South Carolina and Texas both have championship pedigree, both teams made the Elite Eight last year, with South Carolina winning the whole thing by beating Iowa. Texas lost to #3 NC State last year by ten points. In today’s Matchup against the Longhorns, South Carolina proved why they were picked to repeat as champs. again this year. South Carolina’s defense, and hot shooting were why Texas couldn’t get much going offensively or defensively.
Pre-season All-American guard Madison Booker was limited to seven points on 3-19 shooting for the Longhorns. She came into today’s game averaging 15.3 points per game.
The Gamecocks allowed the Longhorns to shoot a dreadful 27.8% from the field, while the Gamecocks shot 71% in the first half, and 51% for the game. South Carolina would win this battle of two top-five teams 67-50. It was South Carolina’s 11th straight win in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,000 at Colonial Life Arena.
The Gamecocks improve to 16-1 4-0 in the SEC Conference, only losing to #5 UCLA. Looks like South Carolina will have a good chance of winning their 9th SEC Conference Championship. South Carolina will have to go the rest of the season without talented Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins, she’s out for the year with a torn ACL that happened last Sunday against Mississippi State.
Key Contributors: Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts Fuel South Carolina’s Dominance
Senior Te-Hina Paopao had 11 points and four rebounds, shooting 4-5 from the floor. Chloe Kitts had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Joyce Edwards led all bench scorers with 10 points. Sania Feagin had a great all-around game, scoring 8 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking a career-high 6 shots. Raven Johnson chipped in nicely with 8 points and 10 rebounds.
Key Takeaways
Texas: Despite getting outrebounded 42-40 Kyla Oldacare was a force inside with nine rebounds in the first six minutes before picking up her second foul late in the first quarter. Texas can crash the offensive boards, leading in that category 20-6.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks won despite 22 turnovers, and gave up 20 offensive rebounds. It was their shooting and defense that bailed them out.
What’s Next? South Carolina Faces #18 Alabama
South Carolina will face another ranked team the Alabama Crimson Tide. They are led by Senior guard Zaay Green, averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Alabama’s not a highly potent offense, but they can still bring challenges to this South Carolina team. They have four players averaging more than ten points per game, and their guards can body you up and present a physical brand of basketball.
Texas’ Road to Redemption: Can They Overcome the Loss and Conquer Auburn?
Texas gets Auburn on the road next, The Tigers have lost five games in a row after losing to 15th-ranked Kentucky. Auburn has been riddled by injuries this year. Key transfer and five-star prospect Taliah Scott missed her 12th straight game against Kentucky. She averages 20.3 points per game and was shooting 50% from three-point range. She could return Thursday to face Texas.
Auburn also missed Kaitlyn Duhon, who hasn’t played since Nov 30th and has reportedly left the program. Taylen Collins, Syriah Daniels, and Celia Sumbane have been nursing injuries but are back playing with the team.
If Texas can play defense like they have for most of the year Auburn will have a tough time scoring the basketball, especially if Scott is still out. Look for Madison Booker to have a bounce-back game, Texas will likely get the victory on the road against Texas.
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