As South Carolina and UConn gear up for another intense showdown tomorrow, we look back at one of the most heated moments between their legendary coaches, Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma. Their rivalry took center stage in 2023 after a controversial game sparked debates over physicality and officiating. With tensions always high between these powerhouse programs, will this next battle add another chapter to their fiery history?

In February 2023, tensions flared between South Carolina’s Dawn Staley and UConn’s Geno Auriemma after a hard-fought 81-77 win for the Gamecocks. Frustrated with the officiating, Auriemma was hit with a technical in the fourth quarter after throwing a water bottle onto the court while arguing a call. After the game, he didn’t hold back, blasting South Carolina’s physical style and the lack of whistles against them.

“I just couldn’t keep quiet any longer. The technical was stupid, but I didn’t say anything for a long, long, long time,” Auriemma said. “If you want to bring Lou (Lopez Senechal) in and 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.”

The game saw a total of 44 fouls, with 23 called on UConn and 21 on South Carolina—the most the Gamecocks had been hit with all season. Staley, however, pushed back on the narrative that her team played outside the rules and made it clear that she had nothing but respect for UConn’s legacy.

“I have never said one derogatory word about UConn or anybody else that’s beat us over the years,” Staley said. “I’ve only said that (UConn is) the standard, and I continue to say that they are the standard of college women’s basketball on the court.”

Adding to the significance of the win, this was South Carolina’s first-ever victory on UConn’s home court. After losing the first eight matchups in the series from 2007 to 2019, the Gamecocks won four of the last five, including a championship victory in the 2022 NCAA title game. Now, with momentum on their side, South Carolina looks to extend its dominance and make history in their next showdown.

UConn vs. South Carolina: Gamecocks eye historic Win

Both teams have been dominant on both ends of the floor this season, setting the stage for another intense battle. South Carolina boasts a +625 scoring differential, outscoring opponents by an average of 25 points per game. The Gamecocks rank 12th nationally in scoring, putting up 81.1 points per game while holding teams to just 56.1, making them the 30th-ranked defense in the country. Joyce Edwards leads the team with 12.9 points per game.

UConn, however, has been even more dominant in point differential, outscoring opponents by 28.6 points per game with a +742 margin. The Huskies average 80.7 points per game, ranking 13th nationally, but their biggest weapon is their defense. They allow just 52.1 points per contest, the third-best mark in the country. Paige Bueckers leads UConn with 18.7 points per game, ranking 41st in the nation.

With both teams excelling on offense and defense, this matchup has all the makings of a high-intensity showdown. The rivalry between UConn and South Carolina has evolved into one of the most anticipated matchups in women’s basketball over the past decade.

For years, UConn dominated, but that changed in 2022 when South Carolina turned the tide. Since then, the Gamecocks have won four straight, including a decisive 83-65 victory on February 11, 2024, at Colonial Life Arena.

Now, as they prepare to meet again on February 16, UConn still holds the edge in the all-time series, leading 9-5. But South Carolina is on the verge of something historic—a fifth consecutive win over the Huskies, a feat no team has accomplished in the last 30 years.

With history on the line, South Carolina has a chance to solidify its dominance while Auriemma looks to reclaim control of the rivalry. With both teams at the top of their game, all eyes will be on this high-stakes showdown—one that could define the next chapter of their fierce competition.