Women's Hoops Set for Crossover Classic Weekend
#1/1 SOUTH CAROLINA (1-0) VS. SOUTH DAKOTA (0-0)
NOV. 28-29, 3 P.M. (ET) | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. | SANFORD PENTAGON
South Carolina Game Notes | WATCH: FloHoops.com | LISTEN: 1320 AM – Saturday Game, Sunday Game | Live Stats
ABOUT THIS WEEKEND’S GAMES
- The Gamecocks have just a single game of history against the tournament field. South Carolina topped then-No. 25/21 South Dakota 73-60 on Dec. 22, 2019, at Colonial Life Arena.
- South Carolina has played in Sioux Falls once before this weekend, an upset 80-72 loss to then-No. 14 Syracuse in the 2016 NCAA Sweet 16 (Mar. 25, 2016).
- South Carolina has played in 11 regular-season tournament during head coach Dawn Staley’s first 12 seasons at the helm. The Gamecocks enter this weekend with a 23-7 record in those tournaments, including a 2-1 record that delivered the Reef Division title in the 2019 Paradise Jam.
GAMECOCK NOTABLES
- After finishing last season with a school-record 82.0 scoring average, the Gamecocks opened this season with the second-most points in program history. South Carolina’s 119 points against College of Charleston (Nov. 25) were the most since scoring 124 against Notre Dame on Jan. 31, 1981.
- South Carolina continues to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor, out-scoring College of Charleston (Nov, 25) 74-18 in that space. Like last season, as much of that offense comes from the guards as the forwards. In the season opener, the Gamecock guards out-scored the forwards in the paint 44-30.
- After posting 10 games of double-digit blocked shots last season, including six against SEC foes, South Carolina opened this season with 13 against College of Charleston. Seven different Gamecocks got in on the action, led by Victaria Saxton’s five, which tied her career high.
- Sophomore Aliyah Boston opened her second season with a double-double she needed just 22 minutes to achieve. The Gamecocks’ first ever National Freshman of the Year, is a unanimous AP Preseason All-America selection this season and is on the watch lists for the Naismith and Wade Trophies and the Lisa Leslie Award.
- Last season’s two super-subs – juniors Victaria Saxton and Destanni Henderson – moved into opening day starting roles this season, and delivered on their expectations. Saxton led the team with 19 points and 12 rebounds for her second career double-double, while Henderson found great balance in her starting point guard role with 11 points, five assists and four steals in just 19 minutes on the court.
- Among the most dynamic guards in the country, sophomore Zia Cooke opened the season with solid shooting and a good all-around game against College of Charleston. The Naismith and Wade Trophy watch list selection opened with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, and three assists and three steals in just 20 minutes.
- Sophomore Laeticia Amihere was another Gamecock fans were anxious to see this season, and she lived up to the preseason hype. Shedding the knee brace that limited her aggression and mobility, Amihere posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds against College of Charleston.
- Senior LeLe Grissett, who has proven she can score and rebound from her guard position, and Staley would like to see her add point guard duties off the bench this season. In the opener, Grissett looked solid, adding three assists and two blocks to her 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
BY THE NUMBERS
4 Against College of Charleston Wednesday, a school-record four Gamecocks posted double-doubles.
8 Three Gamecocks set a combined eight new career highs against College of Charleston on Wednesday.
73 The Gamecocks’ 73 rebounds against College of Charleston were the most in program history since grabbing 83 against Claflin on Jan. 24, 1978.
