“I think we’re starting to connect,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after her team delivered a commanding performance against USC, defeating them 101-61 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The victory not only showcased South Carolina’s dominance but also marked their 12th consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16. Joyce Edwards was a standout player, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Madina Okot contributed significantly with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds. This performance underlines the Gamecocks’ strong position as they advance further in the tournament.
USC, under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, faced a challenging game from the outset. The Gamecocks opened with a 13-0 run, setting the tone for the match. Despite USC’s efforts, including a team-high 20 points from Londynn Jones, they struggled to maintain control and were forced into a season-high 27 turnovers by South Carolina’s aggressive defense.
Gottlieb reflected on the match, 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 comment highlights the difficulties USC faced, particularly in maintaining composure against a formidable opponent.
USC’s performance was marked by their ability to hit 12 three-pointers at a shooting percentage of 48.0% from beyond the arc, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The loss represents USC’s largest margin of defeat in NCAA Tournament history, surpassing their previous record of 40 points set in 2006 against Duke.
Despite the setback, USC’s season record stands at 18-14, a notable achievement under Gottlieb’s leadership. However, the team has now lost six of their last eight games, raising questions about their performance going forward.
As for South Carolina, they are looking ahead to their next challenge. Raven Johnson, a key player for the Gamecocks, expressed her focus on future goals, stating, “I’m worried about winning a national championship.” This determination reflects the team’s ambitions as they prepare to face Oklahoma in the Sweet 16.
Agot Makeeer, another player for South Carolina, added, “It is really special and I think it’s going to be exciting going forward.” With their current momentum, the Gamecocks seem poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming rounds of the tournament.