South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley has weighed in on how her team will tackle an elite skill of their upcoming opponents, the UConn Huskies.
On Friday, Staley and her Gamecocks will face coach Geno Auriemma’s UConn in the NCAA Final Four matchup of the March Madness on neutral grounds, the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Reporter Dana Scott uploaded a clip from Staley’s recent media availability wherein Scott asked her how she plans to tackle UConn’s hot three-point shooting, which ranks second in the nation, percentage-wise.
“ I mean, you got to stretch defense, period, when it comes to UConn. You got to have some type of disruption. You got to find a way to have them shoot a, you know, not at a 39 clip, but probably a 32, and that’s probably gonna drop, you know, maybe five to 10 points, if they’re able to shoot 32%,” Staley said.
“So if that’s the magic number for us to keep the game close and find a way to make some plays at the end, that’s what we’ll have to do,” she added.
Staley and the Gamecocks have uncorked an overall record of 35-3 (15-1 SEC) and were the top seed in their region. The South Carolina-based program is hoping to win its third national championship in the last five years, with the defending national champions (UConn) in their way. Meanwhile, Auriemma and the Huskies have an overall record of 38-0 (20-0 Big East).
The South Carolina Gamecocks Face The UConn Huskies For The First Time Since Their NCAA Title Loss
The 2026 Final Four game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the UConn Huskies will actually be the first time the two squads clash since the 2025 national championship game.
In that matchup, the Huskies captured their 12th NCAA title by dominating the Gamecocks by 23 points, 82-59. Coach Dawn Staley and company are now seeking retribution, but this time, in the form of the March Madness semifinal.
Also Read: Raven Johnson Sends Clear Warning to Geno Auriemma’s UConn Ahead of Final Four Clash
Read More: Dawn Staley And South Carolina’s Final Four Run Makes SEC History
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
