UCLA's women’s basketball team delivered one of the biggest surprises of the season, ending South Carolina's remarkable 43-game winning streak with a commanding 77-62 victory on Sunday at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins, who were ranked No. 5 before the matchup, handed the Gamecocks their first loss since the 2023 Final Four, marking South Carolina’s largest defeat since 2019.
The Gamecocks, previously the top-ranked team, struggled against UCLA's aggressive defense and scoring depth, which became apparent almost immediately. "We ran right back to the locker room with heads down; it wasn’t much of what we practiced for the last week against their buzzsaw," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley commented, acknowledging UCLA's prowess on the court.
UCLA started the game at full throttle, quickly establishing control with a 15-2 lead. By halftime, they were up by 21 points, limiting the Gamecocks to just 22 points. South Carolina's shooting percentage plummeted to 36%, with many key players struggling to find their rhythm. Staley noted, "We ran right back to the locker room with heads down. It doesn’t feel good when you’re on the receiving end of it. You got beat by a great team."
UCLA's victory was not just about one standout player. A balanced team effort saw multiple Bruins score in double figures, with Londynn Jones leading the charge with 15 points, marked by impressive three-point shooting—hitting 5 of 5 attempts. Elina Aarnisalo and Tessa Johnson contributed significantly; their combined efforts totaled 32 points, and each played key roles throughout the game.
Despite limiting UCLA center Lauren Betts to 11 points and 14 rebounds, South Carolina’s defense proved unable to effectively handle UCLA's inside and outside game. The Bruins made 11 of 14 free throws, fully capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. "They actually executed our game plan to a T," Staley remarked, referencing the Bruins' sharp play.
This game signified UCLA's first-ever victory over a top-ranked team, improving their historical record against No. 1 teams to 1-20. Coach Cori Close expressed deep pride in her team's achievement. "It’s great to have so many alumni to share it with; the people who blazed the trail for us we’re walking on—this is really special. We came here saying we want to be an elite basketball program," she said. "To be recognized as the 26th program to hold the No. 1 spot is significant. I'm grateful."
The loss left South Carolina (now 5-1) reflecting on their mistakes, with Staley indicating they need to find solutions as they transition away from their usual playing style, particularly with the recent absence of key players. “We’re figuring out how we can incorporate our bigs scoring the basketball.” While this loss stings, it also serves as motivation for improvement going forward.
Both teams, now at different poles of the satisfaction scale, look forward to upcoming games: South Carolina faces No. 8 Iowa State on Thanksgiving, seeking redemption, and UCLA takes on UT Martin, aiming to extend their momentum after such exhilarating progress.
This matchup draws attention not only to the teams involved but also sheds light on the rising competition level across women’s collegiate basketball. With the season still young, fans will be watching closely to see how the dynamics shift among the current top programs.
And so, the story of the Gamecocks' stunning defeat leads to questions: Will they rebound quickly from this setback? Can UCLA sustain their success against tougher competitors? The thrill of the season holds more surprises for basketball enthusiasts, one exciting game at a time.
