South Carolina's top-ranked women's basketball team continued their dominant season by defeating ninth-seeded Texas A&M 79-68 in the SEC Tournament. With this win, the Gamecocks achieved 30 wins for the third consecutive season, showcasing their consistency and strength in the conference.
Despite facing some challenges, including a season-worst 24 turnovers, South Carolina managed to maintain their composure and secure the victory. Coach Dawn Staley emphasized the importance of learning from these mistakes and improving as they progress further in the tournament.
Kamilla Cardoso led the Gamecocks with 17 points, supported by Tessa Johnson's 13 points. The team's defensive prowess was on full display as they limited Texas A&M to 30% shooting from beyond the arc and forced 14 turnovers.
Although Texas A&M put up a strong fight, with Aicha Coulibaly scoring a career-high 32 points, South Carolina's depth and defensive intensity ultimately proved too much for their opponents.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will face either fourth-seed Alabama or fifth-seed Tennessee in the semifinals, setting the stage for another exciting matchup in the SEC Tournament.
Despite the early challenges faced in the game, South Carolina's ability to respond to adversity and make crucial plays when needed highlights their resilience and determination to succeed. As they continue their quest for a championship, Coach Staley emphasized the need for the team to address their deficiencies and stay focused on their ultimate goal.
With the win, South Carolina advances to the semifinals, while Texas A&M awaits their postseason selection. The Gamecocks will look to build on this victory and showcase their strength as they aim to secure the SEC Tournament title.
