South Carolina's women's basketball team secured a flawless regular season with a 76-68 victory against Tennessee on Sunday. The Gamecocks, now 29-0 overall and 16-0 in the SEC, showcased their dominance once again.
Seniors Kamilla Cardoso and Te-Hina Paopao led the charge on Senior Day, with Cardoso contributing 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Paopao added 14 points to the scoreboard. The win marked South Carolina's 47th consecutive SEC regular-season victory, their 57th straight win at home, and their sixth consecutive triumph over the Lady Vols.
Rickea Jackson of Tennessee put up an impressive 29 points in the game, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Gamecocks' strong performance.
Cardoso, playing in front of her visiting family from Brazil, put on a stellar display with six points and six rebounds in the first quarter alone. She played a pivotal role in South Carolina's second-quarter surge, helping them secure a 40-32 lead at halftime.
Despite a late push from Tennessee to narrow the gap, Cardoso's inside shots helped extend South Carolina's lead and secure the victory. Cardoso finished the game with her 13th double-double of the season and the 29th of her career.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season comes to a close, Tennessee and South Carolina are gearing up for the SEC Women's Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. The Lady Vols will need to diversify their scoring options to make a deep tournament run, while the Gamecocks are riding high on their second consecutive perfect regular season.
South Carolina's strategic lineup changes and strong bench rotation have proven effective throughout the season, leading to their 26th double-digit win. Fans can expect an exciting postseason performance from the Gamecocks as they aim to continue their winning streak.
Stay tuned for more updates on AP Top 25 women's college basketball as the postseason action unfolds.
Sources: AP Top 25 Women's College Basketball Poll and Women's College Basketball News
