Redemption on the Biggest Stage: South Carolina Defeats UConn 64-49 in 2022 NCAA Championship Final
The 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship was more than just a title game—it was a story of redemption, resilience, and rivalry. The South Carolina Gamecocks clinched their second national championship on April 3, 2022, by defeating the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies 64-49. This monumental victory not only gave head coach Dawn Staley her second NCAA title but also marked a powerful comeback from an earlier season loss to the same opponent.
The two teams had met just once before in an NCAA final—the 2022 showdown. South Carolina’s dominant performance in that game remains a defining moment in the program’s history, as they handed UConn their first-ever loss in a national championship game. But that victory didn’t come without drama and motivation. Earlier that season, the Huskies had stormed into Columbia and snapped South Carolina’s 71-game home win streak with a decisive 87-58 win. That regular season loss lit a fire under the Gamecocks, who would go on to make history on the national stage.
A Tale of Two Games: From Regular Season Blowout to Championship Glory
When UConn defeated South Carolina by 29 points during the regular season, it sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world. The loss was not just a blemish on an otherwise stellar season—it was a humbling moment for a team that had become accustomed to dominance. South Carolina’s 71-game win streak at Colonial Life Arena had become a symbol of their consistency and power. UConn’s explosive offense and suffocating defense exposed vulnerabilities that needed urgent attention.
However, rather than sulk, the Gamecocks regrouped. Coach Staley and her staff used the loss as a teaching moment, sharpening the team’s focus and commitment to the defensive end of the floor. It was this renewed sense of purpose that ultimately propelled them through the NCAA tournament and into the final, where fate brought them back face-to-face with the Huskies.
Game Recap: South Carolina's Stifling Defense Controls the Game
From the opening tip of the 2022 NCAA final, South Carolina asserted their dominance. Aliyah Boston, the team’s star forward and Naismith Player of the Year, was unstoppable in the paint. She set the tone early with her physicality, rebounding, and scoring ability, finishing the game with a double-double—11 points and a staggering 16 rebounds.
South Carolina out-rebounded UConn 49-24, including 21 offensive boards that led to multiple second-chance points. Their defense was suffocating, holding UConn to just 49 points—well below their season average. The Gamecocks controlled the tempo, slowed down the Huskies' fast-paced offense, and forced them into tough, contested shots.
UConn star Paige Bueckers, while showing flashes of brilliance, was never able to get into a rhythm. She finished with 14 points but had to fight for every bucket. South Carolina's length and athleticism on the perimeter made it difficult for UConn’s guards to initiate their offense, and the Huskies’ lack of depth was exposed as the Gamecocks wore them down physically.
Aliyah Boston: A Symbol of Redemption
Aliyah Boston’s performance in the 2022 championship game was especially significant given her heartbreak in the 2021 Final Four, where she missed a last-second putback that would have sent South Carolina to the title game. Her tears on the court that night became one of the lasting images of the tournament.
Fast forward to 2022, and Boston stood tall—both figuratively and literally. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, a fitting tribute to a player who had carried her team with grace, power, and an unshakable will. Her ability to dominate both ends of the floor was the difference-maker in the championship game.
Boston’s presence in the paint was not just about her scoring. Her defensive IQ, ability to alter shots, and rebounding prowess neutralized UConn’s interior game. She set the tone for South Carolina’s defensive identity and elevated her team to championship status.
Dawn Staley: A Coaching Masterclass
With the win, Coach Dawn Staley became the first Black head coach in Division I basketball—men’s or women’s—to win multiple national championships. Her leadership, poise, and ability to connect with her players have made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Staley’s game plan against UConn was masterful. She emphasized physical defense, rebounding, and disciplined offensive execution. Every player knew their role, and South Carolina’s depth gave them a major advantage. The Gamecocks’ bench outscored UConn’s reserves 17-6, and the contributions from players like Destanni Henderson, who led all scorers with 26 points, were critical.
Henderson’s performance was one of the most memorable aspects of the game. The senior guard was a steady hand throughout the season, and she saved her best for last. Her combination of speed, ball-handling, and shot-making kept UConn on their heels.
The Legacy of the 2022 Title Win
South Carolina’s 64-49 win over UConn in the 2022 NCAA final wasn’t just about winning a trophy—it was about solidifying a legacy. The Gamecocks proved that they belonged among the elite programs in women’s college basketball. With two national titles in six years, they’ve become a powerhouse under Staley’s leadership.
The victory also marked a shift in the balance of power. For decades, UConn has been the standard, winning 11 national championships under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. But South Carolina’s ability to beat the Huskies in the final—and do so convincingly—signaled that the gap is closing. A new era is dawning in women’s basketball, one where multiple programs can compete at the highest level.