The USC women played their home opener Wednesday night, and beforehand they received their SEC Tournament Championship rings from last season and raised another Final Four banner to the rafters. Then they went out and romped over arch-rival Clemson 76-45. The Gamecocks have won 11 in a row in the series which now stands even at 33-33. An announced crowd of 13,363 was on hand at the CLA.
It was tight for a quarter with USC leading 15-14 after the first ten minutes. But the Gamecocks turned up the defensive pressure after that and held Clemson to just three points in the second quarter. The Gamecocks led 27-17 at halftime then blew things open with a 27-15 third quarter.
The Gamecocks won handily despite 17 turnovers and 20 fouls. Clemson also committed 17 turnovers and was called for 25 fouls. The Tigers were held to a 29% shooting night and made just 4-17 from three. USC shot 48% including 8-19 from three.
Destanni Henderson led four Gamecocks in double figures with 16 points. Gabby Elliott led the Clemson scoring with 11.
USC improved to 3-0 with the win and Clemson fell to 1-2.
Final Box
Dawn Staley postgame press conference
Amanda Butler postgame press conference
