In a span of just 24 hours, the world of women’s college basketball was turned upside down. The UCLA Bruins, ranked fifth at the time, stunned the top-ranked and defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks 77-62 on Sunday, snapping their incredible 43-game winning streak. Just one day earlier and a mere 15 miles away, the sixth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish dominated the third-ranked USC Trojans 74-61, leading by as many as 21 points.
These two monumental upsets in Los Angeles have completely reshaped the conversation surrounding the favorites to cut down the nets come April. Last season, South Carolina emerged as the clear title frontrunner early on, holding the No. 1 spot in the AP poll from mid-November through their eventual national championship. But now? It’s anyone’s game.
UCLA Establishes Itself as a Legitimate Contender
The Bruins’ victory over South Carolina was arguably the biggest win in head coach Cori Close’s tenure, marking the first time in program history that UCLA defeated an AP No. 1 team. The Bruins showcased their depth, versatility, and ability to dominate on both ends of the court.
Led by junior star Lauren Betts, who controlled the game with 11 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks, UCLA exposed the Gamecocks’ vulnerabilities. The Bruins’ length and shooting prowess proved to be a nightmare matchup for South Carolina, as UCLA led by as many as 23 points in the fourth quarter.
Hidalgo Enters Player of the Year Conversation
In Notre Dame’s upset over USC, sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo emerged as a legitimate contender for national player of the year honors. Hidalgo was the best player on the floor, finishing with an impressive stat line:
- 24 points
- 8 assists
- 6 rebounds
- 5 steals
Her competitive edge and ability to impact the game on both ends of the court have made her a force to be reckoned with. Hidalgo’s rise has turned the player of the year race into a three-way battle between herself, UConn’s Paige Bueckers, and USC’s JuJu Watkins.
USC’s Offensive Struggles Exposed
While the Trojans entered the season with high expectations thanks to the addition of Watkins and several key transfers, their loss to Notre Dame revealed some glaring weaknesses. USC struggled to find offensive rhythm and turned the ball over 20 times, with Watkins and fellow star Kiki Iriafen both having subpar shooting performances.
We were exposed today. We need to play fast and aggressive, but also with discipline and the ability to make reads when our initial actions aren’t there.
– USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb
Questions Loom for South Carolina
The Gamecocks’ loss to UCLA exposed some concerning issues for head coach Dawn Staley’s squad. South Carolina’s bigs struggled to impose their will in the paint and on the glass, while the offense sputtered in the half-court set. One key question moving forward is whether highly-touted freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley can become the consistent contributor Staley needs her to be.
As the women’s college basketball season marches on, it’s clear that the road to the national title is wide open. UCLA and Notre Dame have firmly established themselves as top contenders, while USC and South Carolina will need to make adjustments if they hope to meet their lofty preseason expectations. With the madness of March looming, one thing is certain: the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
