The 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament is guaranteed to crown a new champion—and it’s the South Carolina Gamecocks who are now one win away from cutting down the nets.
In a gritty, defense-first battle on Friday night, South Carolina took down UConn 62-48 in the Final Four, flipping the script from last year’s national championship loss and ending the Huskies’ dominant run in the process.
A Defensive War Defined the Game
This wasn’t a game built on highlight plays or offensive rhythm—it was physical, intense, and at times downright ugly. South Carolina shot just 38% from the field, but what they lacked in efficiency, they made up for with toughness and depth.
Four Gamecocks finished in double figures, with Ta’Niya Latson leading the way with 16 points and an impressive 11 rebounds. Freshman Agot Makeer provided a major spark off the bench with 14 points, while Joyce Edwards contributed 11 points, eight boards, and three steals despite not having her usual scoring explosion.
Dominance on the Glass
The biggest difference in the game came on the boards. South Carolina completely controlled the paint, out-rebounding UConn 47-32. That physical edge created second-chance opportunities and disrupted any offensive flow the Huskies tried to establish.
UConn’s Offense Falls Apart
For a team that entered the night riding a 54-game winning streak, UConn looked out of sync when it mattered most. The Huskies hadn’t lost in over a year, but South Carolina’s defense forced them into one of their worst performances of the season.
Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong—two of the game’s brightest stars—were held in check. The duo combined to shoot just 22.6% from the field, finishing with 20 total points. Strong led UConn with 12 points but needed 16 shots to get there. Fudd, playing in what could be the final game of her decorated career, struggled to find rhythm and finished with just eight points.
Ashlynn Shade added 10 points, while Kayleigh Heckel and KK Arnold made defensive contributions, but the offense never found consistency.
Officiating and Emotions Boil Over
The game wasn’t without controversy. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma voiced frustration over the free-throw disparity, as South Carolina attempted 22 free throws compared to just six for the Huskies.
Tensions spilled over late in the game, culminating in a heated exchange between Auriemma and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley near midcourt. The situation escalated enough that the two had to be separated.
After the game, Staley addressed the moment calmly, standing firm in her approach.
“I’m of integrity,” she said. “If I did something wrong, I had no idea what it was.”
Despite the emotional ending, Staley emphasized moving forward as her team prepares for the championship.
Statement Win, One Step Left
This win wasn’t just about advancing—it was about redemption. After falling to UConn in last year’s title game, South Carolina responded with toughness, discipline, and depth on the biggest stage.
Now, the Gamecocks head to the national championship game as a battle-tested, physical team that will be incredibly difficult to beat. If they bring this same defensive intensity and dominance on the boards, they’ll be in prime position to finish the job.
One game remains. And South Carolina looks ready.
