What observers say
“I think we’re starting to connect,” remarked South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after her team’s emphatic 101-61 victory over USC in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This statement not only reflects the current momentum of the Gamecocks but also underscores their strategic growth as they advance deeper into the tournament.
The game, held at the Colonial Life Arena, was a showcase of South Carolina’s basketball prowess. They opened with a staggering 13-0 run, setting the tone for a match that would see them dominate throughout. Joyce Edwards led the charge with an impressive 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Madina Okot contributed significantly with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds.
USC, under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, faced a harsh reality as they struggled to maintain possession, committing a season-high 27 turnovers. Gottlieb acknowledged the challenges, stating, “You know, you can lose and you can not necessarily be as good as a team, but I thought we were conceding some things.” This admission highlights the difficulties faced by USC, who have now lost five of their last six games.
Despite the setback, USC’s Londynn Jones managed to lead her team with 20 points, showcasing her individual talent amidst the chaos. The Trojans did manage to hit 12 three-pointers at a 48.0% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, but it was not enough to counter South Carolina’s relentless offense and defensive pressure.
The defeat marks USC’s largest margin of loss in NCAA Tournament history, surpassing a previous 40-point defeat to Duke in 2006. With this loss, USC’s all-time NCAA Tournament record now stands at 36-18, a stark contrast to South Carolina’s continued success, which has seen them advance to their 12th consecutive Sweet 16.
As the Gamecocks look ahead, they are set to face Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, a matchup that promises to be another test of their championship aspirations. Raven Johnson, a key player for South Carolina, expressed her focus, saying, “I’m worried about winning a national championship.” This determination reflects the high stakes and expectations surrounding the program.
With the season record now at 18-14 for USC, the future remains uncertain as they regroup and reflect on their performance. The challenges they faced against South Carolina serve as a learning experience, one that they will need to address moving forward.
