In a highly anticipated matchup, the South Carolina women's basketball team showcased their defensive prowess in a commanding victory over South Dakota State. Despite missing starting guard Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks displayed their tenacity on the defensive end, resulting in a resounding win. Let's dive into the details of this impressive performance.
Dominant Defense Sets the Tone
The Gamecocks' defensive prowess shines as they stifle South Dakota State's offense.
The South Carolina women's basketball team came into the game with a reputation for their strong defense, and they did not disappoint. From the opening tip, the Gamecocks suffocated South Dakota State's offense, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. Their relentless pressure disrupted the Jackrabbits' rhythm and set the tone for the entire game.
Led by point guard Raven Johnson's five steals and forward Ashlyn Watkins' four steals, the Gamecocks finished with a season-high 15 steals. Their active hands and quick rotations kept South Dakota State on their toes, making it difficult for them to find open looks.
With their dominant defensive performance, the Gamecocks showcased why they are one of the top defensive teams in the country. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be a key factor in their success moving forward.
Kamilla Cardoso Shines in the Absence of Paopao
Center Kamilla Cardoso steps up with a career-high performance in the absence of Te-Hina Paopao.
With Te-Hina Paopao sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Gamecocks needed someone to step up on the offensive end, and Kamilla Cardoso answered the call. The senior center had a career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and dominance in the paint.
Cardoso's performance was not just limited to scoring. She also made her presence felt on the defensive end with six blocks and a steal. Her ability to protect the rim and alter shots was instrumental in the Gamecocks' defensive success.
As the team's most experienced player on the floor, Cardoso proved that she can be a reliable go-to option in the absence of Paopao. Her performance against South Dakota State was a testament to her skill and impact on the game.
Struggles from Beyond the Arc
The Gamecocks face shooting woes from 3-point range against South Dakota State.
One area where the Gamecocks struggled in this game was their shooting from beyond the arc. They went 0-for-12 from 3-point range, a stark contrast to their previous games where they shot at least 30% from deep.
The absence of Te-Hina Paopao, who is known for her shooting ability, was definitely felt. However, the team made adjustments and focused on attacking the paint instead. They shot 56% from the field in the second half, showcasing their ability to adapt and find success in different areas of the game.
While their shooting from beyond the arc was subpar in this game, the Gamecocks' overall offensive performance was still solid. They found ways to score and relied on their strong defense to secure the victory.
Rebounding Battle and Second-Chance Points
South Carolina dominates the rebounding battle and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities.
Despite the size advantage of Kamilla Cardoso, South Dakota State gave the Gamecocks a run for their money on the boards. The Jackrabbits out-rebounded South Carolina defensively in the first half, but the Gamecocks still dominated on the offensive glass, securing 21 offensive rebounds.
South Carolina's ability to crash the boards and create second-chance opportunities was a key factor in their victory. They scored 22 points off second-chance opportunities, capitalizing on their offensive rebounds to extend possessions and generate more scoring chances.
In the second half, the Gamecocks tightened up their defense and improved their rebounding, particularly on the defensive end. They finished the game with 52 total rebounds, showcasing their determination and hustle on the glass.
