In an unexpected twist on the hardwood, the South Carolina Gamecocks, reigning national champions and perennial powerhouses, faced their first significant defeat since the 2023 Final Four. The tough loss came at the hands of the UCLA Bruins, who commanded a convincing 77-62 victory at Pauley Pavilion, breaking South Carolina’s remarkable 43-game winning streak. This defeat not only marked the end of their dominance but also highlighted the shifting dynamics of women’s college basketball in the early days of the 2024 season.
UCLA’s triumph over the No. 1 ranked Gamecocks showcases the Bruins as a formidable force in women’s basketball. This game was particularly significant for the program, as it returned from a challenging Sweet 16 loss in the 2024 NCAA tournament. Head coach Cori Close articulated a focused approach, emphasizing strong preparation and belief in their capabilities. The team’s execution was on full display, with their relentless defense and cohesive offense dismantling a South Carolina squad that had previously navigated early season challenges against ranked opponents like NC State and Michigan.
The Gamecocks entered the game with high expectations but quickly found themselves overwhelmed. Their performance was marked by shooting inaccuracies, logging only 36.4% from the field, and a dismal 26.5% at halftime. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley noted the defensive prowess of UCLA, acknowledging that her team struggled to maintain offensive rhythm against a “buzz saw” of defensive pressure. The inability to score effectively in transition and a notable lack of points in the paint—just 18—exposed vulnerabilities in their game plan, signifying a critical area for improvement going forward.
Despite UCLA’s impressive effort as a team, certain performances particularly stood out. The Bruins’ Londynn Jones emerged as a key player off the bench, scoring 15 points while hitting all five of her three-point attempts. This depth in scoring highlighted The Bruins’ versatility, with four players finishing in double figures. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao and Tessa Johnson accounted for a combined 32 points but ultimately fell short of what was required to compete with UCLA’s comprehensive game plan.
Staley’s remarks about transitioning from having a dominant player—2024 WNBA lottery pick Kamilla Cardoso—to a more diverse offensive scheme resonated as the game wore on. The Gamecocks faced unfamiliar challenges in adapting to a new style of play that integrates their bigs in scoring effectively. This transformation is crucial as they strive to maintain competitive stature amidst evolving basketball paradigms in college athletics.
This historic victory also marked UCLA’s first ever win over an AP-ranked No. 1 team, ending a 20-game losing streak against such opponents. Coach Close aptly credited her team’s work ethic and selflessness, which have become the hallmarks of their identity this season. The victory provides solid grounds for UCLA to rise in the Associated Press rankings, with Close downplaying the significance of rankings and emphasizing the importance of growth and learning from each game.
For both teams, the implications of this game are considerable. South Carolina must regroup to address their shortcomings, while UCLA aims to build momentum, drawing on the confidence gained from such a decisive win. With the season still in its infancy, the landscape of women’s college basketball continues to shift as programs jockey for position. UCLA’s sights are firmly set on a deep tournament run this season, aspiring for their first NCAA Final Four appearance since winning the AIAW championship in 1978.
As both teams move forward, the lessons learned from this encounter will be vital. The Gamecocks will need to harness the disappointment of a rare loss to refocus and recalibrate their strategy, while the Bruins will undoubtedly leverage their newfound confidence as they face upcoming challenges. This game serves as a reminder that in sports, no dynasty is invincible, and every setback presents an opportunity for resurgence and redemption. The journey is just beginning, and in the world of college basketball, the stakes have never been higher.
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