Even By UConn Standards, Women's 100th Hoop Win Was An Event

STORRS, CT — Even on a campus that is used to winning basketball, the University of Connecticut women winning their 100th consecutive game on Monday was an event.

"Gampel Pavilion was as loud last night as I've ever heard it," UConn Deputy Spokesman Tom Breen. "This was a game that people on campus have been talking about for weeks now, and this morning there are big smiles on everyone's face."

Top-ranked UConn reached win No. 100 in a row — an NCAA milestone — with a stifling second-half defensive effort and an 11-2 run to end the third quarter en route to a 66-55 win. It was a little closer than the an average 38.7-point margin of victory during the streak, but South Carolina came to Storrs ranked sixth at 21-2.

UConn is now 25-0 on the season.

Gabby Williams scored a career-high 26 points and Napheesa Collier added 18 and the Huskies held South Carolina to 29 percent shooting in the second half.

Past UConn greats Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Tina Charles and Breanna Stewart, who helped the Huskies to the first 75 wins of the streak. were at Gampel on Monday.

“They carried the torch across the finish line to 100,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “If it’s a relay, they took the last baton to 100. If we win a national championship it’s all theirs. I want to focus on trying to do that instead of worrying about the other stuff.”

The celebrations after were peaceful but enthusiastic, Breen said.

How soon might No. 101 come? The Huskies are slated to head to New Orleans for a contest against Tulane on Saturday. Game time is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be televised regionally on SNY.

Photo Credit: UConn Athletics