South Carolina’s 7-2 victory over Queens keeps them flawless.
In the fast-paced world of collegiate sports, maintaining an undefeated record is a testament to the caliber and consistency of a team. The South Carolina Gamecocks showcased their unwavering dominance once again as they secured a commanding 7-2 victory over Queens University in a game that displayed both offensive prowess and defensive discipline. The win not only extended their flawless record but also reinforced their status as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, as well as their ability to execute on both sides of the ball.
For South Carolina, this win was another chapter in what has already been an impressive season. With the team’s expectations set high after last year’s performance, the Gamecocks knew that each game was an opportunity to reinforce their identity: a high-octane, well-coached unit with an unrelenting drive to win. Queens University, while talented, posed a challenge that would test South Carolina’s ability to maintain their focus and intensity.
This article delves into the dynamics of the 7-2 victory—breaking down key performances, strategic insights, and what this result means for the Gamecocks moving forward.
The Build-Up: Setting the Stage for the Game
South Carolina entered the contest with a perfect 8-0 record, having swept their previous opponents with ease. The Gamecocks were in top form, especially after their commanding performances in earlier weeks. With players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Destanni Henderson at the helm, South Carolina looked poised to extend their undefeated streak. Queens University, on the other hand, entered the game as an underdog but had shown flashes of brilliance in their previous contests. Their 5-4 record coming into the match indicated that they had the capability to challenge the top programs, but the Gamecocks’ size, depth, and experience were expected to be too much to handle.
Despite this, Queens came out with a plan to execute a physical style of play, hoping to disrupt South Carolina’s rhythm and exploit any weaknesses in their game. However, they soon discovered that South Carolina’s championship pedigree and resilience were more than enough to overcome any challenges they posed.
First Half: Setting the Tone for a Dominant Performance
From the opening tip, South Carolina established dominance in both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Queens attempted to slow the tempo with a deliberate offensive approach, looking to get set into their half-court sets. However, South Carolina’s defense—led by Aliyah Boston in the paint—was suffocating. The Gamecocks’ perimeter defense, anchored by Zia Cooke and Laeticia Amihere, kept Queens’ shooters off balance and forced difficult shot selections.
On offense, Destanni Henderson served as the catalyst for the Gamecocks, directing traffic and distributing the ball with precision. She created opportunities for her teammates with her court vision, especially when she found Victoria Saxton and Aliyah Boston down low for easy finishes. South Carolina’s fast breaks were lethal, with the Gamecocks frequently turning defensive rebounds into transition points. Their ability to run the floor with speed and efficiency made them nearly impossible to contain.
Aliyah Boston, the heart and soul of the Gamecocks, dominated early, scoring in the post and pulling down key rebounds. She was a force both offensively and defensively, and Queens struggled to find any way to counter her size and skill. The first half saw Boston collect multiple offensive rebounds, finishing with several putbacks and setting a physical tone inside. Her ability to play through contact and finish plays was a key factor in South Carolina’s lead.
Meanwhile, Zia Cooke, who had been in scintillating form throughout the season, continued her fine play with a mix of outside shooting and slashing to the basket. Her speed and scoring touch made her a constant threat, and she helped the Gamecocks open up a significant lead by the break. The Gamecocks’ depth also became apparent, with the bench providing an energy boost. Players like Brea Beal and Kamilla Cardoso gave South Carolina the additional scoring and defensive punch they needed to maintain control.
Second Half: Queens’ Resilience Meets South Carolina’s Consistency
As the second half began, Queens did not back down. They came out with renewed energy, trying to capitalize on a few early Gamecock turnovers. Jada Boyd and Kayla Yeo, who had struggled to get involved in the first half, began to find their rhythm, and Queens managed to string together a couple of successful possessions. They were able to cut into the lead, but South Carolina’s composure proved unshakable.
