What observers say
“I think we’re starting to connect,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after her team’s impressive 101-61 victory over USC in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks’ performance was nothing short of dominant, as they opened the game with a staggering 13-0 run, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Joyce Edwards was a standout player, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, showcasing her ability to lead the team. Madina Okot also made a significant impact, recording a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. The Gamecocks’ defense was relentless, forcing USC to commit a season-high 27 turnovers, which proved to be a crucial factor in the game’s outcome.
USC’s head coach Lindsay Gottlieb reflected on the loss, 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 defeat marks a low point for USC, whose season record now stands at 18-14 under Gottlieb’s leadership. The Trojans have struggled recently, losing five of their last six games.
Despite the defeat, USC’s Londynn Jones led her team with 20 points, and Jazzy Davidson contributed 16 points, though she struggled with her shooting, hitting only five of 15 attempts. USC managed to hit 12 three-pointers at a 48.0% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, but it was not enough to overcome South Carolina’s overwhelming performance.
The loss is particularly significant for USC, as it marks their largest margin of defeat in NCAA Tournament history, surpassing an 85-51 loss to Duke in 2006. The Trojans now hold a 36-18 all-time record in NCAA Tournament games, a statistic that highlights their historical competitiveness.
On the other hand, South Carolina’s victory propels them into the Sweet 16 for the 12th consecutive time, a testament to their consistent excellence in the tournament. Raven Johnson, a key player for the Gamecocks, expressed her ambitions, stating, “I’m worried about winning a national championship.” This sentiment reflects the team’s aspirations as they move forward in the tournament.
As South Carolina prepares to face Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, the excitement surrounding the team continues to build. Agot Makeeer, another standout player, noted, “It is really special and I think it’s going to be exciting going forward.” The Gamecocks are poised for a deep run in the tournament, and their recent performance against USC has only added to their momentum.
