No. 18 is surpassed by No. 2 South Carolina. Tennessee: Women’s basketball score and highlights

The world of women’s college basketball was rocked on a thrilling Sunday as No. 2 South Carolina took down No. 18 Tennessee in a game that further solidified their national championship aspirations. In a high-stakes SEC showdown, South Carolina flexed its muscle, showing why they are perennial contenders for the NCAA Tournament. On the other hand, Tennessee’s hopes of climbing higher in the rankings were dashed in a game that highlighted both their strengths and their glaring weaknesses.

Final Score: South Carolina 81, Tennessee 69

In a game that was much closer than the final score suggested, South Carolina dominated in key moments and pulled away late to secure a critical victory on the road. Tennessee, though competitive throughout the game, struggled to find consistent offense, particularly in the second half when the Gamecocks’ depth and experience came into full view.

Key Highlights and Analysis

The First Half: South Carolina’s Defensive Prowess and Tennessee’s Resilience

The game kicked off with high energy from both teams. South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston, one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball, set the tone early with her inside presence. The senior forward was nearly impossible to contain in the paint, scoring efficiently off rebounds and post-ups. She finished the first half with a double-double—14 points and 10 rebounds—keeping Tennessee on its heels throughout the first quarter.

However, Tennessee was not backing down. Jordan Horston, the Volunteers’ standout guard, responded with an aggressive offensive approach. Horston, who has been the driving force for Tennessee this season, played with a chip on her shoulder, making plays both on the drive and in transition. She found open teammates and converted key baskets to keep the game within reach. Horston’s energy was contagious, and the Volunteers managed to hang in the game, trailing by only five points (42-37) at halftime.

In the first half, Tennessee’s defense had moments of brilliance. The Volunteers managed to force several turnovers, capitalizing on the Gamecocks’ occasional offensive miscues. However, South Carolina’s depth and balanced scoring kept them in control for the majority of the half. With Boston leading the charge and key contributions from Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks seemed poised to put the game out of reach early.

Second Half: South Carolina’s Late Surge and Tennessee’s Struggles

As the second half unfolded, the game became increasingly physical. South Carolina began to assert their dominance, controlling the tempo of the game and dictating the pace with their size and rebounding prowess. Boston, who had been a force on both ends of the floor, continued to shine, but it was Brea Beal who became the difference-maker during the pivotal third quarter.

Beal’s defense on Horston was nothing short of exceptional. Horston, who had been the main source of offense for Tennessee, found it difficult to get open looks as Beal played tight, relentless defense. This forced Tennessee to lean on other players to create offense, and despite some good looks, they struggled to score efficiently. Tamari Key, Tennessee’s imposing center, was effectively neutralized in the second half, as South Carolina used double teams and physical play in the paint to limit her impact.

As the game wore on, South Carolina’s depth became increasingly evident. Laeticia Amihere, coming off the bench, contributed crucial minutes for the Gamecocks, providing energy and scoring. South Carolina’s ability to rotate fresh players without losing intensity on either end of the floor was something that Tennessee simply couldn’t match.

Aliyah Boston’s Dominance: The Game Changer

Boston, as expected, played a huge role in this game. As one of the top players in women’s college basketball, her performance was one of the biggest storylines. Finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, Boston was a constant presence on both ends of the floor. She dominated the glass, particularly on the offensive end, where she grabbed critical second-chance opportunities to extend South Carolina’s possessions. Her scoring and rebounding in the second half were vital in keeping Tennessee at bay when they threatened to make a run.

Boston’s ability to score in the paint, combined with her experience, was simply too much for Tennessee to handle. Her seamless transition from a dominant post player to a versatile offensive threat continues to impress. Boston’s 22 points came in a variety of ways, from offensive rebounds to strong post moves and even a few mid-range jumpers, further showcasing her growth as a complete player.

Tennessee’s Offensive Lapses and Missed Opportunities

Despite a strong first half and solid performances from Jordan Horston and Tamari Key, Tennessee couldn’t find enough consistency in the second half. Horston finished with 17 points and six assists, but her efficiency dropped after the break, as South Carolina’s defense locked in. Tennessee’s offense sputtered, and they failed to capitalize on several key opportunities.

In particular, the Volunteers’ three-point shooting became a noticeable weakness. Sara Puckett, a reliable shooter for Tennessee, struggled to get into rhythm from beyond the arc, finishing with just two made three-pointers on 10 attempts. When Tennessee’s offense isn’t clicking from deep, it puts added pressure on their inside game, which was stymied by South Carolina’s interior defense.

Tennessee’s defense, which had been effective in the first half, could not sustain the pressure in the final moments. South Carolina took control late, using their rebounding and transition play to generate easy baskets. When it was all said and done, Tennessee’s inability to execute consistently in key moments allowed South Carolina to pull away in the final few minutes.

South Carolina’s Balanced Scoring: Key Contributions from Multiple Players

While Boston was the star of the show, South Carolina’s performance was far from a one-player affair. Zia Cooke added 18 points, including several key buckets in the second half to push the Gamecocks ahead. Brea Beal contributed 14 points and played stellar defense, particularly in her assignment against Horston. South Carolina’s balance in scoring and defense, combined with their depth, made them a tough team to beat on the road.

The Gamecocks’ ability to rotate players in and out of the game without losing intensity, and their success in exploiting Tennessee’s defensive lapses, were key factors in their victory. Head coach Dawn Staley continues to do an excellent job of developing a team that plays both ends of the floor at a high level, and it was evident in this game as South Carolina’s depth and defensive schemes overwhelmed Tennessee in the second half.

Key Players

• Aliyah Boston (South Carolina): Boston was dominant once again, showcasing her complete game. With 22 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, she demonstrated why she is one of the best players in women’s college basketball.
• Zia Cooke (South Carolina): Cooke’s ability to score in crucial moments helped South Carolina pull away. She finished with 18 points and was a steady presence offensively.
• Jordan Horston (Tennessee): Horston played valiantly for Tennessee, finishing with 17 points and six assists. However, her second-half struggles were costly for the Volunteers.
• Tamari Key (Tennessee): Key was stifled in the second half by South Carolina’s defense, finishing with just eight points and five rebounds after a more promising first half.

Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for South Carolina and Tennessee

This win for South Carolina continues to solidify their status as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball. With a balanced and experienced roster, the Gamecocks have all the tools necessary to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s ability to play defense and dominate on the glass, led by Aliyah Boston, gives them a significant edge over other teams in the SEC and beyond.

For Tennessee, this loss is a setback in their pursuit of a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. While they played well in spurts, they need to find a way to improve their consistency on both ends of the floor, particularly on offense. The Volunteers will need to adjust their game plan and work on closing out games stronger as they head into the latter part of the season.

As for the SEC race, South Carolina’s victory puts them in an even stronger position to secure the top spot in the conference. With a talented roster and a coach who knows how to win, South Carolina will be tough to dethrone. For Tennessee, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a tough stretch of SEC matchups.