One Weekend, Two Shocking Upsets: UCLA and Notre Dame Shake Up Women’s College Basketball
What a weekend it was in Los Angeles! Four of the best women’s college basketball teams in the nation collided, and the results were nothing short of jaw-dropping. Two massive upsets, a historic streak snapped, and a whole lot of drama left fans buzzing. Let’s break it all down.
First, on Saturday, No. 6 Notre Dame stunned third-ranked USC with a commanding 74-61 victory at the Galen Center. But the real fireworks came on Sunday at Pauley Pavilion, where No. 5 UCLA pulled off the unthinkable, taking down No. 1 South Carolina 78-57. The Bruins didn’t just win—they ended the Gamecocks’ incredible 43-game winning streak, a run that dated back to March 31, 2023, when South Carolina fell to Iowa in the national semifinals.
Let’s dive into the details of UCLA’s monumental win, what it means for both teams, and how it could shake up the rankings.
How UCLA Knocked Off the Defending Champs
UCLA (5-0) came into Sunday’s game with a daunting stat hanging over their heads: they were 0-20 all-time against teams ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll. But the Bruins didn’t just rewrite history—they dominated. By halftime, UCLA had built a stunning 21-point lead over South Carolina (5-1), and while the second half was more evenly matched, the Gamecocks never came close to closing the gap.
So, what went right for UCLA? Pretty much everything. The Bruins controlled the boards, out-rebounding South Carolina 41-34. They also shut down the Gamecocks’ inside game, holding starting forwards Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin to just six points combined on 3-of-11 shooting. Even South Carolina’s bench forwards, Ashlyn Watkins and Joyce Edwards, couldn’t get much going, shooting 6-of-16 for 14 points.
Defensively, UCLA was a wall. Center Lauren Betts was a force with four blocks, and her presence altered countless other shots. Offensively, the Bruins spread the wealth, with five players scoring in double figures. Guard Londynn Jones led the way with 15 points, hitting all five of her three-point attempts. Talk about clutch!
What This Win Means for UCLA
After the game, Betts made it clear: “No one should be sleeping on UCLA.” And she’s absolutely right. The Bruins have been on everyone’s radar this season, with many experts predicting a Final Four appearance. But beating the defending champs on national TV? That’s a whole new level of validation.
Coach Cori Close emphasized that it’s still early in the season, but this win sends a loud and clear message: UCLA is for real. The Bruins showcased their depth, chemistry, and toughness, proving they can hang with—and beat—the best of the best. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
What Went Wrong for South Carolina?
For the Gamecocks, Sunday’s loss exposed some glaring issues. Their offense is still a work in progress, and that uncertainty was a major liability against a team as disciplined as UCLA. South Carolina’s leading scorer this season, Kitts, was held to just two points on 1-of-7 shooting. Guard Te-Hina Paopao was the lone bright spot among the starters, scoring 18 points and going 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. But beyond her, the Gamecocks struggled to find consistent production.
South Carolina is also feeling the absence of former star center Kamilla Cardoso, who was a go-to option last season. Without her, the Gamecocks lack a reliable interior presence, and it showed on Sunday. Watkins, who recently returned from suspension, is still finding her rhythm, and the team as a whole is clearly still adjusting.
Can South Carolina Bounce Back?
Absolutely. November losses are often more about learning than anything else, and South Carolina has plenty of time to regroup. Let’s not forget, the Gamecocks nearly stumbled in their season opener against Michigan, escaping with a 68-62 win. These early-season struggles could serve as valuable lessons down the road.
South Carolina still has a loaded roster and one of the best coaches in the game. But for now, they’ll need to address their interior weaknesses and find more consistent scoring options if they want to defend their title in 2025.
What’s Next for the Rankings?
With South Carolina’s loss and Notre Dame’s win over USC, the top five in Monday’s Associated Press poll is bound to look very different. Will No. 2 UConn take over the top spot, or will UCLA’s statement win catapult them to No. 1?
Here’s my prediction for the new top five:
- 1. UCLA
- 2. UConn
- 3. Notre Dame
- 4. South Carolina
- 5. Texas
Texas might drop a spot despite being undefeated, simply because they haven’t faced a ranked opponent yet. But the Longhorns will have their chance to prove themselves on Dec. 5 when they take on Notre Dame. Mark your calendars!
One thing’s for sure: this weekend shook up the women’s college basketball landscape, and the season is just getting started. Buckle up, folks—it’s going to be a wild ride!
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
