FINAL: Strong Fourth Quarter Propels Gamecocks In Clutch 76-70 Win Over No. 9 LSU
Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks travel to Baton Rouge in a highly anticipated top-10 matchup against the #9 LSU Tigers, looking to remain undefeated. In a matchup like this, it's always tough to play away in the SEC, and to have the best success, the Gamecocks need to survive the punches. Doing just that, Carolina would storm back in the second half defeating LSU 76-70.
Early in the first quarter, the Gamecocks were going shot for shot with LSU until they went on a 12-2 run towards the end of the first quarter. They survived the first big punch from the Tigers, ending the first quarter with a big three from Te-Hina Paopao. The Gamecocks continued to hurt themselves through the first part of the second quarter and made a small run, but LSU answered back, extending the lead to 11.
However, South Carolina would end the second quarter on a 6-0 run, closing the gap to only a 5-point lead for the tigers, led by freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, who had all her 8 points within the last five minutes of the quarter. The most significant stat of the first half was ten offensive boards and 11-second chance points for LSU in the first half.
MiLaysia Fulwiley celebrates with teammates after being fouled making a three point basket against Kentucky
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina came out of the second half with much better energy, working the deficit to as close as one, but for the majority of the third quarter, it couldn't find that one big basket to tie or take the lead. They would go into the game's final quarter down four, desperately needing someone to step up significantly. Paopao answered that call early in the quarter, knocking down a quick 7 points, getting South Carolina their first lead since the 2-0 start with 5:58 left to play in the game.
With under 4 minutes to play, Angel Reese would get her fifth foul. Carolina would need to capitalize, and Bree Hall would answer the call, knocking down back-to-back threes to take the lead. Coach Staley and company will be more than happy with walking out undefeated after not playing their best ball for the first three quarters. Now, they head back home to host Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon.
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