"Ruthless": College hoops fans react as A'ja Wilson relieved after UCLA snaps Dawn Staley's 43-game win streak
WNBA star and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson found a humorous silver lining after UCLA ended Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks’ 43-game win streak.
In a playful post on Threads, Wilson wrote:
"Glad I don’t have any UCLA teammates 🤣"
Wilson, the 2024 WNBA MVP, joked about how she wouldn't have to endure teasing from teammates, as no UCLA players are on the Aces roster. This lighthearted comment referred to a team tradition where players whose alma maters lost to South Carolina last season had to wear Gamecocks gear.
UCLA’s victory was historic, marking the first time the Bruins defeated a No. 1-ranked team. They controlled the game from the start, building a 21-point lead by halftime and eventually ending the 0-20 record against top-ranked opponents. Prior to this win, UCLA’s biggest victories were against No. 2 teams, Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008.
Wilson’s post received plenty of reactions on social media, with fans joining in on the banter.
"Right! Because the trash talk would be crazy! 😂😂😂," @permboxz joked.
"You are safe from the UCLA tunnel fits," added @marsb03.
"Right, but you could rock Blue and Gold," remarked @andrea.in.progress.
Instagram users chimed in as well:
"Ruthless! 😂," wrote @chanelnbrfive.
"Screaming at the fit list," @papidodds quipped.
"😂😂😂😂😂 love the camaraderie," added @jackiemurrayrx72.
UCLA ends South Carolina’s unbeaten streak with a dominant team performance
The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first loss since April 2023, halting a streak that began after their defeat to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.
The Bruins dominated key areas, outrebounding South Carolina 41-34—just the second time this season a team has achieved that against the Gamecocks. UCLA also outscored South Carolina 26-18 in the paint, an uncommon occurrence for a Dawn Staley-coached team. The presence of 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts gave UCLA the physicality needed to excel in these critical areas.
This victory marked UCLA’s first win in 21 attempts against an AP No. 1-ranked team and ended South Carolina’s streak of 33 consecutive true road wins dating back to 2021.
While A’ja Wilson humorously noted her relief at not having any UCLA teammates to tease her about her alma mater’s loss, the Gamecocks are already looking ahead to their next challenge against Iowa State on Thursday, November 28. UCLA will face UT Martin on Friday.