#1 UConn Defeats #2 S. Carolina, Passes Final Test.

Breanna Stewart Lifts UConn Past South Carolina (Sean Rayford)

Monday was the game we’ve all been waiting for, #1 UConn versus #2 South Carolina. Both teams came into the game undefeated and many believed this would be UConn’s last test before the Madness begins. Both teams have their star players; 3 time Most Outstanding Player Breanna Stewart and Point Guard of the Year Moriah Jefferson for UConn, SEC Freshman of the year A’ja Wilson and SEC Player of the Year Tiffany Mitchell for South Carolina.

South Carolina did everything right to prepare for this matchup with the Huskies. They were battle tested from game 1 with an unbelievably demanding nonleague schedule which then only got tougher once the Gamecocks went into SEC league play. They have beaten 3 defensive teams like Texas A&M and Mississippi State and they’ve beaten high scoring offenses like Ohio State and Kentucky. Their strength down low gives them a lot of close range shots leading them to the 11th best field goal percentage in the country.

UConn is a 3 time defending National Champion, have the best player in college basketball, possibly ever, on their team and have a depth of talent in their lineup and on their bench that is incredible. They know how to win big games and they have handle them with ease over the past 14 months, winning every game they’ve played by 10 points or more. When this season is over, we may be able to finally define this UConn team as the best team in the history of Women’s College Basketball.

All season we have said that in order to beat UConn, a team must: 1) Have size down low to compete with Stewart and Morgan Tuck. South Carolina has that size with their own duo of Alaina Coates and Wilson. This 2 on 2 had to be a key matchup in the game. 2) Limit turnovers. South Carolina is a respectable 43rd in the nation for fewest turnovers. 3) Shoot a ton of 3’s. Unfortunately this isn’t a strength for the Gamecocks as they only shoot 31.4% from beyond the arc, 150th in the nation.

Unfortunately Monday night, South Carolina wasn’t able to match UConn on the offensive end. At the end of the night South Carolina did its part to limit UConn to 66 points, making this a winnable game, but the Gamecocks were stifled by the Huskies defense. UConn took control of the game early in the first period. With the score tied 4-4 at the 8:17 mark, UConn scored the next 8 points and held USC to just 8 points in the first period, leading 17-8 after the 1st.

One of UConn’s strengths is the ability to battle in the paint with Tuck and Stewart, but they are very good at spreading the floor and hitting the three pointers as well. In the second period Jefferson, Nurse, and Stewart all hit from beyond the arc. This was definitely part of Head Coach Geno Auriemma’s game plan, opening the floor for what the Huskies would do in the second half. A’ja Wilson was doing everything she could in the second period to will the Gamecocks back into the game, scoring 7 points and a block before going to the ground grabbing her leg. Wilson would head to the locker room, everyone unsure if she would return. At the end of the 2nd period, UConn led 35-25.

Auriemma’s plan to open the floor in the second gave way to pounding the paint in the 3rd period. Tuck and Stewart traded shots in the paint, opening up the lead for the Huskies. Tuck had 8 points, Stewart had 6, and South Carolina could only manage 8 in the 3rd period with Wilson missing more than half of the period. Mitchell and Sarah Imovbioh scored 4 apiece, but the damage was done, UConn led after the 3rd period 54-33.

South Carolina made a strong showing in the 4th period outscoring UConn 21-12, but it wasn’t enough. Mitchell played a great period, with multiple rebounds, a steal, and a deep three pointer. UConn struggled to score early on, but it had the feel as if they were taking their time to reach the inevitable.

South Carolina did size up well with UConn down low, until Wilson went out. The Gamecocks had 15 turnovers and forced 13, so the turnover battle was close to even. However, USC showed the flaw in their perimeter game going 3-10 from three point land. Without the ability to stretch the defense, the defense can close down on Wilson and Coates like UConn did and slow them down. USC didn’t get enough support from other players either. Imovbioh was a surprise with 13 points off the bench, but Sessions and Coates were both 1 for 6 from the field for 4 and 2 points, respectively.

Looking ahead

UConn Women’s Basketball team has won 60 straight games. With only AAC conference games on their schedule, there is no doubt they will remain undefeated in the regular season and be the #1 seed in the tournament. UConn is on the road to history and behind the best player in the country, the question for UConn is who will be waiting in the National Championship game? I don’t believe it is a forgone conclusion that they will win it all, but it will take a great game from a great team to stop these Huskies.

Notre Dame and South Carolina will likely be the #1 seeds on the other side of the bracket, playing in the Final Four for the chance. Notre Dame lost by 10 to UConn in December, however the Fighting Irish were a depleted team at the time and if healthy, they may have the keys to beat the Huskies. We all know the history between Muffet McGraw and Auriemma and McGraw would love nothing more than to win the National Championship over this UConn team.

South Carolina heads back into SEC play Thursday when they host #16 Florida. Although they have gotten through most of the top 25 teams from the SEC on their schedule, as we have seen the SEC can be a dangerous place to play and any team can beat any other team. Heading on the road to Alabama and Ole Miss in two weeks could be a tough stretch for the Gamecocks. I believe the Gamecocks will have a long road in the tournament if they fall behind Notre Dame to the #3 overall seed. The #3 would have to face Notre Dame in the Final Four and previous to that, the #6 overall which at this time could be a Baylor, Texas or Maryland all very tough teams.

If UConn and Breanna Stewart win their fourth straight national title, there will be serious discussion as to whether they may be the best team and player of all time. If UConn does finish undefeated, I believe it shouldn’t be a question.

Follow Kyle Wescott on Twitter @MHSWescott