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For 43 consecutive games, theSouth Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team had been untouchable, a dynasty in motion under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. Their dominance wasn't just about piling up wins; it was a statement, game after game, that they were the gold standard of women's college basketball. Last season, they capped their campaign with a national championship victory over Iowa, cementing their place in history.
Heading into Sunday's matchup against UCLA, the Gamecockshadn't lost since April 2023. Even more impressive, they had strung together 33 straight wins on the road, the third-longest streak of its kind. The Bruins, hosting the top-ranked team in the nation, knew they were up against a juggernaut that hadn't flinched in nearly two years.
But basketball is never scripted, and on this day, history was made in Los Angeles. UCLA stunned South Carolina, 77-62, handing the Gamecocks their first loss in 43 games and putting an emphatic end to their road-winning streak. For the Bruins, it wasn't just a victory; it was their first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked opponent after 20 previous attempts.
Londynn Jones was the spark UCLA needed, delivering a flawless performance from beyond the arc, hitting all five of her three-point attempts and finishing with 15 points. Her precision shooting energized the home crowd and kept the Gamecocks on their heels throughout the contest. The Bruins executed their game plan to perfection, something head coach Cori Close emphasized postgame. "We really believed we would win...We prepared really well, and we executed the heck out of the scouting report,"Close said.
A setback, not a fall: South Carolina eyes redemption after rare loss
For South Carolina, the loss is a rare blemish on an otherwise remarkable record. Now sitting at 5-1, they remain one of the strongest contenders for the national championship. The defeat, while unexpected, isn't likely to derail their season. But the loss does carry some emotional weight, especially given the context of their unprecedented streaks.
The Gamecocks struggled to match UCLA's energy and efficiency, particularly on the defensive end, where the Bruins outpaced them with sharp ball movement and perimeter shooting. South Carolina's inability to counter UCLA's hot hand from three-point range proved costly.
While the loss stings, it also offers South Carolina a moment to recalibrate. For Staley and her team, the focus now shifts to starting a new streak and reclaiming their dominant form. As the Gamecocks continue their season, one thing is clear: even giants stumble, but they rarely stay down for long.
For UCLA, this win isn't just a feather in their cap; it's a statement to the rest of the basketball world that the Bruins are a force to be reckoned with.