#beatuconn

Now, this wasn't just any televised game, it was the gold standard of the sport, top-ranked Tennessee, hitting the road to -- Connecticut? -- to take on the UConn Huskies, ranked second.

Of note is that both teams were undefeated, which, to the casual observer, well, Tennessee being undefeated was no big shock, we as Gamecock fans knew that from our SEC membership, but UConn? Who knew?

Led by a junior named Rebecca Lobo, the UConn women knocked off Tennessee by a score of 77-66. This is significant because I feel like that moment was UConn's coronation as royalty for the women's game. I would also point to that moment as when the nation began to truly pay attention.

That UConn squad would go on undefeated, winning the national championship by beating that same Lady Vols team in the national championship game. For the first time ever, there was, best as I can remember a palatable buzz surrounding the women's national championship, given that it was a rematch of the marquee game earlier in the season.

Fast forward to 2015.

After 1995's title, UConn won eight more. Sure, Tennessee won five more themselves, but, the crown was on the head of the Huskies. There were incredible winning streaks in that time. That same Rebecca Lobo is now a commentator for ESPN calling women's hoops.

So, we reach tonight. The top-ranked team in America travels to Gampel Pavilion to take on UConn. Now, that top-ranked team is the University of South Carolina.

Could this be the coronation moment for a new queen of women's hoops?

Geno Auriemma was still for that breakthrough moment when he took on Pat Summitt. Now, Auriemma is the king of the hill, and Dawn Staley I see as being that coach looking to have that breakthrough moment.

This season has been one to remember thus far for the Gamecock Nation. Perhaps the best indication is that the fan base is at fever-pitch -- after all, I'm writing about women's basketball here -- for a program that was being outdrawn by high school teams at the time Staley took over.