Following Whitehorn’s 21-point performance, No. 2 South Carolina travels to No. 17 Tennessee.

The 2024 SEC basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent years, with No. 2 South Carolina and No. 17 Tennessee set to face off in what promises to be an intense and crucial matchup. Following an electrifying 21-point performance by South Carolina’s star guard, Jasmine Whitehorn, the Gamecocks are riding high as one of the nation’s top teams. However, Tennessee will be looking to prove that they can hang with the best, especially at home, where the Volunteers are always a tough team to beat.

This game is not just important for the SEC standings; it’s also a vital opportunity for both teams to showcase their abilities on a national stage. With South Carolina at the top of the rankings and looking to solidify their position as a title contender, and Tennessee at No. 17, trying to break into the upper echelon of the conference, the stakes are incredibly high.

South Carolina’s Momentum After Whitehorn’s 21-Point Performance

Jasmine Whitehorn has been one of the standout players in college basketball this season. Her recent 21-point performance in a dominant victory against Georgia was a testament to her scoring ability and leadership on the floor. Whitehorn’s versatility allows her to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s attacking the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or hitting from beyond the arc. Her ability to carry the scoring load makes her the go-to player for the Gamecocks in crucial moments.

But Whitehorn is not alone. South Carolina’s depth and balance are key components of their success. The Gamecocks have several other players who contribute on both ends of the floor, from rebounding to defense to scoring. Aliyah Boston, a player who has dominated in the post for years, remains a physical presence in the paint, while Zia Cooke offers an additional perimeter threat. Laeticia Amihere provides energy and hustle, complementing the star power of Whitehorn.

The Gamecocks’ win over Georgia, with Whitehorn leading the charge, was not just a showcase of individual brilliance but also a reflection of the team’s overall cohesion. Their defense is stifling, and they know how to control the pace of the game, pushing tempo when needed and slowing things down to their advantage when necessary. Against Tennessee, South Carolina will need to carry over that same energy and efficiency if they want to leave Thompson-Boling Arena with a victory.

Tennessee’s Resilience and the Importance of Home Court Advantage

While South Carolina has been one of the dominant forces in women’s basketball for years, Tennessee has also been a program that can never be counted out. The Volunteers have a rich tradition of success under head coach Kelly Harper, who has helped develop a team that is not only tough but also capable of executing in all phases of the game. Despite not being ranked as highly as the Gamecocks, Tennessee’s position at No. 17 speaks to their talent and potential. They have proved themselves capable of hanging with the top teams in the country, even if they haven’t always come out on top.

Tennessee’s biggest advantage heading into this game is the home court. Playing in front of the passionate home crowd in Thompson-Boling Arena is always an emotional boost for the Volunteers. The fans are some of the most dedicated in college basketball, and that support gives Tennessee an added sense of confidence and energy when the game is tight.

While Tennessee has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially on defense, their true challenge lies in becoming a more consistent offensive team. Players like Jordan Walker and Raven Johnson have the ability to make an impact offensively, but they need to find ways to play off one another, create better spacing, and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Walker in particular, with her ability to shoot the three and drive the lane, can be a key player for the Vols in this matchup. Tennessee’s offensive execution will be crucial in this high-stakes game against the Gamecocks, as they need to keep pace with the potent scoring attack of South Carolina.

