South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is having an outstanding season, having won all 27 of their games so far. In recent matches, they’ve defeated some tough opponents, including UConn, LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss. However, post-game comments made by UConn head coach Geno Auriemma after his team’s defeat to South Carolina drew a swift response from Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley.
Coach Dawn Staley via Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM
Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM YouTube
UConn coach Geno Auriemma commented that the Gamecocks play too physically, stating, “It’s not basketball” how they play.
Auriemma said, “I didn’t say anything for a long, long time. If you want to bring Lou in, you can see the bruises on her body. It’s just appalling what teams do to her now. It’s not basketball anymore. I don’t know what it is, but it’s not basketball.”
"It’s just appalling what teams do to [Lou Lopez Sénéchal] now. It’s not basketball anymore."
Geno Auriemma called out the officiating in his team's 81-77 loss to No. 1 South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/6uGScCwsTE
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) February 6, 2023
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley defended her team, calling Auriemma out for his comments. She reminded him that her team had won two national championships playing the same way they played against UConn.
“We play in the SEC. That’s how we play. We’re not going to change it,” Staley said.
Dawn Staley via News 19 WLTX YouTube
According to Staley, Auriemma’s comment was disrespectful and an attempt to discredit South Carolina’s style of play.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said on Carolina Calls the following Tuesday that when her team succeeds, “we’re called something other than players that are locked in.”
Aliyah Boston prepares to guard Paige Bueckers prior to tip-off via March Madness YouTube
The following day, Auriemma stated after UConn’s 59-52 loss at Marquette, “I don’t know whether Dawn was referring to me specifically or whether this has been happening to her team for quite some time now. If people have been paying attention, seriously, I’ve been making that statement for 20-some years since Diana [Taurasi] was playing for us.”
While the South Carolina women’s basketball team continues to dominate and remain the top-ranked team in the nation, their rival, UConn has since struggled. First, the Huskies suffered a defeat to top-ranked South Carolina and then Marquette before rebounding with a win over Georgetown. In their most recent game, the Huskies lost to St. John’s Red Storm, 69-64.
UConn Women’s Basketball Twitter
UConn’s current record is 24-5, and while they are still a top team, their recent struggles have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Despite being a talented and experienced team, the Huskies have shown signs of fatigue and have struggled to close out games in recent weeks.
On the other hand, the South Carolina Gamecocks are on a roll, with an undefeated 27-0 record and a dominating win over previously unbeaten LSU. The Gamecocks are looking to defend their national championship and remain the team to beat in women’s college basketball.
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Twitter
With only a few games left in the regular season, UConn and South Carolina have their eyes set on the postseason. The Huskies hope to regain momentum and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are looking to finish the season undefeated and capture their second consecutive national championship.
As the season winds down, it will be interesting to see how these two teams perform and whether UConn can bounce back from their recent struggles. But, for now, South Carolina remains the team to beat and will be a force to be reckoned with come tournament time.