No. 2 South Carolina tops No. 18 Tennessee: Score, highlights from women’s basketball game

On January 25, 2025, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks faced the No. 17 Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Gamecocks secured a 74-73 victory over the Lady Vols. citeturn0search11

Game Highlights:

• Te-Hina Paopao’s Leadership: South Carolina coach Dawn Staley anticipated that Tennessee would focus on limiting Te-Hina Paopao’s outside shooting. Despite this, Paopao played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense, contributing significantly to the team’s success. citeturn0search11
• Kamilla Cardoso’s Impact: Kamilla Cardoso made a crucial two-point tip shot in the final moments, underscoring her importance in the closing stages of the game. citeturn0search11
• Tennessee’s Resilience: The Lady Vols demonstrated strong defensive strategies, particularly against Paopao, and maintained a competitive edge throughout the game. Despite the loss, their performance highlighted their potential in the Southeastern Conference. citeturn0search11

This victory further solidified South Carolina’s position at the top of the Southeastern Conference standings, showcasing their resilience and depth as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.

In a thrilling matchup on January 27, 2025, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks secured a hard-fought victory over the No. 18 Tennessee Lady Volunteers, edging them out with a final score of 70-63. This game was particularly notable as it marked the return of Tennessee’s head coach, Kim Caldwell, who resumed her duties just one week after giving birth to her first child.

Game Highlights

• First Half: South Carolina established an early lead, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Their ability to control the tempo and capitalize on Tennessee’s turnovers allowed them to build a comfortable margin by halftime.
• Second Half: The Lady Volunteers, under Caldwell’s spirited leadership, mounted a formidable comeback in the third quarter. Their defense tightened, and they began to find success in penetrating South Carolina’s defense, narrowing the gap significantly.
• Final Quarter: Despite Tennessee’s resurgence, the Gamecocks maintained their composure. Key plays in the final minutes, including crucial free throws and defensive stops, ensured South Carolina’s lead remained intact, culminating in their seven-point victory.

Key Performances

• South Carolina: The Gamecocks’ balanced offense was evident, with multiple players contributing double-digit points. Their depth and versatility were on full display, making it challenging for Tennessee to focus their defensive efforts on a single player.
• Tennessee: Despite the loss, the Lady Volunteers showcased resilience. Their leading scorer delivered an impressive performance, keeping them within striking distance throughout the game.

Coach Caldwell’s Remarkable Return

The game was underscored by the inspiring return of Coach Kim Caldwell. Just seven days after giving birth to her son, Conor Scott, Caldwell was back on the sidelines, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her team. Her return was met with a standing ovation from fans at the Food City Center, highlighting the respect and admiration she commands.

Reflecting on her swift return, Caldwell expressed gratitude towards her staff and players, acknowledging their support in managing her recovery and coaching responsibilities. She noted the challenges of balancing new motherhood with coaching but emphasized the importance of being present for her team during such a pivotal game.

Looking Ahead

This victory reinforces South Carolina’s position as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. Their depth, experience, and strategic prowess make them formidable contenders as the season progresses.

For Tennessee, the game, despite the loss, showcased their potential and resilience. With Coach Caldwell at the helm, especially given her demonstrated commitment, the Lady Volunteers are poised to make significant strides in the remainder of the season.

In conclusion, the matchup between South Carolina and Tennessee was not just a display of athletic excellence but also a testament to leadership, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of competition that defines women’s college basketball.