At the Puerto Rico Classic, the No. 18 Gamecocks place third in a strong field.

The Puerto Rico Classic, one of the most prestigious early-season tournaments in college basketball, is known for drawing some of the nation’s top programs for a weekend of fierce competition in a picturesque setting. For the South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No. 18 at the time, the 2025 edition of the tournament presented an opportunity to test their mettle against some of the best teams in the country. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Gamecocks had shown their resilience, grit, and potential, securing a third-place finish in a highly competitive field.

While a third-place finish might not have been the ultimate goal for head coach Dawn Staley and her squad, the performance in Puerto Rico provided a glimpse into what the Gamecocks are capable of as they continue to build momentum toward the heart of their season. A closer look at their journey through the tournament reveals key performances, challenges, and takeaways that will shape their path forward in the 2025 season.

A Glimpse of the Strong Field

Before diving into the Gamecocks’ performance, it’s important to recognize the level of competition they faced at the Puerto Rico Classic. This year’s field was packed with powerhouse programs from across the nation, including top-ranked teams and rising programs that were eager to make a statement early in the season.

Among the teams that participated in the event were:

• UConn (ranked No. 2), one of the sport’s most storied programs with a rich tradition of success.
• Baylor (ranked No. 4), a program that has consistently been at the top of women’s basketball for over a decade.
• Indiana (ranked No. 7), a team that has seen tremendous growth under head coach Teri Moren, coming off a historic season.
• South Carolina (ranked No. 18), the defending NCAA champions, led by head coach Dawn Staley, with a roster that includes some of the most talented players in the country.

With such a competitive field, every game was expected to be a battle, and South Carolina’s performance was closely scrutinized, both for the level of competition and the significance of the tournament in terms of the team’s growth.

Gamecocks’ Tournament Journey

First Game: South Carolina vs. UConn – A Thrilling Showdown

The opening matchup for the Gamecocks was against UConn, a team that many considered one of the early favorites to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With head coach Geno Auriemma at the helm, UConn had been a consistent powerhouse, and this game would be a true test for South Carolina’s mettle.

From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams were ready to play. Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks’ standout guard, set the tone early with her aggressive play on both ends of the court, scoring early and often. However, UConn’s defense, led by Aaliyah Edwards and Caroline Ducharme, proved tough to crack. The Huskies were able to impose their tempo, with their perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities putting pressure on South Carolina’s defense.

As the game progressed, it became evident that South Carolina’s size and physicality in the post were key strengths. Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ star forward and reigning Naismith Player of the Year, was a dominant force down low, blocking shots, grabbing boards, and scoring at will. However, UConn’s relentless defensive pressure made it difficult for South Carolina to fully establish their offensive rhythm, and the Huskies led for much of the game.

Despite South Carolina’s best efforts, the Gamecocks fell short in this highly anticipated matchup, losing by a narrow margin of 72-65. Although the loss stung, there were positive takeaways for South Carolina: the team showed resilience in the face of adversity, and players like Cooke and Boston proved they could compete with the best in the nation. It was a learning experience, and one that Staley would use to refine her team’s approach for the remainder of the tournament.

Second Game: South Carolina vs. Baylor – A Statement Win

After the tough loss to UConn, South Carolina entered its second game of the tournament against Baylor, another powerhouse program that has consistently challenged for national titles. Baylor, led by head coach Nikki Collen, has been known for its stout defense and strong post play, making it a formidable opponent for any team, particularly South Carolina.

The Gamecocks came out with renewed focus and energy. They knew that a loss to Baylor could severely impact their standing in the tournament and possibly affect their seeding for future tournaments. Right from the tip-off, South Carolina set the tone with intense defensive pressure and effective ball movement. Bree Hall, one of the Gamecocks’ most versatile players, had a breakout performance in this game, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively.

Boston, once again, was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, but the real story of this game was South Carolina’s offensive execution. The Gamecocks showed a level of cohesion and efficiency that had been missing in their earlier game. With timely three-pointers from Laeticia Amihere and stellar playmaking from Cooke, South Carolina opened up a comfortable lead by the second half.

