No. 18 is surpassed by No. 2 South Carolina. Tennessee: Women’s basketball score and highlights
Tennessee vs. South Carolina Women’s Basketball: No. 2 South Carolina Surpasses No. 18 Tennessee
On a highly anticipated matchup between two powerhouse programs in women’s college basketball, No. 2 South Carolina came out on top, surpassing No. 18 Tennessee in a thrilling contest that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game saw high-level play from both teams, but ultimately South Carolina’s combination of experience, depth, and star power made the difference in a decisive victory.
First Half: Strong Start from Tennessee
The game began with Tennessee showing their grit and determination, taking an early lead. The Volunteers’ offense was dynamic, with standout performances from their key players. The team’s defense was aggressive, applying pressure on South Carolina’s ball handlers, forcing turnovers, and making it tough for the Gamecocks to establish any rhythm. Tennessee’s guard play was particularly impressive, pushing the tempo and knocking down outside shots when needed.
South Carolina, despite the early pressure, quickly found their footing as the first half wore on. The Gamecocks, led by senior standout Aliyah Boston, began to show why they were ranked No. 2 in the country. Boston was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, grabbing rebounds and scoring in the paint at will. South Carolina’s depth was also apparent, as they had contributions from multiple players, including rising star Zia Cooke, whose scoring and leadership on the court provided the Gamecocks with a steady offensive engine.
By the end of the first half, the game was tightly contested, with South Carolina taking a slim lead, 39-37.
Second Half: South Carolina’s Dominance and Tennessee’s Struggle
Coming out of the break, South Carolina turned up the intensity. Their defense became more suffocating, and Tennessee struggled to find open looks. South Carolina’s defensive prowess, led by Boston’s shot-blocking ability and the team’s ability to close out on three-point shooters, gave them the upper hand.
Tennessee’s offense, which had been so effective in the first half, began to stagnate. While their perimeter shooting was still a threat, the Gamecocks started to dominate the paint, limiting the Volunteers’ inside scoring opportunities. Aliyah Boston continued to be a difference-maker, not only with her scoring but also with her rebounding, which helped South Carolina maintain a possession advantage.
In the fourth quarter, South Carolina’s lead began to grow, as the Gamecocks’ depth and conditioning became a major factor. Tennessee, despite efforts from their key players to spark a comeback, couldn’t overcome the pressure. South Carolina’s experience in high-pressure games became evident, as they closed out the game with poise and confidence.
Key Moments and Players
- Aliyah Boston: Once again, Boston proved why she is considered one of the best players in the country. Her double-double performance (21 points, 14 rebounds) was a major factor in the Gamecocks’ win. Her presence in the paint both offensively and defensively gave South Carolina the momentum they needed.
- Zia Cooke: Cooke’s scoring ability kept South Carolina ahead, finishing with 18 points and showing off her ability to score in a variety of ways, from driving to the basket to knocking down mid-range shots.
- Tennessee’s Struggles: Despite a solid team effort from Tennessee, they struggled to get consistent production from their key players in the second half. Their shooting cooled off, and South Carolina’s defense was too much to overcome. Still, Tennessee showed resilience, with standout performances from Jordan Horston and Tess Darby.
- The Turning Point: One of the game’s key moments came late in the third quarter when South Carolina went on an 8-0 run to take control of the game. A series of defensive stops followed by quick transition points allowed the Gamecocks to extend their lead and shift momentum in their favor.
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