If you love the sound of basketballs clanking off the rim, boy, do I have the game for you.
No. 3 South Carolina defeated Georgia 65-43 on Sunday to secure their 20th straight victory over the Lady Bulldogs. But let’s be honest: this game wasn't a masterpiece. It was more like a finger painting done by a toddler who ate too much sugar—messy, chaotic, but ultimately, they got the job done.
The "Offensive" Showcase (Emphasis on Offensive)
The Gamecocks shot 38% from the field. They went 2-for-17 from the three-point line. At one point in the second quarter, they missed 12 straight shots. I’m pretty sure the rim at Colonial Life Arena filed a police report for assault after the game.
Usually, when you shoot like you’re wearing oven mitts, you lose. But South Carolina has a secret weapon: A defense that is absolutely terrifying.
Georgia’s "Fast" Start
Georgia actually started well! They made three of their first four shots and led 7-3. The upset alert sirens were faintly buzzing!
Then, reality hit. The Lady Bulldogs committed eight turnovers in the next eight minutes. South Carolina went on a 15-0 run, and the Georgia offense basically packed up and went home early. Georgia came into the game averaging 78 points. They scored 43. That’s not a bad night; that’s an identity crisis.
Madina Okot: The Double-Double Machine
While everyone else was building a brick house, Madina Okot was busy owning the paint. She dropped 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season. At this rate, she’s going to average a double-double in her sleep. Joyce Edwards added 14 points, proving that at least two people on the roster remembered how to put the ball in the basket.
Welcome Back, Ta'Niya
Ta'Niya Latson returned from an ankle injury and scored nine points. She looked a little rusty, but hey, on a day where the team shot 2-of-17 from deep, nine points makes you look like Steph Curry.
The Main Event is Coming
South Carolina can laugh about this ugly win for exactly 24 hours. Why? Because No. 2 Texas is coming to town on Thursday.
The Longhorns are the only team to beat South Carolina this season (a tragedy that occurred in Vegas, which obviously should have stayed in Vegas). If the Gamecocks shoot 38% against Texas, they won’t just lose; they’ll get run out of their own gym.
Sanchez’s Final Thought: A win is a win, even if it looks like a loss in the box score. Go ice your shooting arms, ladies. You’re gonna need them on Thursday.
