Lady Gamecocks Throttle SC State
By Kyle S Brown
Despite another abysmal day at the charity stripe, the Lady Gamecocks topped the SC State Lady Bulldogs 65-45.
Dawn Claims 250th Career Victory.
The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team (11-1) defeated the South Carolina State University Lady Bulldogs (8-3) 65-45 Friday afternoon in Columbia. The Lady Gamecocks were led by the efforts of three stars, Tiffany Mitchell, Aleighsa Welch and Ieasia Walker all of whom had a double digit day.
A freshman, Mitchell set a new personal career-high with her 21 points and 11 rebounds. Welch (sophomore) added her sixth double-double this season, scoring 16 and pulling down 14 boards. Senior Ieasia Walker reached double digit points, but reeked the most havoc on defense with her 6 steals.
As has become commonplace, an overpowering defensive effort smothered the Lady Bulldogs; forcing them out of rhythm and into foul trouble on both offense and defense. Once again, the Lady Gamecocks struggled mightily from the free-throw line and failed to capitalize on many of those opportunities.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley celebrates with (and signs autographs for) fans following her 250th career win.
Unlike the game eariler this week vs #1 Stanford, the ladies had little trouble getting their shots to fall. Both offenses started the game slowly, but South Carolina was able to pull it together. They found a large amount of success cutting to the basket to hit solid shots inside of 6 feet.
The win represents Dawn Staley’s 250th career win as a head coach and her 78th victory at the helm for the Gamcocks.
Winter break has begun for the Lady Gamecocks. You can catch them in action again December 29th at 7pm when they host Western Carolina at Colonial Life Arena.