Panini NIL: UConn Basketball ends South Carolina’s 71-Game Streak

Written by: Kara Gates

In a stunning performance on the afternoon of February 16, the UConn Huskies proved they’re still a powerhouse in college hoops with a dominant 87-58 victory over the defending national champions, South Carolina. The decisive win snapped the Gamecocks’ historic 71-game home winning streak and sent a strong message to the basketball world about the Huskies’ title potential this season.

UConn arrived in Columbia with something to prove. After recent losses to high-ranking teams like Notre Dame, USC and Tennessee, the Huskies were hungry for a win against a top squad.  From the opening whistle, UConn led the game and built a commanding 45-23 lead by the break, marking South Carolina’s largest halftime deficit since 2019.

Azzi Fudd was the star of the game, scoring a match-high 28 points, including 18 during an explosive third quarter. Her performance was a powerful statement of her return to form. Head coach Geno Auriemma praised Fudd’s ability to step up. “For her to have the kind of game she had, this was big,” he said.

UConn’s victory wasn’t just about offensive firepower — it was a complete team effort. The Huskies dominated the glass by out-rebounding the Gamecocks, 48-29, and excelled in transition by scoring 31 fast-break points to South Carolina’s 12.

The victory also underlined the growth of UConn’s overall game, showing an ability to adjust and dominate on both ends of the floor. The Huskies’ defense was suffocating, forcing South Carolina into uncomfortable positions and limiting offensive production, particularly from beyond the arc. Their ability to handle South Carolina’s size and strength in the paint was another significant part of their success.

Want to celebrate the Huskies’ win? Check out some of the ladies’ Panini cards. Star senior Paige Bueckers earned a Panini Instant card for her double-double effort, and you can also pick up some exclusive cards from UConn stars like Azzi Fudd, Kaitlyn Chen and more through the NIL portal.