The energy in Amalie Arena was just different. You could feel it in the floorboards. When people talk about UConn vs SC women's basketball, they usually default to the history—the 11 championships in Storrs, the Dawn Staley takeover in Columbia, or that legendary 2022 title game where South Carolina basically put a lid on the Huskies' rim.
But April 6, 2025, changed the narrative again. Honestly, it was a masterclass.
After years of South Carolina dominance, Geno Auriemma finally climbed back to the mountaintop. UConn’s 82-59 victory over the Gamecocks wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It was the 12th title. The first since 2016. And it happened by dismantling a South Carolina team that many thought was untouchable.
The Night the Drought Ended
Paige Bueckers. You’ve heard the name a million times, but watching her sub out with 1:32 left in the 2025 National Championship game was something else. She wasn't the leading scorer that night—that honor went to Azzi Fudd and the incredible freshman Sarah Strong—but she was the engine.
UConn led 19-14 after one. It felt close. Kinda tense. Then the second quarter happened. The Huskies' defense turned into a vacuum. South Carolina, a team that usually feasts on second-chance points and paint dominance, couldn't find a rhythm. They went nearly five minutes without a bucket in the second quarter.
By halftime, it was 36-26.
The third quarter was where the wheels totally came off for the Gamecocks. UConn exploded for 26 points. Sarah Strong was everywhere—grabbing 15 rebounds and dropping 24 points. For a freshman to do that against a Dawn Staley-coached frontcourt? Unheard of.
By the Numbers: The 2025 Title Game
- Final Score: UConn 82, South Carolina 59
- Azzi Fudd: 24 points (Most Outstanding Player)
- Sarah Strong: 24 points, 15 rebounds
- Paige Bueckers: 17 points, 6 rebounds
- South Carolina High Scorer: Joyce Edwards (10 points)
Why the Rivalry Shifted
For a few years there, South Carolina simply had UConn’s number. They were bigger. More physical. They had Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston. Geno Auriemma famously complained about the physicality in 2023, saying "it’s not basketball anymore."
Staley didn't care. She kept winning.
But the 2024-25 season saw a shift in how these rosters were built. UConn got healthy. That’s the big thing. When Fudd and Bueckers are both on the floor, you can't double-team everyone. Then you add a generational talent like Sarah Strong, who chose UConn over South Carolina in a recruiting battle that had everyone on edge.
Basically, UConn beat South Carolina at their own game: rebounding. The Huskies didn't just survive the paint; they owned it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Auriemma and Staley
There's this idea that these two hate each other. It makes for great TV, sure. But if you listen to them talk when the cameras aren't shoved in their faces, there’s a massive amount of mutual respect.
Auriemma is the old guard. Staley is the new standard.
The rivalry is actually great for the sport because it’s not just about two teams; it’s about two different philosophies. South Carolina is built on depth and "defensive havoc." They rotate 10-11 players who could start anywhere else. UConn is more about precision—that beautiful, rhythmic motion offense that looks like ballet until they hit a transition three in your face.
Even with the blowout in the 2025 finals, the all-time series is closer than you’d think if you only started watching recently. UConn leads 11-5 now, but South Carolina won four in a row between 2022 and 2024.
The New Look 2025-26 Season
If you thought the rivalry would cool off after the championship, you haven't been paying attention to the AP Polls. As of January 2026, UConn is sitting at a unanimous No. 1. They returned the core of their championship team.
South Carolina? They're still right there at No. 2 or No. 3, depending on the week.
They did lose some pieces. MiLaysia Fulwiley—the human highlight reel—actually transferred to LSU to play for Kim Mulkey. That was a shocker. It definitely changed the dynamic of the Gamecocks' backcourt. But Dawn Staley doesn't rebuild; she reloads. Joyce Edwards has stepped into a massive role as a sophomore, and the Gamecocks are still the most physical team in the SEC.
2025-26 Key Players to Watch
- Sarah Strong (UConn): She’s the best player in the country right now. Period.
- Azzi Fudd (UConn): If her shot is falling, the game is over before it starts.
- Joyce Edwards (South Carolina): The new focal point of the Gamecock offense.
- Raven Johnson (South Carolina): The veteran leader who has to manage the tempo.
The 2026 and 2027 Showdowns
We’ve got dates. Mark your calendars. The two programs have officially signed on for more "smoke," as Dawn Staley puts it.
- 2026: They’ll meet at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. It's basically a home game for UConn.
- 2027: The matchup moves to Charlotte for the Ally Tipoff.
The 2026 game is particularly spicy because South Carolina wants revenge for that 23-point drubbing in the title game. They’ve been hearing about it for months. You can bet Staley has that score taped to the locker room wall.
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Insights for the Modern Fan
If you're betting on or just analyzing these matchups, look at the "Points in the Paint" stat first. In the 2025 final, UConn actually outscored SC in the paint 36-28. That’s usually where South Carolina kills people. If UConn’s bigs—like Sarah Strong and Jana El-Alfy—can hold their ground, UConn wins. If South Carolina forces UConn into a jump-shooting contest and dominates the glass, the Gamecocks take it.
Also, keep an eye on the turnover margin. South Carolina’s pressure is relentless, but UConn’s guards are arguably the most sure-handed in the history of the game.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Watch the Post-Play: In the upcoming 2026 matchup, watch how UConn defends the high post. They’ve started using a sagging zone that frustrates South Carolina’s drivers.
- Check the Health Report: UConn’s biggest enemy is the training room. If they are at 100%, they are nearly impossible to beat.
- Follow the Recruiting Trail: The next "Sarah Strong" is out there, and both these schools are after her. The rivalry starts on the recruiting trail years before the tip-off.
The 12th banner is hanging in Storrs now. The drought is over. But in Columbia, they’re just getting started on the next chapter. This isn't just a game; it's the gold standard of college sports.