UCLA's women's basketball team delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, defeating top-ranked South Carolina 77-62. The victory marked the end of the Gamecocks' impressive 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories.
Londynn Jones led the charge for UCLA, scoring 15 points and making all five of her 3-point attempts. Te-Hina Paopao contributed 18 points, while Tessa Johnson added 14 for the Gamecocks.
This defeat was South Carolina's first since April 2023 when they were bested by Iowa in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. The Gamecocks' road winning streak, which was the third-longest in Division I history, came to an end at the hands of the Bruins.
UCLA's victory was historic as it marked the first time the program had defeated a No. 1 ranked team in school history. The Bruins had previously been 0-20 in such matchups, with their best wins coming against No. 2 ranked teams in the past.
Elina Aarnisalo also made a significant contribution to UCLA's win, scoring 13 points alongside four other Bruins who reached double figures in scoring.
From the opening quarter, UCLA dominated the game, never allowing the Gamecocks to take the lead. The Bruins' suffocating defense limited South Carolina's scoring opportunities, with the Gamecocks trailing by double-digits at halftime for the first time since 2021.
UCLA's strong performance was evident in their balanced scoring attack, with eight different players contributing to the team's success. The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime and showcased their offensive prowess by shooting an impressive 52% from the field.
In addition to their offensive display, UCLA also controlled the boards, outrebounding the Gamecocks 41-34 and holding them well below their average scoring output.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will face Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving, while UCLA is set to play UT Martin in the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii.
UCLA's victory over South Carolina will undoubtedly go down as a memorable moment in the program's history, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to compete at the highest level of college basketball.
