On the second night of the SECs, the Gamecocks set two school records.

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks have long been a powerhouse in college athletics, especially in women’s basketball. Under head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have consistently competed at the highest levels, breaking barriers, setting records, and redefining what it means to be a top-tier program. But during the second night of the 2024 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women’s Basketball Tournament, South Carolina achieved something truly special that captured the attention of the sports world and reinforced their dominance in the sport.

In a thrilling and memorable performance, the Gamecocks not only secured a crucial victory but also etched their names into the history books by setting two school records—one in team performance and the other in individual achievement. The Gamecocks’ second-night win marked a significant milestone for the program, showcasing their depth, resilience, and continued evolution under Staley’s leadership. As the team moved closer to the SEC Championship, these records would serve as a testament to South Carolina’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

This article takes an in-depth look at the historic night for the Gamecocks, exploring the records that were set, the key moments that led to the victory, and the implications for the team moving forward in their quest for an NCAA Tournament title.

Section 1: Setting the Stage – The SEC Tournament and South Carolina’s Position

The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is one of the premier events in college basketball, drawing attention from fans, analysts, and scouts alike. With a strong lineup of teams, including traditional powerhouses like Tennessee, LSU, and Mississippi State, the SEC Tournament provides an early-stage opportunity to make a statement before the NCAA Tournament. For South Carolina, who had been dominant in the SEC throughout the regular season, the tournament represented a chance to further solidify their position as the nation’s top team.

At the beginning of the tournament, the Gamecocks entered with high expectations. Led by the dynamic duo of Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, along with a supporting cast that included standout players like Brea Beal, South Carolina was widely regarded as one of the most balanced teams in the country. Their previous success in the tournament, including multiple SEC titles and NCAA championships, made them the favorites to win the 2024 SEC Tournament.

The second night of the SECs was pivotal. South Carolina’s first-round game had been an easy victory, but the competition was about to heat up. As the tournament progresses, the stakes grow higher, and every win gets more important. For the Gamecocks, this meant it was time to make a statement—not just with the outcome of the game, but with how they played. The second night was a chance for South Carolina to prove they were not only the most talented team in the SEC but also the most well-rounded.

Section 2: The Game – Dominance from Start to Finish

South Carolina’s second-night matchup at the SEC Tournament was against a formidable opponent, the Ole Miss Rebels, a team that had consistently given top-tier programs fits throughout the season. Ole Miss had a strong defensive reputation, but South Carolina’s offense, led by Cooke’s shooting and Boston’s interior presence, was nearly impossible to stop when firing on all cylinders.

From the opening tip, it was clear that the Gamecocks were on a mission. South Carolina came out with energy, focus, and determination, showing no signs of letting their guard down. The Gamecocks’ offensive execution was near flawless as they rapidly established their dominance on both ends of the court. Aliyah Boston was a constant presence in the paint, dominating the glass and finishing through contact. Meanwhile, Zia Cooke showcased her elite scoring ability, knocking down three-pointers and attacking the basket with confidence. The Gamecocks’ ability to play fast and physical set the tone for the game, and the Rebels struggled to keep up.

The Gamecocks also played exceptional defense, as expected. Brea Beal, known for her perimeter defense, was suffocating Ole Miss’s top scorers, preventing them from getting into any rhythm. The Gamecocks forced several turnovers and turned those into fast-break opportunities, showcasing their ability to capitalize on mistakes.

By halftime, South Carolina had built a commanding lead, but the team wasn’t satisfied. Dawn Staley, always focused on keeping her team’s intensity high, had no intentions of letting up. The Gamecocks continued to dominate in the second half, showcasing their depth, resilience, and poise under pressure.

It was in this second half that South Carolina would set two incredible school records.

Section 3: Record 1 – Most Points in a Single SEC Tournament Game

As the second half unfolded, it became evident that South Carolina was on the verge of something historic. The Gamecocks’ offense clicked on all cylinders as they pushed the pace and stretched their lead. But what really stood out was the way South Carolina scored. With efficient shooting, intelligent ball movement, and constant pressure on Ole Miss’s defense, the Gamecocks kept piling on the points.

