South Carolina Stuns UConn in Final Four to Advance to National Championship

In a high-stakes clash of women’s college basketball dynasties, South Carolina ended UConn’s bid for back-to-back national titles with a commanding 62-48 victory in the national semifinals. The win, secured on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix, snapped the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak—one of the fourth-longest streaks in NCAA Division I history—and propelled the Gamecocks to their third consecutive national title game.

Avenging the 2025 Blowout

For South Carolina, this victory was more than just a ticket to the finals; it was a matter of redemption. Throughout their summer workouts, the Gamecocks kept the score of their 2025 national title game loss (UConn 82, South Carolina 59) displayed on gym screens as a constant motivator. That drive culminated in a dominant defensive performance that stifled the previously undefeated Huskies.

Coach Dawn Staley praised her team’s execution, noting that the players’ ability to create disruption and deny easy looks was key to the upset. Freshman Agot Makeer provided a spark off the bench, leading the team with 14 points in a game where four South Carolina players reached double figures.

Tensions Boil Over: Staley and Auriemma Clash

The intensity on the court extended to the sidelines and the handshake line. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley exchanged heated words following the game, leading to a confrontation where Auriemma eventually had to be pulled away.

Auriemma expressed frustration with South Carolina’s physical style of play, telling ESPN during a break that the Gamecocks had been “beating the s*** out of our guys” throughout the game. He also cited a breach of protocol regarding the pregame handshake at half-court. Whereas Staley acknowledged that things “get heated,” she maintained her integrity, stating she had shaken hands with Auriemma’s staff before the game and refused to let the incident overshadow her team’s performance.

Key Takeaways from the Semifinal

• Score: South Carolina 62, UConn 48.
• Streak Snapped: UConn’s 54-game winning streak ended.
• Dynasty Pursuit: South Carolina is now one win away from their fourth national title (previously winning in 2017, 2022, and 2024).
• Coaching Milestone: A title would place Dawn Staley among the elite group of coaches with four or more titles, joining Geno Auriemma (12), Pat Summitt (8), and Kim Mulkey (4).

Road to the Championship

South Carolina now advances to the national championship game on Sunday, April 4, 2026. They are scheduled to face fellow No. 1 seed UCLA at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcasting on ABC and ESPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the South Carolina vs. UConn game?

South Carolina defeated UConn 62-48.

How long was UConn’s winning streak before this loss?

The Huskies had won 54 consecutive games prior to the loss.

Who will South Carolina play in the national championship?

South Carolina will face UCLA on Sunday.