“Dawn Staley has always been a class act”: College hoops fans shower love on South Carolina HC after UCLA appreciation

Dawn Staley and the then-No. 1-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks saw their 43-game win streak snapped by then-No. 5-ranked UCLA on Sunday, going down 77-62. While Staley was disappointed in the result, she had nothing but praise for their opponents during the postgame press conference.

"That was beautiful basketball by UCLA, beautiful, on both sides," Staley said. "I'm on the opposite side of it, but you can't help but to love up on it 'cause it was fluid on both sides of the ball.

"They wanted it. I thought our kids fought, but we ran into a buzzsaw today."

Fans noticed Staley's humility and many took to X to show her some love.

"Gracious (when) she wins. gracious when she loses (which is rare)," one fan commented.

"Love her! Speak the truth even if it hurts that your team got beat. UCLA played well (and) they should be applauded," another fan commented.

"Pure classic Coach... Pure class!" a fan wrote.

Screenshots via X (image credits: x/mattdowelltv)

The Gamecocks started the season 5-0 before falling to the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. Despite the loss, Staley gave UCLA the flowers it deserved. Fans continued to shower Staley with love after seeing how gracious she was in defeat.

"A loss is just a building block to become stronger. Dawn Staley's record speaks for itself. She is one of the best coaches of all time!" a fan commented.

"One reason, of millions, she is the GOAT," one fan wrote.

"@dawnstaley is a gem! Such an inspiration to us all!" another fan said.

Screenshots via X (image credit: x/mattdowelltv)

Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks' win streak snapped by the Bruins

After losing to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four of the 2023 NCAA tournament, Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks went on a tear and won every game during the 2023-24 season and carried that form into this campaign. That was before they met UCLA on Sunday.

South Carolina's offense never got going on the night, only shooting 24 of 66 for 36.4%. Conversely, UCLA shot 47.5%, including 10 of 21 from 3-point range.

The Gamecocks will look to get back to their winning ways on Thursday when they take on Iowa State at the Fort Myers Tipoff.