COLUMBIA − UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said this season's South Carolina team is much different than previous teams he has faced, following the No. 9 Huskies' 83-65 loss to the No. 1 Gamecocks on Sunday.

Auriemma, who has been the coach of UConn since 1985 and has won 1,200 games and 11 national titles, complimented the pressure the Gamecocks' defense plays with.

"Their style of play is different, not just their depth is different, but their style of play is different," Auriemma said. "They're able to keep the pressure on because they can bring more bodies off the bench."

South Carolina's defense was impressive in its win over UConn (20-5). Coach Dawn Staley's team held UConn to its second-lowest point total this season. The Gamecocks (23-0) also held the Huskies to 36% field-goal shooting and 30% from 3-point range.

UCONN AND SOUTH CAROLINA RENEW SERIES: UConn, South Carolina women's basketball to extend series. Gamecocks will host in 2024-25.

South Carolina also did it without one of its top defensive players, Kamilla Cardoso, who has missed two games to play for the Brazilian national team in an Olympic qualifying tournament. In her absence, forward Ashlyn Watkins blocked three shots and the Gamecocks recorded eight steals.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: UConn coach Geno Auriemma said South Carolina better than last season