The Gamecocks defense stifled Tennessee for four quarters, Sunday, limiting the Lady Vols to 32% shooting and just one 3-pointer in a 67-53 victory on Senior Day at the Colonial Life Arena.
Tennessee was expected to pose a serious challenge, carrying a no. 12 ranking and a long history of championship basketball into the SEC showdown. As such, ESPN College Gameday was on hand as part of USC’s Senior Day festivities. But a new day has “Dawned” in women’s college basketball, and Staley’s Gamecocks (25-1, 13-1) are now at the seat of power. South Carolina is just the third women’s program to host ESPN College Gameday, following Tennessee and UConn.
The Gamecocks lived up to the hype and their no. 1 ranking, at least on the defensive end of the floor. Neither team lit it up offensively, but USC was particularly adept at forcing the Lady Vols into tough shots and controlling the paint. Aliyah Boston (16 points, 12 rebounds) and the Gamecocks won the battle on the boards 59-38. USC’s thirteenth straight victory clinched no worse than a tie for the SEC regular season championship.
South Carolina will continue in its quest for the outright conference title and no. 1 overall seed, next paying a visit to Texas A&M, Thursday. Tipoff from College Station is set for 8:30 p.m.
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