With just two weeks remaining until March, the top 10 matchup between South Carolina and UConn could not come at a better time. Both teams have bounced back from losses earlier this month, but both coaches see this specific game as the perfect test for their squads.

South Carolina has won the four most recent meetings, but UConn leads their series 9-5 since 2007. This is a must-watch matchup every season because of the history behind both programs. South Carolina is considered a budding dynasty under Dawn Staley with three national titles since 2017. Meanwhile, Geno Auriemma turned UConn into the original dynasty as the winningest program in college basketball with 11 national titles.

Staley remarked, “I think we built our program based on the standard. UConn is [and] was the standard in our sport. If you play them long enough, you’ll figure out some nuances to help you win. If you can beat UConn, you can beat anybody.”

The Gamecocks are taking a break from SEC competition to face the Huskies, who dominate the Big East. This will be the 12th consecutive season the teams face each other. Staley emphasized the importance of facing UConn annually.

Auriemma added, “I mean, you play these games for a reason, right? You play because they’re high-profile games. You know you’re going to get tested.”

The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.