No. 18 Tennessee Falls to No. 2 South Carolina: Women’s Basketball Score and Highlights
In a highly anticipated SEC matchup, the No. 18 Tennessee Lady Volunteers faced off against the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks in a game that showcased the best of women’s college basketball. The Gamecocks lived up to their billing as one of the top teams in the country, defeating Tennessee in a decisive victory that underscored their dominance in the league. The final score reflected South Carolina’s control throughout the game, leaving the Lady Vols with plenty to reflect on as they prepare for the rest of the season.
This article will break down the game, key moments, standout performances, and what this result means for both programs moving forward.
Game Summary
From the opening tip, it was clear that South Carolina had come prepared to assert their dominance on both ends of the court. Led by their star players and a suffocating defense, the Gamecocks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Tennessee struggled to find rhythm offensively, facing relentless pressure that resulted in turnovers and missed opportunities.
First Quarter:
South Carolina set the tone early with an aggressive defensive approach, forcing Tennessee into five turnovers in the opening minutes. Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ star center, dominated in the paint, scoring six quick points and grabbing four rebounds. On the other side, Tennessee’s offense looked disjointed, managing just 12 points in the quarter compared to South Carolina’s 20.
Second Quarter:
The Lady Vols attempted to mount a comeback in the second quarter, with guard Rickea Jackson hitting back-to-back jumpers to cut the deficit to single digits. However, South Carolina responded with a 10-2 run, fueled by Zia Cooke’s sharp shooting and Boston’s continued dominance inside. By halftime, the Gamecocks held a commanding 38-25 lead.
Third Quarter:
Coming out of the break, South Carolina showed no signs of slowing down. Boston continued her impressive play, recording a double-double midway through the quarter. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offensive struggles persisted, with missed shots and turnovers halting any momentum. South Carolina outscored Tennessee 22-14 in the quarter, extending their lead to 60-39 heading into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter:
With the game firmly in hand, South Carolina’s bench players saw extended minutes. Despite this, the Gamecocks maintained their intensity, closing out the game with a strong defensive effort. Tennessee showed flashes of fight, but it was too little, too late. The final score stood at South Carolina 78, Tennessee 55.
Key Performances
South Carolina Gamecocks
- Aliyah Boston: The reigning National Player of the Year delivered yet another stellar performance, finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Her presence on both ends of the court was the difference-maker, as she controlled the paint and disrupted Tennessee’s offensive flow.
- Zia Cooke: Cooke added 18 points, including four three-pointers, and provided the perimeter scoring punch that complemented Boston’s inside dominance.
- Kamilla Cardoso: Coming off the bench, Cardoso made a significant impact with 10 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in just 18 minutes of action.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers
- Rickea Jackson: Jackson was one of the few bright spots for Tennessee, scoring a team-high 17 points and adding six rebounds. Her mid-range shooting helped keep the Lady Vols within striking distance in the first half.
- Jordan Horston: Horston contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-15 from the field.
- Tamari Key: The senior center had a tough night against Boston, managing only six points and five rebounds while battling foul trouble for much of the game.
Key Takeaways
1. South Carolina’s Defensive Prowess
The Gamecocks showcased why they are considered one of the best defensive teams in the nation. They forced 18 turnovers and held Tennessee to just 35% shooting from the field. South Carolina’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim was on full display, making it nearly impossible for the Lady Vols to generate quality looks.
2. Aliyah Boston’s Dominance
Boston once again proved why she is the frontrunner for every major national award. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her virtually unstoppable. Against Tennessee, she controlled the game on both ends, setting the tone for her team’s success.
3. Tennessee’s Offensive Struggles
The Lady Vols have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but their inconsistency on offense was glaring in this matchup. Tennessee struggled to create open shots and often settled for contested jumpers, resulting in long scoring droughts. Improving ball movement and shot selection will be crucial if they hope to compete with top-tier teams like South Carolina.
4. Depth Matters
South Carolina’s bench outscored Tennessee’s 22-10, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Gamecocks’ roster. Players like Kamilla Cardoso and Bree Hall provided valuable contributions, ensuring that there was no drop-off when the starters rested.
What’s Next?
South Carolina Gamecocks:
With this victory, the Gamecocks improve to 18-0 on the season and solidify their position as the No. 2 team in the nation. Their next matchup will be against a strong LSU team, which promises to be another test of their dominance in the SEC. Dawn Staley’s squad appears poised for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and performances like this one only bolster their case as national title contenders.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers:
The loss drops Tennessee to 14-4 on the season and 5-2 in SEC play. While the defeat is a setback, the Lady Vols still have plenty of opportunities to regroup and make a strong push in conference play. Head coach Kellie Harper will need to address the team’s offensive struggles and find ways to generate more consistent production, especially against elite competition.
Fan Reactions
Fans from both programs took to social media to share their thoughts on the game. South Carolina supporters celebrated another dominant performance from their team, praising Boston and Cooke for their leadership. Tennessee fans, while disappointed, expressed hope that the Lady Vols could learn from the loss and use it as motivation moving forward.
One South Carolina fan tweeted: “Aliyah Boston is just unreal. She makes it look so easy out there. Proud to see our Gamecocks dominating!”
Meanwhile, a Tennessee fan wrote: “Tough night for the Lady Vols, but Rickea Jackson is a star. Need to clean up the turnovers and we’ll bounce back!”