The dream season came to a dramatic end for South Carolina on Sunday night, as their pursuit of a national title was halted by a relentless UConn squad. Head coach Dawn Staley and her undefeated team were met with a fierce challenge, ultimately falling 82-59 in a game that was all about Geno Auriemma’s legacy and UConn’s hunger to reclaim the crown.
With this commanding victory, Geno Auriemma secured his 12th National Championship, a staggering milestone that further cements his place atop college basketball’s Mount Rushmore.
For Dawn Staley, the defeat means she remains tied for fourth in all-time national championships among women’s coaches, still chasing Kim Mulkey (4), the late Pat Summitt (8), and now once again, the seemingly untouchable Auriemma (12).
But the story wasn’t just about the Gamecocks falling—it was about the Huskies rising. Azzi Fudd delivered a standout performance with 24 points, three offensive rebounds, and three steals. Meanwhile, program centerpiece Paige Bueckers added 17 points and capped off the night with a heartfelt moment, hugging her legendary coach.
“I love you,” Auriemma told her.
“I told him I hated him,” Bueckers joked later. “No, I love that man more than words can describe.”
As confetti rained down in celebration, Bueckers took the mic and offered a powerful message:
“Stand firm in who you are,” she said. “People will doubt you, put you in a box. But we don’t do this alone. We lean on God’s strength. We lean on our village.”
On the other side of the court, South Carolina struggled with the weight of the moment. Raven Johnson, overwhelmed with emotion, covered her face as she left the game in the final minutes. Bree Hall, ever the steady force, embraced her in a show of solidarity.
Despite the heartbreak, the pride in what Staley has built was undeniable. Bree Hall, a cornerstone of the program’s recent dominance, reflected with grace:
“I hate losing,” she admitted. “But I’m so grateful. Four Final Fours, two national championships. I’ve given everything to this program.”
Meanwhile, Raven Johnson didn’t hold back her pain:
“I was hurt. I was heartbroken. I was embarrassed,” she said. “I felt like my soul got snatched. I wanted to win so badly today. I feel like I fell short, and I’m going to beat up on myself about it. A loss just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Statistically, the Huskies dominated where it mattered most—outscoring South Carolina 36-26 in the paint—just the second time all season the Gamecocks were beaten by double digits in that area.
Coach Staley, never one to sugarcoat the moment, gave credit to her opponent:
“They beat our ass, but they didn’t make us like it. There’s a difference,” she said. “I hope they’re crying. I hope it hurts—because that pain will fuel the offseason. That’s what championship programs do.”
South Carolina now bids farewell to seniors Bree Hall, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin, all of whom poured their hearts into the program. But the future remains bright. Joyce Edwards, the standout freshman who led the team in scoring, returns alongside Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and a healthy Ashlyn Watkins. Add in promising recruits like Agot Makeer, and the path to redemption is already being paved.
