No. 2 South Carolina shook off early defensive intensity from No. 18 Tennessee and asserted itself for a 70-63 victory in Knoxville on Monday night. The Gamecocks have won 55 consecutive games in SEC play.
The Lady Vols gave South Carolina problems in the opening quarter by pressuring the ball. That made made it difficult for the Gamecocks to get the ball in the post and utilize their size advantage near the basket. With less than three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Tennessee had a 14–5 lead.
However, the reigning national champions took control from there, going on an 8-0 run to end the opening frame. Midway through the second quarter, South Carolina added a 14-0 run to put the Lady Vols at a distance and go into halftime with a 35-26 advantage.
Coach Dawn Staley wore a t-shirt supporting the Philadelphia Eagles during the game and much like the Eagles did to the Washington Commanders in Sunday’s NFC championship game, South Carolina leaned hard on Tennessee and opened up an 18-point margin during the third quarter, led by MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards and Raven Johnson nailing 3-pointers.
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell was coaching her first game since giving birth to her son Conor last Monday. She didn’t pass off any head coaching responsibilities to assistant Jenna Burdette, who coached the Lady Vols in last Thursday’s matchup with No. 5 Texas. Caldwell stood and walked the sideline throughout the game to guide her team.
