The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team suffered its first defeat in 43 games on Sunday after a 77-62 loss to the UCLA Bruins. UCLA made it clear that they deserve the basketball world's respect and should be considered one of the country's top teams in what was a dominant win over the defending national champions.

Top-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball (5-1) experienced its first loss Sunday after 43 consecutive victories. Afterward, head coach Dawn Staley maintained a philosophical perspective.

A strong defensive effort helped No. 5 UCLA crush No. 1 South Carolina in a stunning 77-62 victory on Sunday, snapping the reigning national champions' 43-game winning streak. This marked UCLA's first win over an AP No. 1 team in program history.

South Carolina's 43-game win streak was snapped by UCLA, just weeks after Dawn Staley warned that every team on the schedule would be playing their best against the Gamecocks

South Carolina women's basketball hasn't improved its offense as of late, and for the second straight game, shot under 50% resulting in its first loss

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Just a few weeks before South Carolina began its campaign to defend its national title, fifth-year senior Te-Hina Paopao laughed and joked with teammates on the sideline during practice as coach Dawn Staley stood nearby and rattled off feedback to players conducting a full-court drill.

The three-time and defending national champion Gamecocks are headed to Baltimore next year. Three months after Coppin State women’s basketball coach Jermaine Woods jumped at a social media request from South Carolina’s legendary coach Dawn Staley, she returned the favor. Staley… pic.twitter.com/JndxVFFmi0

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