The Gamecocks established control early, leading 21-13 after the first quarter. Although Missouri narrowed the gap to two points midway through the second quarter, South Carolina responded with a decisive 9-0 run, entering halftime with a 36-26 advantage.
South Carolina’s dominance was evident in several key areas:
• Free Throws: The Gamecocks capitalized on Missouri’s foul troubles, making 32 free throws, which significantly contributed to their scoring margin.
• Points in the Paint: They outscored Missouri 40-24 in the paint, showcasing their interior strength.
• Bench Contribution: South Carolina’s depth was on display, with the bench contributing 57 points, underscoring the team’s versatility and talent.
Missouri’s efforts were led by junior guard Ashton Judd, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, and sophomore guard Grace Slaughter, who added 13 points. Despite these individual performances, the Tigers struggled with foul issues, accumulating 30 team fouls, which hampered their defensive efforts and allowed South Carolina numerous opportunities from the free-throw line.
This victory improves South Carolina’s record to 13-1 overall and 1-0 in SEC play, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Missouri, now 11-5 overall and 0-1 in the SEC, will look to rebound in their upcoming game against No. 19 Alabama.
In a commanding performance on January 2, 2025, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Missouri Tigers 83-52 at Mizzou Arena, marking a strong start to their Southeastern Conference (SEC) campaign.