South Carolina won the game in the final minutes, a close match away from home that was a good example of what could be a practice run for the postseason.
Destanni Henderson set a new career record with 23 points, while Aliyah Boston scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the No. In the regular-season finale, 1 South Carolina beat Mississippi 71 to57.
Boston’s record streak of double-doubles was extended to 21 by the Gamecocks (27-1 and 15-1 Southeastern Conference), which had already won the regular-season title. Nashville as the No. 1 seed for the league tournament.
Dawn Staley, coach at South Carolina, said that she believes the team is on track.
Her players were in a difficult game until the decisive closing stretch against Rebels (22-7 and 10-6) who had won four consecutive. South Carolina won the game with a 12-0 win.
Staley stated, “The game demands that our players rise to the occasion.” Ole Miss could have made the afternoon a lot more difficult if we didn’t play defensively and create turnovers.
Shakira Austin, Ole Miss’s leader with 20 points and seven boards, led the Rebels to victory with eight points in the fourth. She made 8 out of 14 shots.
Yolett McPhee McCuin, Ole Miss coach, said that “I felt we ran out gas in the fourth quarter.” “I thought South Carolina did an excellent job by continuing to play at a level that would win them the victory. That’s why they are the No. The No. 1 team in the country.
South Carolina had escaped with the first meeting at 69-40 one month prior.
In November 2020, Henderson had scored 23 goals against Gonzaga. She also had eight assists Sunday.
Boston broke the SEC record Thursday night with her 20th consecutive double-double against Texas A&M.
Zia Cooke had 12 points while Brea Beal scored 11 points and eight rebounds, respectively. Brea also had four assists for Gamecocks.
Lashonda Monk scored 16 points for Ole Miss, while Angel Baker added 11. Mimi Reid did not score, but her five assists earned her a fourth consecutive season of 100+.
Two minutes into the third quarter, Ole Miss reduced its seven point halftime deficit to 42-39 after Monk’s jump shot. After the Rebels pulled within four points twice in the fourth, South Carolina scored 12 consecutive points to increase its lead to double-digits.
In the fourth, the Rebels were able to go more than six minutes without scoring a field goal.
South Carolina’s center Kamilla cardoso was injured in the upper body and she was unable to play. However, Staley stated that she doesn’t see this hindering her participation in the tournament.
BIG PICTURE
Ole Miss was not competitive in the final quarter, but it did well down the stretch. The Rebels lost 2-5 to ranked teams after shooting 23 of 61 (37.7%).
South Carolina beat the Rebels in the fourth round, and doubled Ole Miss 16-8.
EMOTIONAL DAY
McPhee McCuin tried to control her emotions during the seniors’ last home game.
She said that she cried like a baby because of the importance seniors have for her.
NEXT
Both teams will travel to Nashville to compete in the SEC Tournament. The Gamecocks are expected to be a strong favorite. They have won six of their last seven. Both teams have received double byes.
