South Carolina-UConn Rivalry Hits Pause After Over a Decade of Showdowns
COLUMBIA — For the first time in over a decade, South Carolina and UConn won’t face off in the regular season. According to a report from CTInsider.com, the two powerhouse programs have not renewed their home-and-home contract, ending a thrilling annual matchup that’s captivated women’s college basketball fans since the 2013-14 season.
The rivalry game, typically played in February during conference bye weeks and broadcast nationally, has delivered big crowds, high TV ratings, and unforgettable moments—especially as South Carolina rose to match UConn’s championship-level play. But unless the teams meet in the NCAA Tournament, fans won’t see a regular-season clash between the Gamecocks and Huskies this year.
While USC has yet to confirm the news, it was widely understood that the latest contract concluded after UConn dominated South Carolina 87-58 at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 16. That game ended a thrilling chapter of the rivalry—and marked the conclusion of their current agreement.
As intense and high-profile as the matchup has been, it often came at a cost for South Carolina. Playing UConn during the stretch run of the SEC regular season meant giving up much-needed rest days at a time when the Gamecocks were usually competing for the conference title.
The rivalry began in the 2007-08 season, just before Dawn Staley took over the South Carolina program. After a brief pause, Staley revived the series in 2014-15, using it as a measuring stick in what became the Gamecocks’ first Final Four season. Since then, it’s been a staple on the schedule.
“I think it speaks to where we are in our game,” Staley said back in February. “Seems like if you’re watching a game, every other commercial is us or UConn. They wouldn’t do that if they wouldn’t get a return on the investment. I do think you get a return on your investment when you play games like this in the middle of February.”
UConn leads the all-time series 11-5, having snapped a four-game losing streak to South Carolina with last season’s win. That victory not only ended USC’s 71-game home winning streak, but the Huskies also dealt another heavy blow with an 82-59 win in the national championship game, dashing the Gamecocks’ title hopes.
While fans may miss the annual showdown, both programs remain elite—and a rematch could still be on the horizon, come March Madness.
