South Carolina beats undefeated UConn 62-48 in Women's Final Four on April 5

South Carolina ended UConn's 54-game winning streak by beating them 62-48. This is a big change from UConn's usual wins.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Gamecocks Topple Undefeated Huskies; Bruins Secure Tight Victory

==South Carolina has eliminated the previously undefeated UConn Huskies from the NCAA Women's Final Four, winning 62-48. The Gamecocks’ defensive intensity proved pivotal in halting UConn’s remarkable 54-game winning streak and advancing to their third consecutive national championship game.

NCAA women’s Final Four: UConn v South Carolina, UCLA v Texas – live - 1

In the other semifinal, the UCLA Bruins narrowly defeated the Texas Longhorns, securing a spot in the championship game. The Bruins maintained a lead through much of the contest, fending off Texas’s late surges. ==

NCAA women’s Final Four: UConn v South Carolina, UCLA v Texas – live - 2

Gamecocks' Defensive Prowess Seals Upset

South Carolina’s victory over UConn was characterized by a relentless defensive effort that suffocated the Huskies’ offense. After a tightly contested first half, with the score tied at 15-15 after the first quarter and South Carolina leading 44-39 at the end of the third, the Gamecocks pulled away decisively. The final score of 62-48 reflects their superior control in the latter stages. Notably, UConn committed 17 fouls compared to South Carolina's eight, indicating a disparity in the game's physicality and perhaps officiating interpretation.

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NCAA women’s Final Four: UConn v South Carolina, UCLA v Texas – live - 3

This upset marks a significant moment, ending UConn’s dominant run and highlighting South Carolina's strength. Coach Dawn Staley's team now prepares to face the winner of the UCLA-Texas matchup for the national title. A heated exchange between Staley and UConn coach Geno Auriemma at the conclusion of the game added a layer of controversy to the already significant result.

NCAA women’s Final Four: UConn v South Carolina, UCLA v Texas – live - 4

UCLA Holds Off Texas in Tense Semifinal

The semifinal between UCLA and Texas remained a hard-fought affair throughout. The Bruins established an early lead, holding Texas to a season-low six first-quarter points, and led 14-6 by the end of the first quarter. While Texas attempted to close the gap in subsequent quarters, UCLA consistently responded. Key moments included UCLA securing possession after video reviews and a crucial post shot by Lauren Betts interrupting a Texas run late in the fourth quarter.

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The Bruins ultimately secured the win, though the exact final score was not consistently reported across all sources, with scores like UCLA 47, Texas 44 appearing late in the fourth quarter. The game was marked by physical play and strategic timeouts as both teams battled for supremacy. Betts' performance, including a double-double, was instrumental in UCLA's success.

Background and Broader Context

The Women's Final Four in Phoenix featured four No. 1 seeds, all returning from the previous year's semifinals, underscoring the caliber of competition. The games were broadcast on ESPN. Both semifinal matchups saw significant attention from bracket enthusiasts, with a notable percentage of brackets predicting this exact lineup of teams. Hall of Fame inductees were honored at halftime of the South Carolina-UConn game, adding a celebratory element to the high-stakes event. The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, April 5.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did South Carolina beat UConn in the Women's Final Four on April 5?
South Carolina won against the previously undefeated UConn Huskies with a score of 62-48. Their strong defense was key to stopping UConn's offense and ending their 54-game winning streak.
Q: What was the score of the UCLA vs. Texas game in the Women's Final Four?
The UCLA Bruins won against the Texas Longhorns in a close game. Scores like UCLA 47, Texas 44 were reported late in the fourth quarter. UCLA will play South Carolina for the championship.
Q: Why is South Carolina playing in the championship game on April 5?
South Carolina beat UConn in the Final Four, which means they will play in the national championship game on Sunday, April 5. They are trying to win the championship after reaching it last year.
Q: What is the background of the Women's Final Four games played in Phoenix?
This year's Final Four featured four No. 1 seeds in Phoenix. All four teams were also in the semifinals last year. The games were shown on ESPN.
Q: Did anything controversial happen between the South Carolina and UConn coaches?
Yes, there was a heated exchange between South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and UConn coach Geno Auriemma after the game. This happened after South Carolina ended UConn's long winning streak.