Dawn Staley and her South Carolina squad knew this matchup was a strong possibility.
Now, it’s official: South Carolina vs. UConn in the national championship game — a highly anticipated rematch months in the making. The stage is set for Sunday, marking the second time in four seasons these two powerhouses collide for the title.
For the Gamecocks, it’s not just about redemption — it’s about making history. A win would crown them back-to-back national champions, something no team has done since Geno Auriemma’s UConn dynasty won four straight from 2013 to 2016. It would also give Staley her fourth national title, cementing her legacy even further.
The motivation is clear — especially after South Carolina’s shocking 87-58 loss to UConn back on Feb. 16, a game that snapped their 71-game home win streak at Colonial Life Arena and stands as one of the most lopsided defeats of Staley’s coaching career.
But is revenge the driving force?
“The fuel is to win another national championship. That’s the fuel,” Staley told The State/GoGamecocks.com on Saturday. “But we need to play a lot better than we did a month and a half ago.”
That loss may have been exactly the jolt South Carolina needed. Since then, they’ve gone 12-0, surging into the title game with momentum — and a chip on their shoulder.
Win No. 13? That would come with another trophy — and the sweetest form of payback.