Defensively, Tennessee’s ability to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and force turnovers will be critical. The Vols’ defense has often been their calling card, and they’ll need to lock down on Whitehorn, Cooke, and the rest of the Gamecocks’ offense to limit their effectiveness. If they can make life difficult for South Carolina’s ball handlers and prevent easy scoring opportunities, it will give Tennessee a fighting chance to stay in the game and challenge for a victory.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Jasmine Whitehorn vs. Jordan Walker – One of the most intriguing matchups in this game is the battle between Whitehorn, who has been the primary scorer for South Carolina, and Jordan Walker, who has become one of Tennessee’s most important players. Walker will be tasked with trying to slow down Whitehorn while contributing offensively. Whitehorn’s ability to score from all areas of the court will be a challenge for Tennessee, and it will be up to Walker to find a way to limit her influence without sacrificing too much defensively.
2. Aliyah Boston vs. Tennessee’s Frontcourt – Aliyah Boston is one of the most dominant post players in college basketball, and Tennessee’s ability to neutralize her will be a key factor in the outcome of the game. Tennessee’s frontcourt, which includes Tamari Key and Arianne D’Angelo, will need to play physical, disciplined defense in the paint to prevent Boston from taking over. If Tennessee can force Boston to have a quiet game, they will go a long way toward disrupting South Carolina’s rhythm.
3. Zia Cooke vs. Tennessee’s Guard Play – Zia Cooke, another star for South Carolina, can be explosive on offense and create her own shot. She will likely be matched up against Tennessee’s Raven Johnson, whose defensive ability will be tested in trying to limit Cooke’s effectiveness. If Cooke can get going and hit from outside or drive the lane, it will stretch Tennessee’s defense and make it difficult for them to focus solely on Whitehorn or Boston.
4. Tennessee’s Offensive Efficiency vs. South Carolina’s Defensive Pressure – South Carolina’s defense is one of the best in the country, and Tennessee will need to be efficient offensively to counteract that pressure. The Volunteers will have to take care of the basketball and avoid forcing bad shots, as the Gamecocks excel in turning turnovers into fast-break opportunities. Tennessee’s ability to execute on offense will be critical, as any offensive breakdowns could quickly turn into fast-break points for South Carolina.

Keys to the Game: South Carolina’s Strategy

For South Carolina, the game plan should focus on continuing to rely on their experienced and versatile scoring threats. Whitehorn, as the focal point of the offense, will need to continue to be aggressive, especially in the first half to establish a rhythm. The Gamecocks must take advantage of their superior size and depth in the paint, particularly with Boston, while continuing to apply defensive pressure on Tennessee’s perimeter players. South Carolina excels when they are able to force turnovers and transition quickly, so creating opportunities in the open court will be a priority.

On the defensive end, South Carolina needs to stay disciplined, especially when guarding Tennessee’s top scorers. If Whitehorn can limit Walker’s offensive output and South Carolina’s defense can disrupt Tennessee’s flow, they will be in good position to take control of the game. Rebounding will also be important for the Gamecocks, as Tennessee has the size to compete on the glass.

Keys to the Game: Tennessee’s Strategy

Tennessee’s best strategy for success in this game will be to make it a battle of defense and tempo. The Volunteers have built their identity on suffocating defenses and forcing opponents into difficult shots. They need to ensure that Whitehorn and Cooke are constantly contested, and the team will need to gang rebound to keep South Carolina from dominating the paint.

Offensively, Tennessee needs to work on building better offensive flow and execution. They’ll need to move the ball quickly, find open shots, and limit turnovers. The play of Raven Johnson and Jordan Walker will be critical, as both players will be called upon to create offense and make plays in clutch moments. Tennessee also needs to capitalize on opportunities from the free-throw line and convert second-chance points whenever possible.

The Bigger Picture: SEC and NCAA Tournament Implications

This game has significant implications not only for the SEC standings but also for the NCAA Tournament. With South Carolina ranked No. 2, a victory for them would further solidify their case as a top contender for the national title. For Tennessee, a win against one of the nation’s best teams would elevate their resume and put them in prime position for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

A win for Tennessee could also be a statement game that helps solidify their position as a serious contender for the SEC Championship and beyond. However, if South Carolina emerges victorious, it will send a message that they remain the team to beat in the SEC and one of the top programs in the country.

A Battle of Titans

When No. 2 South Carolina travels to face No. 17 Tennessee, it will be an exciting battle between two of the most talented teams in the SEC. South Carolina enters the game with a lot of momentum, largely due to the play of Jasmine Whitehorn, but Tennessee has the home-court advantage and a defense that can give anyone problems.

This matchup promises to be an intense, physical game that will showcase some of the best talent in the country. With national implications and the SEC title race heating up, both teams will leave it all on the floor in what should be an unforgettable contest. The outcome of this game will have a lasting impact, not just on the SEC standings, but on the teams’ respective NCAA Tournament hopes.