“I think we’re starting to connect,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after her team’s impressive 101-61 victory over the USC Trojans in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks showcased their dominance at the Colonial Life Arena, marking a significant milestone in their quest for another national title.
South Carolina opened the game with a commanding 13-0 run, setting the tone for the match. The Gamecocks’ performance was highlighted by Joyce Edwards, who scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Madina Okot, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. This victory not only secured their place in the Sweet 16 but also extended their streak to 12 consecutive appearances in this round of the tournament.
USC, under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, faced a challenging game, struggling to maintain possession as South Carolina forced them into a season-high 27 turnovers. Despite the loss, USC’s Londynn Jones led her team with 20 points, while Jazzy Davidson added 16 points but faced difficulties, hitting only five of her 15 attempts. The Trojans’ shooting from beyond the arc was notable, as they made 12 three-pointers at a 48.0% shooting percentage, but it was not enough to overcome the Gamecocks’ relentless offense.
USC’s defeat marked their largest margin of loss in NCAA Tournament history, surpassing a previous 40-point loss to Duke in 2006. With this game, USC’s all-time record in NCAA Tournament games now stands at 36-18, while their current season record is 18-14.
Reflecting on the game, Gottlieb remarked, “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 statement underscores the challenges faced by the Trojans, who have now lost five of their last six games.
As the Gamecocks look ahead, they are focused on their next challenge. “I’m worried about winning a national championship,” said Raven Johnson, emphasizing the team’s aspirations. South Carolina is set to face Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, a matchup that promises to be competitive.
Agot Makeeer, another standout for South Carolina, expressed excitement about the team’s future, stating, “It is really special and I think it’s going to be exciting going forward.” With a strong roster and momentum on their side, the Gamecocks appear poised for a deep run in the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt and respond to the outcomes of this pivotal matchup.
