Azzi Fudd took center stage Sunday, Feb. 16, delivering a commanding performance that propelled No. 7 Connecticut to an 87-58 victory over No. 4 South Carolina, ending the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak.
Fudd, a graduate student, scored 28 points, including 23 in the second half, to lead the Huskies (24-3) to one of their most decisive wins of the season.
She was especially lethal from beyond the arc, sinking six of 10 three-point attempts.
The Huskies’ offensive surge overwhelmed South Carolina (23-3), which had not lost at home since Dec. 3, 2002.
UConn seized control early, responding to an 11-9 deficit with a relentless 22-3 run that silenced the home crowd at Colonial Life Arena.
By halftime, the Huskies had built a commanding 45-23 lead and never looked back.
Freshman forward Sarah Strong played a pivotal role in UConn’s dominance, finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers added 12 points and 10 assists, marking her first double-double of the season. She also pulled down seven rebounds, helping the Huskies control the boards.
The rebounding battle proved decisive. UConn outmuscled South Carolina 48-29 on the glass, limiting the Gamecocks’ second-chance opportunities.
The Gamecocks entered the contest ranked eighth in the nation in rebounding, averaging 42.9 per game, but struggled to match UConn’s physicality.
South Carolina, a perennial powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley, had been nearly untouchable on its home court for more than two decades.
But UConn, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, dismantled the Gamecocks’ defense with efficient shooting and disciplined ball movement.
With the win, UConn strengthened its case for a top seed in the NCAA tournament and added another statement victory to its resume.
The Huskies will continue their road trip Wednesday, Feb. 19 night against Seton Hall (17-8, 9-5 BIG EAST), with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET on SNY.
