The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: South Carolina defeats UConn to advance to national championship

South Carolina defeated UConn on Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to advance to the national championship. The win snaps the Huskies' 54-game win streak dating back to last season.

Freshman guard Agot Makeer and sophomore forward Joyce Edwards embrace after defeating UConn in the semifinals of the NCAA Championship Tournament on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks will face off against the winner of the game between UCLA and Texas on April 5, 2026.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer and sophomore forward Joyce Edwards embrace after defeating UConn in the semifinals of the NCAA Championship Tournament on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks will face off against the winner of the game between UCLA and Texas on April 5, 2026.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson passes the ball during the game against UConn at the March Madness semifinals on April 3, 2026. Latson had the most rebounds on the team, with 11 total.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson passes the ball during the game against UConn at the March Madness semifinals on April 3, 2026. Latson had the most rebounds on the team, with 11 total.
The South Carolina women's basketball team runs out onto the court before the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks had not faced the Huskies since their championship loss in 2025.
The South Carolina women's basketball team runs out onto the court before the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks had not faced the Huskies since their championship loss in 2025.
Senior guard Raven Johnson reaches for the ball during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Johnson scored only 2 points but had two steals and four rebounds.
Senior guard Raven Johnson reaches for the ball during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Johnson scored only 2 points but had two steals and four rebounds.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer dribbles the ball while guarded by a UConn defender during the semifinal game on April 3, 2026. Makeer made four rebounds and scored two 3-pointers.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer dribbles the ball while guarded by a UConn defender during the semifinal game on April 3, 2026. Makeer made four rebounds and scored two 3-pointers.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards maneuvers around sophomore forward Sarah Strong during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Edwards scored 11 points just behind Strong's 12.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards maneuvers around sophomore forward Sarah Strong during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Edwards scored 11 points just behind Strong's 12.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards trips while fouled by graduate guard Azzi Fudd during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Edwards shot 5-14 and made eight rebounds.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards trips while fouled by graduate guard Azzi Fudd during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Edwards shot 5-14 and made eight rebounds.
South Carolina mascot Cocky hypes up the band during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Huskies 62-48.
South Carolina mascot Cocky hypes up the band during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Huskies 62-48.
Gamecock fans celebrate during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks avenged their loss to the Huskies in the previous March Madness championships.
Gamecock fans celebrate during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. The Gamecocks avenged their loss to the Huskies in the previous March Madness championships.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson shoots a layup during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Latson scored 16 points, the most of the team.
Senior guard Ta'Niya Latson shoots a layup during the semifinal game against UConn on April 3, 2026. Latson scored 16 points, the most of the team.