The South Carolina hit a major roadblock tonight, falling to UCLA 77-62. This upset not only marks their first loss of the season but also ends their incredible 43-game winning streak. The top-ranked team hadn’t faced defeat in over a year. Given the magnitude of the setback, even college alumna A’ja Wilson couldn’t resist weighing in, feeling fortunate for one particular reason.

After Dawn Staley’s team suffered a tough loss, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson shared her reaction on Threads. She posted, “Glad I don’t have any UCLA teammates 🤣.” With no UCLA players on her Aces squad, Wilson used humor to lighten the mood, knowing she wouldn’t have to face all the teasing that would come with her alma mater’s embarrassing defeat.

The UCLA dominated the game from the start, building a commanding 21-point lead by halftime. During the game, a fan reached out to A’ja Wilson, who shares a close bond with her former coach Dawn Staley, asking, “@aja22wilson A’, what is Dawn saying to the squad in the locker room right now??”

The three-time MVP responded with a lighthearted post, “Shiiiiidddddddd idk🤷🏽‍♀️.”

For the first time in school history, UCLA knocked off a No. 1 ranked team, rewriting their narrative in the process. Before this monumental win, the Bruins were 0-20 when facing top-ranked opponents—a daunting streak they’ve finally broken. Until now, their biggest victories were against No. 2 teams, Oregon in 2019 and Stanford back in 2008. It was a well deserved victory with a complete team performance from UCLA.

South Carolina’s unbeaten streak ends as UCLA delivers a complete team performance

The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first loss since April 2023, a setback that ended a streak dating back to their defeat by Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the NCAA tournament national semifinals. Coming off five straight dominant victories, Dawn Staley’s squad stepped onto the court with confidence, but it quickly became clear that they were losing their grip against UCLA.

In the first quarter, they could only manage to score half of the 20 points the Bruins put up. The gap grew even wider in the second, as South Carolina struggled again, scoring just 10 points compared to UCLA’s 23. Off the bench, Londynn Jones delivered a standout performance for the Bruins, scoring 15 points and sinking all five of her three-point attempts—a highlight of the game. However, this victory wasn’t just about Jones; it was a testament to UCLA’s cohesive team effort.

“This is what we usually do to other teams. It doesn’t feel great being on the receiving end,” head coach Dawn Staley admitted in the post-game press conference, reflecting on South Carolina’s tough loss. UCLA showcased a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double digits, including one who delivered an impressive double-double. On the Gamecocks’ side, however, only Tessa Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao managed to hit double figures, scoring 14 and 18 points respectively.

While A’ja Wilson is feeling fortunate that she doesn’t have any UCLA teammates to tease her about her alma mater’s loss, the focus for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks quickly shifts to their next matchup against Iowa State on Thursday, November 28. It’s a season Wilson will be watching closely, especially since South Carolina will honor her in February with a jersey retirement ceremony—a moment she’s undoubtedly looking forward to.