Columbia Sees Gamecock Women Secure Solid Win Over USF
Columbia, South Carolina — The South Carolina women’s basketball team claimed a convincing 78-62 victory over the University of South Florida (USF) Sunday afternoon at Colonial Life Arena. This matchup marked the first half of a home-and-home series, with the Gamecocks now boasting a record of 10-1 for the season.
Game Overview
The Gamecocks jumped to an early lead, quickly dominating the first quarter with a score of 20-6. Despite this, the Bulls (5-6) showcased resilience, clawing back to cut the lead to 43-31 by halftime. At one point in the first half, the Gamecocks experienced their lowest home lead of the season, underscoring how competitive the Bulls were during this contest.
Throughout the second half, South Carolina effectively maintained their lead, never trailing, and managed to stretch their advantage to as much as 26 points in the fourth quarter. A notable moment came when South Florida failed to score for a four-minute stretch during the third quarter, during which South Carolina unleashed a 10-1 run.
Coaches’ Insights
After the game, USF head coach Jose Fernandez acknowledged his team’s struggles, particularly after halftime when they aimed to seize the momentum but fell behind again. In contrast, USC head coach Dawn Staley praised her squad’s ability to adjust their game plan. “Once we got back to our disciplined style of play, we can create our own momentum,” she explained.
Player Highlights
Individually, senior Sania Feagin and freshman Joyce Edwards had standout performances. Feagin delivered a season-high of 14 points along with a block and a steal, while Edwards recorded a career-best 15 points and two blocks. Their contributions were vital in enabling South Carolina to dominate the scoring in the paint, amassing a total of 46 points near the basket.
Feagin attributed their success to the team’s defensive strategy, stating, “We just capitalized on our defense, who’s just ready for any jump off for like assist passes.” Edwards echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the depth of the team, commenting that “anybody can go off any day.”
Defensive Struggles and Adjustments
Despite their strong start and the ultimate victory, the Gamecocks faced challenges during the contest. After initially shooting well from the three-point range, hitting their first four attempts, they struggled significantly later on, missing 11 of the final 12 three-point shots. Staley noted that sometimes a quick start can lead to lapses in focus, which in turn allows opposing teams to gain momentum.
Lastly, Sakima Walker, a key player for South Carolina, did not dress for the game due to injury concerns, listed as day-to-day by Staley. The team’s focus now shifts toward their upcoming challenge against Charleston Southern, slated for Thursday.
Conclusion
The Gamecocks demonstrated their ability to adapt and implement a solid defense, ultimately leading to a successful day on the court. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, South Carolina’s depth and teamwork will certainly serve as an advantage moving forward.
