The women’s basketball community was shocked on Sunday when the defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks were defeated by the UCLA Bruins.
Although the No. 5 ranked UCLA team has a strong roster with WNBA-caliber players, it was unexpected for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks squad (who had a 43-game winning streak) to lose.
Fans are now wondering if the Gamecocks’ lack of an elite center this season contributed to their defeat, especially with Bruins center Lauren Betts dominating in the paint.
In past seasons, South Carolina had top centers like Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston, both WNBA draft picks.
Boston, a former Gamecock, seemed unfazed by the loss as seen in her exchange with her WNBA teammate Erica Wheeler on social media.
Don’t nobody say nothing to @aa_boston !
I gotcha back sistaaaaa girl! I pic.twitter.com/82SxcBhJVh
— Erica Wheeler (@EWeezy_For3eezy) November 24, 2024
Boston responded confidently to Wheeler’s support, reminiscing about when a similar upset led to a national championship win for South Carolina.
Ain’t nothing to say to me😂😂 last time someone like this happened we won a natty🤷🏽♀️ everything for a reason
— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) November 24, 2024
Boston’s reference to past seasons shows her optimism and belief in her team’s ability to overcome adversity and succeed.