Midway through the second half, it became apparent that South Carolina was on track to break the school record for the most points scored in a single SEC Tournament game. The previous record, set during the 2017 SEC Tournament, stood at 98 points, a mark that seemed unassailable at the time. But with each passing minute, the Gamecocks moved closer to breaking that record.

In a remarkable display of offensive depth, South Carolina had contributions from multiple players. Aliyah Boston, of course, was dominant in the paint, but Zia Cooke continued to light it up from the perimeter, knocking down three after three. Freshmen like Kamilla Cardoso also stepped up, adding energy and scoring off the bench. Even the Gamecocks’ reserves were able to score effectively, as South Carolina’s ball movement and unselfish play led to open shots and easy finishes.

With just under two minutes remaining in the game, the Gamecocks reached 100 points, officially setting the new record for the most points scored in a single SEC Tournament game. The bench erupted in celebration, and the fans at the arena gave the team a standing ovation for their offensive brilliance. The final buzzer sounded with South Carolina securing a dominant 103-62 victory, firmly establishing their place in SEC history.

Section 4: Record 2 – Most Assists in a Single SEC Tournament Game

While the points were certainly the headline, it wasn’t just the Gamecocks’ scoring that made the night so special—it was also the way they shared the basketball. The team demonstrated a level of unselfishness and court awareness that was nothing short of spectacular. South Carolina’s ability to move the ball efficiently and find the open man (or woman) led to a new school record for assists in a single SEC Tournament game.

In a game where they scored 103 points, it wasn’t just a matter of individual brilliance. The Gamecocks played as a team, moving the ball with precision and purpose. Every player was involved in the offense, with the Gamecocks finishing the game with 31 assists—a new school record for the most assists in a single SEC Tournament game. This exceeded the previous record of 29 assists, set in a 2015 tournament win over Vanderbilt.

The assist numbers were especially impressive given the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of the game. South Carolina’s players did an exceptional job of reading Ole Miss’s defense, quickly identifying open teammates, and setting them up for easy baskets. Whether it was a pinpoint pass from Brea Beal to set up a cutting Lele Grissett or a cross-court assist from Destiny Littleton to a wide-open Cooke, the Gamecocks’ offensive execution was a thing of beauty.

The playmaking from the Gamecocks didn’t just highlight their talent but also showcased the team’s selflessness. Rather than relying on any single player to carry the load, South Carolina embraced the collective effort, demonstrating that basketball is truly a team sport. This record-breaking assist performance not only reinforced the Gamecocks’ offensive firepower but also reflected their growth and maturity as a team.

Section 5: The Significance – What These Records Mean for South Carolina

While setting records in the SEC Tournament is a remarkable achievement, these two milestones are particularly significant for several reasons.

First, they speak to the overall growth and development of South Carolina as a program. Under Dawn Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks have consistently evolved into one of the most dynamic, well-rounded teams in the nation. The records from the second night of the SEC Tournament exemplify the team’s offensive depth, basketball IQ, and unselfishness on the court. These achievements also further solidify South Carolina’s reputation as an offensive juggernaut, capable of dominating in multiple areas.

Second, the records symbolize the collective effort of a team that has made selflessness a central part of their identity. While individual players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke often shine in the spotlight, it was the team-first mentality that led to the success on this historic night. The Gamecocks’ ability to move the ball, create open shots, and trust one another was key to their success—not only in this game but also as they look forward to the rest of the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

Finally, these records put the Gamecocks in a strong position heading into the rest of the tournament and beyond. As the team enters the final stages of the SEC Tournament, they can now reflect on their ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure. These records serve as a reminder of what South Carolina is capable of when they play to their strengths—teamwork, defense, and offensive efficiency.

Section 6: Looking Forward – What’s Next for South Carolina?

With two historic records in the books, the Gamecocks’ attention now shifts to the rest of the SEC Tournament and the looming NCAA Tournament. South Carolina has positioned itself as the favorite to win both, but the road to a national title will not be easy. The Gamecocks’ ability to continue building on their performance from the second night of the SECs will be key to their success.

As they move forward, the Gamecocks will need to stay focused and continue to play with the same energy, intensity, and team-first mentality that helped them set these records. Dawn Staley’s leadership will be crucial as South Carolina looks to