CLEMSON, S.C. — The No. 1-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks have once again etched their name in history by achieving a remarkable milestone. With a decisive 77-45 victory over their long-time rivals, the Clemson Tigers, the Gamecocks secured their record-breaking 43rd consecutive win. This streak surpasses their previous record, which had begun during the 2022 NCAA Tournament and extended through the following year’s Final Four.
Te-Hina Paopao, who led her team with 13 points in the game, humorously commented on the program record, expressing her excitement. Paopao, who transferred from Oregon and contributed to last season’s undefeated national championship run, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We’ve just got to take one game at a time,” she said, acknowledging that each opponent brings their best performance. “It’s crucial to stay grounded and not get distracted by external chatter.”
Currently, the focus for the reigning champions is on repeating their success. The Gamecocks have opened their season with a perfect 5-0 record, including a significant win against Big Ten powerhouse Michigan in Las Vegas, followed closely by a triumph over then-ninth-ranked N.C. State.
Dawn Staley, the head coach, remains mostly focused on upcoming challenges rather than dwelling on the ongoing streak. She expressed pride that her players have managed to bounce back after a 42-game winning streak was snapped, emphasizing that they have now claimed victory in 85 out of their last 86 outings, with a single defeat coming against Iowa during a memorable national semifinal in 2023.
Reflecting on the back-to-back successful streaks, Staley remarked, “Having two sets of impressive runs is something special,” highlighting the commitment her players have towards their team and coaching staff. “This achievement reflects a dedication to one another, and it brings about moments that are significant in our program’s history.”
Looking ahead, Staley acknowledges that the Gamecocks face tough competition in the coming weeks. Their next match will see them on the road against No. 5 UCLA, followed by games against No. 8 Iowa State, No. 14 Duke, and No. 19 TCU. “The season is in full swing, and we have a major game approaching soon,” she noted. “There’s a 24-hour rule—after celebrating this win, it’s time to refocus.”
This season has already seen the Gamecocks achieve several milestones, including reaching their 60th consecutive win at home, a streak that began in December 2020, which they extended to 61 with a commanding 95-44 victory over East Carolina. Their latest win against Clemson marked their 14th straight win in the series, further solidifying their dominance.
Senior player Bree Hall, who boasts two national titles, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment but also reiterated the need to remain focused on future challenges. “It feels great, but we’ve discussed this before; our main priority is to concentrate on our upcoming games,” she said.