Game Summary
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a commanding performance on Sunday, the No. 3 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over No. 19 Tennessee with a lopsided score of 93-50, marking their ninth consecutive victory against the Lady Vols. The Gamecocks improved their record to 24 wins and 2 losses, including a 10-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference.
Key Players
Ta’Niya Latson led the charge for South Carolina with 21 points, closely followed by Joyce Edwards who contributed 20 points. The Gamecocks displayed exceptional shooting skills, achieving a remarkable 69% from the field (36 out of 52 attempts), setting a new benchmark for their program in SEC games.
Game Progression
While Tennessee initially matched South Carolina’s intensity — the first quarter ended in a 16-16 deadlock — the Gamecocks seized control of the game with a 9-2 scoring spree. During this run, Latson netted five points and Edwards added four. Tennessee’s struggles were amplified just before halftime, as they missed six of their last seven attempts, allowing South Carolina to extend their lead to 47-32 at the break.
Second Half and Historical Context
The second half continued to see the Lady Vols falter, as they were outscored 46-18 after halftime, finishing the game with a total of 28 points less than their average for the season. This 43-point defeat set a new low for Tennessee, marking the largest margin of loss in their history, surpassing a previous 31-point defeat to Texas back in 1984.
Additional Highlights
For South Carolina, Madina Okot achieved her 15th double-double of the season with 10 points and 15 rebounds. On the opposing side, Talaysia Cooper led Tennessee’s scoring, ending the game with 17 points.
In a nod to the Super Bowl, South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley donned a jersey in support of rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori, who was recognized as an AP All-American during his time at South Carolina.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Lady Vols will return to their home court to face Missouri on Thursday evening, while the Gamecocks are set to meet with No. 5 LSU for another high-stakes matchup on Saturday night.
