As South Carolina's women's basketball team gears up for its third straight NCAA Tournament championship game, all eyes are on the highly anticipated clash against UCLA. This encounter marks another chapter in the competitive rivalry between two of the sport's most respected figures: South Carolina's head coach Dawn Staley and UCLA's head coach Cori Close. Their teams are set to face off in Phoenix, promising a thrilling contest between two top-seeded programs.
Dawn Staley boasts an impressive track record against Cori Close, holding a dominant 4-1 record in their previous five encounters. Their first meeting in November 2015 saw Staley's No. 2 Gamecocks narrowly defeat UCLA 68-65. The following season, South Carolina secured another victory, overcoming No. 9 UCLA with a 66-57 score, despite a program-low six points in the first quarter. This particular game also featured an exceptional performance from UCLA's Monique Billings, who recorded 22 rebounds, tying a program record. The Gamecocks continued their winning streak against UCLA in the 2022-23 season, securing two more victories, including a decisive 59-43 win in the NCAA Sweet 16. However, UCLA finally broke South Carolina's dominance in November 2024, with No. 5 UCLA defeating No. 1 South Carolina 77-62.
The rivalry between the two programs predates the tenures of Staley and Close, with their first recorded game taking place in January 1981. In that initial encounter, the No. 10 Gamecocks defeated the Bruins 86-81. Despite the on-court victory, the result was later nullified due to an academic eligibility issue with a South Carolina player. Nonetheless, individual player statistics from that game, such as Sheila Foster's 22 rebounds and the team's 57 second-half points, remain etched in the program's record books, underscoring the historical depth of this competitive matchup.
The continuous pursuit of excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship embodied by these teams and their coaches serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of collegiate athletics. Their commitment to skill, strategic play, and intense competition not only entertains but also inspires, showcasing the very best of women's basketball.
