It’s not a good week for Gamecocks fans. The loss against UConn stung hard for the Dawn Staley-led team, as it signaled the end of a very long win streak at home. It was the first game out of the last seventy-two that they have lost at CLA. No doubt, it hit Gamecocks fans hard.
Warning bells hit hard for Dawn Staley and Co. Even with Paige Bueckers taking a backseat, the Huskies managed to blow out South Carolina by 29 points. Azzi Fudd played an amazing game to launch UConn back into contention for the national championship this year. The five-foot-eleven senior dropped 28 points while shooting about 60% from three. She put on an absolute clinic from deep.
On the Elle Duncan Show, show hosts Gary and Elle discussed the upsetting loss and the emotions behind it. “We saw one of the most shocking outcomes that we’ve seen in women’s basketball for some time. UConn absolutely blitzes South Carolina to hand them their first home loss in over four years.” Elle said, still a little shocked at the result.
No one expected South Carolina to lose at home. Seventy-one games are no small feat, of course, and to see it broken like this was shocking. Elle Duncan pulled no punches while talking about this disappointing showing.
“I would say that yes, this was one of those games that you certainly shouldn’t be proud of. Dawn wasn’t, and Te-Hina Paopao talked about it afterwards. This was embarrassing, this wasn’t good, and it wasn’t close to showing who we are.” The analyst said. However, it wasn’t a deal-breaker for South Carolina. UConn was desperate for this win, and Duncan said that this game does not affect the Gamecocks being the #1 seed.
As March grows closer and closer, both Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks grow on edge. While some argue that heading into March on too big of a winning streak isn’t good for South Carolina, it certainly impacted the team’s momentum.
Dawn Staley’s team got ‘punked’, look towards a fresh start
After a humiliating defeat to UConn, the South Carolina Gamecocks have to start afresh. Their standing isn’t affected much, but the momentum has certainly broken. Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley sat down for the post-game press conference and were candid about their loss.
When asked what UConn was doing defensively to fend off South Carolina’s offense, Paopao had a straightforward answer. The Gamecocks were lacking in many areas, and she pointed out a major flaw in their offense. “I felt like we didn’t have much ball movement going on. It was a lot of ball screens and not much movement on the weak side or the strong side. So we have to do a better job recognizing that early and just getting everyone else involved.”
Mar 24, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (12) and guard Te-Hina Paopao (0) celebrate a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Not only that, they massively lost the rebounding battle. 29 rebounds to UConn’s 48 made all the difference, especially considering that the Huskies got 15 offensive boards. They were getting all of the second and third chances, while the Gamecocks’ offense lacked.
The backcourt duo took full responsibility for the mistakes that they made, however. “We just got punked today,” Paopao said. “It’s very much embarrassing. We know that’s not who we are. It was very much self-inflicted as well. We’ve just got to learn and grow from this opportunity. And that we just gotta do a better job giving effort in, being mentally and physically tough.”
Moments like these really show the culture that Dawn Staley has instilled in her team. Confidence, politeness, and accountability are major factors in South Carolina’s success. Staley and the Gamecocks will definitely bounce back, as they look to defend their national title this year.
The post Walls Are Closing In on Dawn Staley for Tarnishing 1536-Day NCAA Milestone as National Reporter Drops an “Embarrassing” Verdict appeared first on EssentiallySports.