Queens’ attempts to make a game of it were quickly thwarted as South Carolina’s depth continued to shine. With the Gamecocks’ lead trimming slightly, Dawn Staley called upon her bench to provide fresh legs and energy, and they responded emphatically. Kamilla Cardoso, who had a quiet first half, came in and immediately made an impact, grabbing key rebounds and blocking shots. Her presence in the paint allowed South Carolina to keep a firm grip on the defensive glass, limiting Queens’ second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, Destanni Henderson and Zia Cooke orchestrated the Gamecocks’ offense with a mix of transition plays, half-court sets, and timely three-pointers. As Queens began to collapse the paint to contain South Carolina’s inside game, the Gamecocks’ perimeter shooting became a focal point. Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere hit crucial three-pointers to extend the lead, forcing Queens to spread out and play defense on multiple levels.
As the game wore on, South Carolina’s defensive intensity ramped up even further. Aliyah Boston, who finished the game with a double-double, continued to assert her dominance in the paint, while Zia Cooke and Destanni Henderson provided disruptive pressure on the ball handlers. Queens had moments of success, but they were far too infrequent to threaten the Gamecocks’ comfortable lead.
Key Performances: The Standouts of the Game
While the victory was a team effort, several standout performances were integral to the Gamecocks maintaining their undefeated streak.
Aliyah Boston: The Dominant Force
It’s no surprise that Aliyah Boston once again led the charge for South Carolina. She finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showcasing why she is one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Her ability to dominate the paint offensively, while also protecting the rim on the other end, was a key factor in the Gamecocks’ victory. Whether it was grabbing offensive boards for second-chance opportunities or finishing in the post, Boston’s all-around performance was a major contributor to the win.
Zia Cooke: Offensive Sparkplug
Zia Cooke also had a standout game, contributing 18 points and a couple of assists. Cooke’s ability to score in transition, hit clutch three-pointers, and slash to the basket made her a constant threat. She played a key role in staving off any runs that Queens attempted to make and ensured the Gamecocks remained in control. Her scoring ability, paired with her defensive pressure, made her a true difference-maker.
Destanni Henderson: The Floor General
Destanni Henderson was pivotal in running the offense for the Gamecocks. With 7 assists and 9 points, she showed why she is considered one of the top point guards in the nation. Her ability to facilitate, while also getting her own shot when needed, allowed South Carolina to control the flow of the game. Her leadership was especially crucial in the second half when Queens tried to gain some momentum.
Kamilla Cardoso: A Key Reserve
Kamilla Cardoso, often considered a powerful reserve for the Gamecocks, made significant contributions during the game’s pivotal moments. Her 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in limited minutes were crucial in maintaining the Gamecocks’ defensive identity and controlling the glass.
What the Victory Means for South Carolina
The 7-2 victory over Queens not only keeps South Carolina’s record flawless but also reinforces several key aspects of their game moving forward.
Depth and Versatility
One of the hallmarks of the Gamecocks’ success has been their depth. With numerous players capable of stepping up, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or defending, South Carolina’s roster is built for a long run. The win against Queens showed that the Gamecocks can adjust to a variety of styles of play, whether they need to grind out a victory or win in a fast-paced shootout.
Defensive Excellence
South Carolina’s defensive prowess continues to be one of the strongest aspects of their game. Holding Queens to just 2 points in the second half while consistently forcing difficult shots and turnovers, the Gamecocks are a team that thrives on pressure and intensity. This will be crucial as they move forward into tougher conference matchups and the NCAA tournament.
Momentum Heading into Tougher Games
With this win, South Carolina’s momentum remains intact as they head into the heart of their season. The confidence gained from maintaining their undefeated record will be invaluable as they take on more formidable opponents. The Gamecocks will face stiffer competition in the coming weeks, but their balanced attack, combined with their championship-level defense, makes them one of the favorites to claim a national title once again.
Conclusion: A Step Closer to Greatness
The 7-2 victory over Queens was another statement win for the South Carolina Gamecocks, a team that continues to perform
