Slept On: When Mississippi State Ended UConn’s 111 Game Winning Streak

On March 31, 2017, in a game that would go down in history as one of the most monumental upsets in NCAA women’s basketball, the Mississippi State Bulldogs shocked the sports world by ending the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) 111-game winning streak in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. This game not only represented a fierce battle between two top programs in women’s college basketball but also marked the emergence of Mississippi State as a national powerhouse. For UConn, it was an unexpected and painful end to an era, while for Mississippi State, it was the start of something special.

The Setting: A Historic Streak on the Line

UConn, led by the legendary Geno Auriemma, had dominated women’s college basketball for years. By the time they faced Mississippi State in the 2017 Final Four, the Huskies had won 111 consecutive games, a streak that spanned over four seasons. The Huskies were the defending national champions and had won a record-setting 10 NCAA titles under Auriemma’s guidance. With stars like Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck leading the charge, UConn had been practically untouchable. The team was on the brink of history, poised to make it 112 straight wins and advance to another championship game.

On the other side, Mississippi State, led by head coach Vic Schaefer, was a team steadily climbing the ranks of women’s basketball. While they were formidable, few expected them to be the team that would end UConn’s dominant streak. The Bulldogs had their stars, including the dynamic Victoria Vivians, the tenacious Morgan William, and the skilled Teaira McCowan. Mississippi State had already defeated top teams like Baylor and Louisville on their way to the Final Four, but they still had to overcome the Goliath of women’s basketball to reach the title game.

A Game for the Ages

The game itself was a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster, filled with tension, drama, and incredible plays from both teams. From the opening tip, it was clear that Mississippi State was not intimidated by UConn’s pedigree. Despite UConn’s early run and dominant play in the first half, the Bulldogs remained resilient, battling back to keep the game close.

Mississippi State’s defense was exceptional, managing to stifle UConn’s offense with intensity and pressure that the Huskies hadn’t faced in recent memory. As the game wore on, the Bulldogs’ confidence grew, especially as they found their rhythm on offense. The star of the game was Morgan William, who was playing with a level of poise and confidence that belied her youth. William would go on to make one of the most iconic plays in NCAA history.

With just seconds remaining in overtime and the game tied at 64, Morgan William, with ice in her veins, dribbled down the court and delivered a buzzer-beating jumper that sent the Mississippi State bench into wild celebration. The shot capped off a 66-64 victory, sending shockwaves through the sports world. UConn’s 111-game winning streak was over, and Mississippi State had done the unthinkable.

The Aftermath: A New Era in Women’s Basketball

The victory was a turning point in women’s college basketball. UConn’s reign of dominance had come to a stunning end, and Mississippi State’s triumph proved that the playing field had leveled. The Bulldogs, in just a few short years under Coach Schaefer, had become a program that could not only compete with the best but also take them down when it mattered most.

The win also sent Mississippi State into the national championship game, where they would face another powerhouse, South Carolina, coached by Dawn Staley. While Mississippi State ultimately fell to South Carolina in the championship game, their victory over UConn in the Final Four would become a defining moment for the program and an unforgettable moment in NCAA history.

For UConn, the loss was a bitter disappointment. The Huskies, who had been the epitome of excellence in women’s college basketball, now had to face the reality that their streak had come to an end. However, Geno Auriemma’s program remained strong, and the team would continue to compete for national titles in the years to come.

Legacy and Impact

Mississippi State’s victory over UConn in 2017 was more than just an upset; it was a statement. It showed that even the most dominant teams could be toppled, and it proved that there was a new wave of talent and determination emerging in women’s college basketball. The Bulldogs’ success in that tournament marked the beginning of a new era for the program, one that would continue to thrive in the years following their historic run to the championship game.

The game also underscored the unpredictable beauty of sports. While UConn’s dominance seemed invincible, Mississippi State’s resilience and determination reminded fans and players alike that anything was possible on the court. It also showcased the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the power of belief, as Coach Schaefer’s squad displayed all of those qualities in their remarkable victory.

In the end, Mississippi State’s triumph over UConn in 2017 was not just a game—it was a defining moment in the history of NCAA women’s basketball. It ended an era, but it also opened the door for new possibilities, setting the stage for the future of the sport and inspiring a new generation of players and fans.

Author administrator Corinne Ellington