Baylor’s defense was effective in limiting South Carolina’s transition offense, but they couldn’t keep up with the Gamecocks’ firepower. Despite a late push from the Bears, South Carolina held on for a 79-68 victory, giving them a much-needed confidence boost. This victory was a clear statement to the rest of the field that South Carolina could compete with the best, and that their loss to UConn had not shaken their resolve.

Third Game: South Carolina vs. Indiana – A Battle for Third

With the chance to finish third in the tournament on the line, South Carolina faced off against Indiana in what would be a highly competitive matchup. Indiana, led by star Grace Berger, was a team that had consistently been a strong contender in recent seasons, and their up-tempo style of play posed a unique challenge for South Carolina.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were hungry for a win. Indiana’s perimeter shooting, led by Berger and Mackenzie Holmes, had the Gamecocks scrambling on defense. However, South Carolina’s size and strength inside were once again a difference-maker. Boston’s rebounding, along with the defensive presence of Kamilla Cardoso, gave the Gamecocks the edge they needed in the low post.

The game was back-and-forth for much of the first half, with both teams exchanging runs and momentum shifts. South Carolina struggled with turnovers early on, but their defensive pressure forced Indiana to take difficult shots. Bree Hall continued her stellar play, contributing key baskets and providing defensive stops that helped turn the tide in the Gamecocks’ favor.

In the second half, South Carolina’s depth and experience began to show. Players like Saniya Rivers and Amihere came off the bench to contribute crucial minutes, and the Gamecocks’ defensive intensity picked up. Despite a strong showing from Indiana, South Carolina’s superior size and post play proved to be the deciding factor, as they won the game 77-70, securing a third-place finish in the tournament.

Key Takeaways from the Puerto Rico Classic

1. Resilience in Adversity: The loss to UConn was a tough one, but it highlighted the Gamecocks’ ability to bounce back. South Carolina showed incredible mental toughness in their second and third games, proving that they can handle adversity and continue to fight no matter the circumstances.
2. Aliyah Boston’s Dominance: As expected, Aliyah Boston was a standout performer throughout the tournament. Her ability to dominate the paint, grab rebounds, and alter shots made her one of the most unstoppable forces in the tournament. While she couldn’t carry the team to victory in the UConn game, her performances in the following matchups reminded everyone why she is considered one of the best players in women’s college basketball.
3. Depth and Versatility: One of the Gamecocks’ greatest strengths is their depth. With players like Cooke, Hall, Amihere, and Rivers stepping up throughout the tournament, it was clear that South Carolina’s depth could make them a dangerous team throughout the season. The team’s ability to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the court was key to their success, particularly in the game against Baylor.
4. Defensive Strength: South Carolina’s defense was one of the defining features of their success in the tournament. The Gamecocks were able to stifle both UConn’s and Indiana’s offenses by applying pressure in the half-court and forcing turnovers. While their offense was at times inconsistent, their defense kept them competitive in every game.
5. Room for Growth: Despite finishing third, South Carolina’s performance at the Puerto Rico Classic showed that there is still room for improvement. The Gamecocks need to work on limiting turnovers and improving their transition offense, but overall, their performance in this tournament will serve as a valuable learning experience as they prepare for the rest of the season.

Looking Ahead

The third-place finish at the Puerto Rico Classic provided the South Carolina Gamecocks with a solid foundation heading into the remainder of the 2025 season. With key matchups and conference play on the horizon, the Gamecocks will continue to build upon their strengths and address areas of weakness. Dawn Staley’s leadership will

undoubtedly guide them through the challenges that lie ahead, and the team’s combination of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen will be crucial as they push for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

For the Gamecocks, the road to success is long and filled with obstacles, but their performance in Puerto Rico has shown that they are more than capable of handling whatever comes their way. As the season progresses, expect South Carolina to remain one of the top contenders in women’s college basketball.