“For us, it’s a team that poses a threat of, they’re always moving, they’re always going to challenge you to fit every screen, and a lot of that action is away from basketball.” Before the game day against South Florida, Dawn Staley sent a message to her squad about their opponents. Although they came out on top with a 78-62 victory, what really caught Staley off guard were the late turnovers.

There was another worry for the coach, as Matt Dowell stated about the frustration of 4x Naismith Coach of the Year. “FINAL No. 3 @GamecockWBB beats USF 78-62 Joyce Edwards with a career-high 15 points. Feagin had 14. Dawn Staley not happy with the final few minutes. A ton of turnovers that made the final score look closer than it was.” The team suffered 4 turnovers in the final quarter, 33.33% of the team’s total.

They also lost on the offensive glass with USF outboarding them 17-12. However, it was not all gloomy for Dawn Staley and Co. South Carolina opened a big lead early and cruised to its 63rd straight win at home to South Florida. And they might not have ended as the coach would have liked, but they started hot. Thanks to Bree Hall and Te-Hina Paopao made two 3s apiece and started with an 18-4. Joyce Edwards top scored with 15 points, which was also her career-high.

Sania Feagin scored 14 points, and a total 5 five players were in double digits in scoring. Another trouble point for the Gamecocks was their shooting beyond the line. They scored only 5 from 16 attempts, which is a low, 31.3% compared to the Bulls’ 55.6%.

Despite the loss, the UCF Coach seemed more content than Dawn Staley

The Bulls have played 2nd-ranked UConn, the 3rd-ranked Gamecocks, 12th-ranked TCU, and have a game against 9th-ranked Duke coming up. Jose Fernandez stated, “We can definitely build on it. It shows that we’ve had progress, and we’re getting better by playing the type of schedule we’ve played.”

USF had 17 offensive rebounds to 12 for the home team. USF fell to 5-6, but the schedule is about to lighten up compared to what it has been. The number 3 ranked South Carolina definitely has their work cut as they face Charleston Southern next. Before the game, Dawn Staley stated the concern.

“With a team like South Florida, you can’t allow them to just take the shots that they want to take, or else it’ll be a long, just a long day for us. So, it’s our will versus their will.” So, they will have to regroup quickly, and be more aggressive, especially in terms of rebounding.