatigue show in this high-energy game? 💪🔥
Availability Reports:
- South Carolina: Ashlyn Watkins is out, but everyone else is healthy and ready to go.
- UConn: Morgan Cheli, Ice Brady, Ayanna Patterson are out with injuries, and Carolina Ducharme is still sidelined for the season.
8:05 pm, February 15, 2025
Dawn Staley and Tonya Cardoza’s bond started at the University of Virginia, where they played together in the early 90s. As teammates, they formed a dynamic backcourt, with Staley’s leadership and playmaking ability complementing Cardoza’s defensive tenacity. Together, they helped elevate Virginia’s women’s basketball program, making it a powerhouse in the ACC. 💪🏀
- Tonya Cardoza (1987-1991) 💫 UVA legend & UConn assistant coach 🏅 Led UVA to 4 consecutive NCAA Tourneys 🏀 Averaged 15.5 ppg, top 10 in steals, blocks, points, & rebounds
- 🔥 ACC 50th Anniversary Women’s Basketball Team
- Dawn Staley (1989-1992) 💫 UVA legend & South Carolina head coach 🏅 3x NCAA Champion as a player & 2x as a coach 🏀 Transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse
- 🔥 3x All-American & 9x NCAA Tournament appearance
After their college careers, both went on to become successful coaches. Staley is now the head coach at South Carolina, where she’s led the Gamecocks to national prominence, while Cardoza is an assistant coach at UConn under Geno Auriemma, helping the Huskies maintain their elite status.
7:47 pm, February 15, 2025
This rivalry is one for the ages, with both teams bringing elite talent, unmatched coaching, and a deep desire to prove themselves. The last matchup on Feb. 11, 2024, saw South Carolina dominate UConn 83-65, continuing their four-game winning streak over the Huskies. The win came off a stellar performance by Joyce Edwards (South Carolina) while Paige Bueckers (UConn) tried to spark a comeback.
The first meeting between the two was in 2007, where UConn delivered a dominating 97-39 victory on their home court. Over the years, these teams have faced off in some iconic matchups, including the 2022 National Championship game, where South Carolina secured a 64-49 win to claim their second NCAA title, led by coach Dawn Staley and standout players like Aliyah Boston.
Since then, South Carolina has kept the upper hand in the rivalry, winning five of the last six matchups, with the lone UConn victory coming back in 2021 in a dramatic overtime win (63-59). But there’s always that lingering feeling that UConn could turn things around—especially with Paige Bueckers looking to lead her team to victory once again.
Key Moments in Rivalry History:
- 2017: UConn wins 66-55 at home, snapping South Carolina’s 11-game win streak.
- 2021: UConn defeats South Carolina 63-59 in overtime in one of the most thrilling games of the series.
- 2022 National Championship: South Carolina defeats UConn 64-49 to claim the title
- 2024 (most recent): South Carolina dominates UConn 83-65 in Columbia, extending their win streak.
5:46 pm, February 15, 2025
No. 7 UConn (23-3) travels to No. 4 South Carolina (23-2) on Sunday in what figures to be a must-see women’s college basketball matchup.
Here’s all the information needed to watch the game:
🗓️ Date: Sunday, February 16
⏰ Time: 1 p.m. ET
📍 Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, S.C.
📺 TV/Streaming: ABC/WatchESPN
We will be live blogging the game here on NCAA.com.
