It was a classic finish, though the game was not played in classic style. Second ranked Connecticut scored the game’s final five points to knock off top ranked USC 63-59 in overtime Monday night in Storrs. Freshman guard Paige Bueckers scored all of the Huskies’ 9 overtime points, including a clinching three-pointer that hit the back of the iron, ricocheted straight up and dropped down thru the net with ten seconds to play.
The Gamecocks missed a pair of threes in the final seconds of the game, either of which might have given them a chance. Making matters worse, the Gamecocks had the ball last in regulation and had four shots at victory. In the final four seconds, Destanni Henderson missed a jumper. Victaria Sexton rebounded and missed underneath. Aliyah Boston rebounded and missed, and then she gathered in another rebound and missed at the buzzer.
According to the game’s shot chart, the Gamecocks missed 27 layups, though they still scored 40 points in the paint. The Gamecocks also were sloppy with the ball with 21 turnovers UConn converted into 19 points. Henderson had 8 turnovers herself. Boston led USC with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The loss ends the Gamecocks’ 22 game road winning streak. UConn has now won 9 of the 10 meetings in the series. USC is back at home Thursday night against Missouri.
Dawn Staley postgame press conference
Final Game Stats
Next practice, they should be practicing shooting under the board while closely guarded. Maybe use the glass more so they can put up some more forceful shots. The shot-miss-rebound-shot-miss, etc. is crazy.