South Carolina
CLEVELAND, Ohio (04/02/2026) — The South Carolina Gamecocks deployed a suffocating fourth-quarter defense and a decisive late-game run to secure a 62-48 victory over the UConn Huskies on Thursday night. Ta'Niya Latson powered the Gamecocks with a crucial double-double, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds as South Carolina dominated the glass and pulled away in the final minutes of a hard-fought contest.
How It Happened
The game began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets in a physical first quarter. Latson opened the scoring for South Carolina with a layup just 36 seconds into the game. UConn answered, taking a 9-4 lead on a 24-foot three-pointer from forward Sarah Strong. The period remained a back-and-forth battle, culminating in Agot Makeer hitting a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game at 15-15.
The defensive intensity ramped up in the second quarter, with scoring at a premium. Latson again gave the Gamecocks an early lead with a layup to make it 17-15. The lead changed hands multiple times, and an Azzi Fudd floating jump shot with 2:26 remaining put the Huskies ahead 24-23. UConn would carry a narrow 26-24 advantage into halftime after Maddy McDaniel sank two free throws.
South Carolina erased the deficit immediately in the third quarter, as a Madina Okot layup knotted the score at 26-26. The Gamecocks built their largest lead of the game at 40-33 on a Kayleigh Heckel three-pointer, but the Huskies mounted a swift response. Back-to-back threes from Blanca Quiñonez and Fudd sliced the South Carolina lead to a single point, 40-39, with just over a minute left in the period. A pullup jumper from Tessa Johnson provided a crucial basket for the Gamecocks, giving them a 44-39 cushion heading into the final frame.
Turning Point
The game remained within reach for UConn early in the fourth quarter. After a three-pointer from Sarah Strong cut the South Carolina lead to 51-47 with 4:39 on the clock, the Gamecocks' defense took over. From that point, South Carolina unleashed a game-clinching 11-0 run. The Huskies went scoreless for over four minutes as the Gamecocks controlled the pace, secured defensive rebounds, and executed on offense. The run was capped by a pair of free throws from Latson with 45 seconds remaining, extending the lead to an insurmountable 62-47 and sealing the victory.
Star of the Game
Ta'Niya Latson, South Carolina
Latson was the most consistent offensive force on the floor, finishing with a game-high 16 points and 11 rebounds. Her double-double was critical in a game where points were difficult to come by. She scored the first basket of the game and the final points of South Carolina’s decisive 11-0 run, providing a steady presence from start to finish. Her work on the boards was instrumental in the Gamecocks' commanding 47-32 rebounding advantage.
What It Means
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, this win is a testament to their defensive identity and late-game poise. Holding a talented UConn team to just 48 points on 31% shooting from the field is a significant achievement. The dominant rebounding margin underscores their control of the paint and physical play. With four players scoring in double figures—Latson (16), Agot Makeer (14), Joyce Edwards (11), and Tessa Johnson (10)—the Gamecocks showcased a balanced offensive attack to complement their elite defense.
For the UConn Huskies, the loss highlights their offensive struggles against a premier defensive opponent. Sarah Strong delivered a strong double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but the team couldn't find consistent scoring down the stretch, particularly during South Carolina's game-ending run. While the Huskies kept turnovers low with only 10 on the night, their inability to convert from the field proved to be the difference in a game that was within their grasp for three quarters.