After having its 57-game conference winning streak snapped by Texas, South Carolina dropped to 4th in AP rankings. On the other end, another powerhouse, UConn fell to 7th with its 3rd quad-1 loss to Tennessee. Though they have recovered with a win and two each, the real show of strength awaits when they lock horns this Sunday. But have the Gamecocks already grabbed the favorable position?

No doubt, South Carolina under Staley has transformed into a powerhouse winning three national titles since 2017 and their impressive 70-game home win streak. But the roster this season is unlike any other in the nation. Soon-to-be opponent, Geno Auriemma puts it best.

“It’s almost like they have eight or nine starters, not just five,” Auriemma admitted.

Now that’s no news. The Gamecocks have boasted one of the best depths, if not the best, this season. As of early this month, the bench, led by Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson, accounted for 51% of the team’s total. Even in their previous game against Florida Gators, only 40 of the 101 points came from the starters. The freshman star, Edwards, had the brightest moment in the spotlight with a 28-point performance, enough to set a freshman SEC record for the first time in 43 years. More interestingly, despite having started only one game, the #8 is leading her team in scoring.

Head coach Dawn Staley is aware of the strength she carries and very well capitalized against a team like LSU. “Yes, we know they play six or seven players, and you have to use that against them,” she had said. Now there’s the problem for Geno Auriemma.

The UConn squad will be entering the game Sunday with two crucial pieces missing– Ice Brady and Morgan Cheli.

“Both Ice and Morgan will NOT be available for Sunday’s game at South Carolina,” shared Geno. This imbalance presents a serious challenge for the Huskies, who are relying heavily on stars like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.

UConn has thrived in high-profile battles in the past, but this season, their 3-3 record against ranked opponents tells a different story. Losses to USC, Notre Dame, and Tennessee have exposed weaknesses that Auriemma knows must be fixed before the start of March Madness.

“Every one of these games is a mirror to your face,” Auriemma said. “If we don’t address this right now, we won’t be able to fix it come March.” 

The team has struggled with interior defense and securing rebounds, particularly highlighted in their recent loss to Tennessee, where they were out-rebounded 46-34. Sarah Strong did her thing, contributing 18 points, but no one else stepped up to help her on the boards. Now with the Gamecocks having strategized to tire out their opponents, UConn is going to need complete team efforts.

Geno Auriemma lays emphasis on star players

Both Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. Fudd erupted for a career-high 34 points against St. John’s, knocking down eight three-pointers, while Bueckers was just as dominant 16. If the two standouts can replicate that level of performance, the Huskies have a fighting chance.

Even Auriemma admits, “Our best players just have to really play better,” he said. “I understand the pressure, but at the end of the day, we have to be ready when it counts.” For the Huskies, the likely starting lineup includes Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Aubrey Griffin, Jana El Alfy, and Sarah Strong.

However, Geno seems to be relying more on sixth-year veteran Aubrey Griffin to step up on both ends of the floor. “From a rebounding standpoint, I think it’s a huge asset for us because the one thing with Aubrey you can count on—she’s going to get you more possessions on the offensive end, that’s for sure,” Auriemma said. But still, it won’t be as easy as it may seem.

The Gamecocks are bringing a 70-game home win streak into Sunday’s matchup and six players standing over 6-foot-2. They have also dominated this rivalry since 2021, but historically, UConn holds the edge with a 9-5 record since 2007. However, the Huskies haven’t beaten them since 2020. A loss here wouldn’t just extend the losing streak—it would also raise questions about whether UConn can truly compete for a national title this year.

Colonial Life Arena will be the place to be at this Sunday.