Columbia Hosts Epic Showdown: Gamecocks vs Lady Vols – Part 3
Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the Tennessee Lady Vols are set to clash once again in an exhilarating SEC Tournament semifinal matchup on Saturday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. The Gamecocks, ranked No. 1 nationally, will look to continue their dominance over the Lady Vols in recent years.
The Rivalry
In the history of their matchups, the Gamecocks have faced the Lady Vols 63 times, with a record of 14-49. However, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley since the 2008-09 season, South Carolina has turned the tide, holding a 13-12 record against Tennessee. The Gamecocks swept the regular-season series this year with an average margin of victory of 9.5 points.
Key Statistics
Meeting for the third time in just 23 days and the second time in the last week, both teams are familiar with each other’s strategies and strengths. South Carolina has achieved 30 wins for the seventh time in the last nine seasons, showcasing their consistent excellence on the court. The Gamecocks average an impressive 15.4 second-chance points per game, highlighting their tenacity on the boards.
Player Highlights
Several key players have been instrumental in South Carolina’s success this season. Center Kamilla Cardoso, a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award, has been a dominant force in the paint, leading the team with stellar performances. Meanwhile, sophomore Tessa Johnson and Ashlyn Watkins have provided crucial scoring contributions, showcasing their versatility on the court.
Closing Strong
Throughout the season, the Gamecocks have demonstrated their ability to close out games effectively, maintaining an impressive scoring margin of +31.5. In close matchups, South Carolina has shown poise and resilience, emerging victorious in games where the outcome was uncertain heading into the final quarter.
Looking Ahead
As South Carolina prepares to face off against Tennessee once again, the stakes are high in the SEC Tournament semifinals. With a history of recent success against the Lady Vols, the Gamecocks are poised to showcase their talent and determination as they vie for a spot in the championship game.
