South Carolina advances to the Sweet 16

For the second time this season, South Carolina is the real SC. The Gamecocks routed Southern Cal in a 101-61 landslide to advance to the Sweet 16.

Two days after sprinting to a 15-0 lead against Southern, South Carolina had an almost identical start against Southern Cal. Southern Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb attempted in vain to find a spark as the Gamecocks dominated the Trojans 13-0 in the first 5:47. The Gamecocks pounded the ball inside, taking advantage of the smaller Trojans. Southern Cal doesn’t have a starter at 6-2, and just one rotation player at 6-3.

South Carolina's front line of 6-6 Madina Okot and 6-3 Joyce Edwards scored the first eight points of the game and grabbed nine of the first 10 rebounds. South Carolina led 26-8 after the first quarter. Southern Cal cut the lead to 33-18 midway through the second quarter, creating a glimmer of hope. South Carolina dropped the hammer.

The Gamecocks finished the half on an 18-3 run to take a 51-21 halftime lead. By the break, Okot already had a double-double, and Edwards had 14 points, while the Trojans had more turnovers (15) than baskets (9-27). In the second half, South Carolina led by as much as 46 points. It was never possible for Southern Cal to make a comeback.

In just 27 minutes, Edwards scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. From the field, she made 8-12 shots and 7-10 from the line. With 15 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists, Okot had a great game. She shot 5-6 from the floor and 4-4 from the line.