The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team continued their historic run on Wednesday night, setting a new school record with their 43rd consecutive victory. The top-ranked Gamecocks dominated rival Clemson 77-45, showcasing the relentless winning mentality that has defined this program in recent years.
Despite a sluggish start that saw them trail 17-12 midway through the second quarter, South Carolina found their rhythm and unleashed a devastating 17-0 run to seize control of the game. The Gamecocks’ suffocating defense and balanced scoring attack proved too much for the overmatched Tigers to handle.
Te-Hina Paopao Leads the Way
Leading the charge for South Carolina was guard Te-Hina Paopao, who poured in a game-high 13 points. Paopao’s ability to score from all three levels kept the Clemson defense on their heels throughout the night.
Complementing Paopao’s perimeter prowess was the dominant interior presence of forward Ashlyn Watkins. The freshman sensation recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. Watkins’ performance was especially impressive considering she had recently returned from a suspension.
“Te-Hina and Ashlyn were phenomenal tonight,” said a source close to the team. “Their energy and effort set the tone for everyone else. When those two are locked in, we’re an incredibly tough team to beat.”
– Source close to the South Carolina women’s basketball program
Chasing History
With the victory, South Carolina surpassed their previous record of 42 straight wins, which began with their 2022 national championship run and ended in a heartbreaking Final Four loss to Iowa in 2023. Now, the Gamecocks stand alone in the school record books, with no signs of slowing down.
The win also serves as a statement of intent as South Carolina prepares for a highly anticipated showdown with No. 5 UCLA on Sunday. A victory over the Bruins would further solidify the Gamecocks’ status as the team to beat in women’s college basketball.
Dominance on Display
Throughout their record-breaking streak, South Carolina has showcased a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. Consider these staggering numbers:
- The Gamecocks have won by an average margin of 27.6 points during the streak
- They have held opponents to just 50.2 points per game on 33.8% shooting
- South Carolina has outrebounded their opponents by an average of 14.3 boards per contest
These statistics paint a picture of a team that excels in every facet of the game, from suffocating defense to efficient offense to dominating the glass. It’s a formula that has proven nearly unbeatable over the past year and a half.
The Road Ahead
As impressive as South Carolina’s streak has been, the Gamecocks remain focused on the ultimate prize: defending their national title. With a roster loaded with talent and experience, they have all the tools necessary to cut down the nets once again in April.
But the road to a repeat won’t be easy. Standing in their way are a host of formidable contenders, from the aforementioned UCLA Bruins to perennial powers like UConn, Stanford, and Maryland. The Gamecocks will need to bring their A-game every night to navigate this gauntlet of elite competition.
“We know we have a target on our backs,” said another source close to the program. “Everyone wants to be the team that knocks us off. But that’s what comes with being the best. We embrace that challenge and use it as motivation to keep getting better every day.”
– Source close to the South Carolina women’s basketball program
For now, though, South Carolina can savor this moment and celebrate their place in the record books. With 43 straight wins and counting, the Gamecocks have cemented their status as one of the greatest programs in women’s college basketball history. And if they continue playing at this level, there’s no telling how far this streak – and this team – can go.
