South Carolina endured an early charge from Missouri to pick up its 15th straight win to open the season and defend its no. 1 ranking. The Tigers knocked down 9 of their first 18 3-pointers, but Bree Hall’s career night and USC’s dominance in the post was enough for an 81-57 victory in Columbia, Mo., Thursday.
Missouri briefly led 20-18 early in the second quarter before USC responded with a 20-8 run. The Tigers cut the lead to six late in the third, but the Gamecocks scored the next five points and Missouri never threatened, again.
Hall led all scorers with a career-high 21 points on 8 of 10 shooting (4 of 4 3-pointers). Te-Hina Paopao was also hot from the perimeter, knocking down 3 of 4 from deep to finish with 15 points. Ashlyn Watkins, Raven Johnson and Sania Feagin scored 10 points, apiece, in support of Hall’s superb performance.
As is often the case, USC enjoyed a decided advantage in the post, outscoring Missouri 44-18 in the paint. The Tigers made just 9 of 31 shots inside the 3-point line. The Gamecocks also blocked seven shots and scored 24 points off Missouri turnovers.
South Carolina (15-0, 3-0) will next play host to Kentucky. The Gamecocks and Wildcats will tip off from the Colonial Life Arena at 7 p.m., Monday.
Final Stats
