The Gamecocks Women’s Basketball team surged ahead in the fourth quarter to secure a 66-55 victory against Tennessee.
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks, recently declared as the top seed in women’s college basketball, aimed to demonstrate their prowess against the Tennessee Volunteers. Despite a challenging start to the game, South Carolina rallied in the fourth quarter, bringing Coach Staley within two wins of the prestigious 600-win club.
The match began with five early turnovers, allowing the Vols to gain momentum. Despite a new lineup from Dawn Staley resulting in a 7-0 run to end the first quarter, struggles persisted into the second quarter. Turnovers plagued the Gamecocks, limiting them to only 10 points on 3 of 15 shooting before halftime. Missed layups and open shots, along with conceding 12 offensive rebounds, allowed Tennessee to attempt 42 shots in the first half.
Despite one of their toughest halves and quarters this season, the Gamecocks trailed by only three points at halftime.
After halftime, South Carolina focused on feeding Kamilla Cardoso in the post. The team improved ball security, reducing extra opportunities for the Volunteers. However, Tennessee matched every run in the third quarter, tying the game entering the fourth.
In the final quarter, South Carolina’s defense asserted dominance, holding Tennessee without a made field goal for nearly 8 minutes. A pivotal three-pointer from Bree Hall ignited a 9-1 run for Carolina. Ashlyn Watkins and Cardoso combined for 13 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the win as Tennessee managed only seven points. The Gamecocks will return home to face the Georgia Bulldogs, seeking their 25th win of the season and Coach Staley’s 599th career victory.
