#Gamecocks overcome cold start to knock off Tennessee 66-55 (AUDIO)

South Carolina overcame a slow start thanks to a dynamic fourth-quarter performance from its frontcourt in a 66-55 victory over Tennessee in Knoxville, Thursday.

Tennessee entered the halftime break holding a three-point lead over the nation’s top-ranked team due to its 27-23 rebounding advantage. The Gamecocks adjusted and hit the boards hard in the third quarter, outrebounding UT 16-8 in the period. USC paired their improved rebounding with a balanced scoring attack to retake the lead early in the third.

The momentum shifted back and forth between the two clubs until the Gamecocks took control with a 9-1 run to take a 57-49 lead with 5:21 remaining. Bree Hall capped the flurry with a 3-pointer from the wing after Raven Johnson outfought Tennessee for one of her 15 rebounds.

Moments later, USC rallied for another pair of offensive rebounds and closed the possession with a 3-point play from Kamilla Cardoso to take a nine-point lead. Following another defensive stand, Cardoso backed her defender down for an easy bucket to give USC its first double-digit lead of the game and all but wrap up a 24th consecutive win. Cardoso and Ashlyn Watkins dominated the paint in the second half, combining for 17 points and 13 rebounds after intermission. Cardoso finished with a team-high 18 points and ten rebounds. Watkins also posted a double-double with 14 points and ten boards.

South Carolina endured multiple scoring droughts and shot just 33% in the first half. The Gamecocks were especially cold from deep, making just 2 of 9 from the 3-point line. But USC overcame its shooting futility by racking up 16 of its 17 second-chance points after halftime and outscoring UT 48-30 in the paint. Tennessee was held to seven fourth-quarter points, 13% shooting from beyond the arc and 35% shooting overall.

With the victory, South Carolina has tied the mark for most consecutive SEC wins at 42.

USC (24-0, 11-0) returns home Sunday, where it hasn’t lost since December of 2020, to square off with Georgia. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Final Stats

Dawn Staley postgame press conference