Kentucky women's basketball had played 2 games in 2 days, and South Carolina was looking to show the world Sunday was a fluke. The Cats held the Gamecocks to 60 points and had a chance to win it late. Much of the 1st quarter looked like this would be another close game, then all of a sudden it wasn't.
South Carolina women's basketball opens a massive lead with huge run over Kentucky
The game was 14-13 with South Carolina holding that lead as the 1st quarter entered the home stretch. By the time the second quarter was over, it was 44-27. Reminiscient of the run that the Aggies used to put a hurting on Kentucky's men, the Gamecocks would finish the half on a 30-14 explosion.
Kentucky was shooting okay, 40 percent for the first 20 minutes. But as we have seen so many times with this team, the turnovers killed the Cats. Kentucky had 10 turnovers in the first half, and it wasn't just one player. Clara Strack, Teonni Key, Tonie Morgan, and Asia Boone had 2 each.
I mentioned before the game that in order to win the Cats had to keep it low scoring, make timely 3's and keep up on the boards. Well in the first 20, South Carolina made more 3's, had 4 more rebounds, and was on pace for their season average of 88.
Literally nothing went right for Kenny Brooks.
Short bench causes big issues
Of course, Kentucky has a short rotation, and in a tournament setting that is hard to overcome. But you can't just give the ball away so much. This team has struggled with that far too often. It was the reason they lost to Vanderbilt at home (20), Texas (23), Tennessee (21), Alabama (20) on the road, and Maryland (20) on a neutral court.
If you want to win in March, turnovers are your worst enemy. They were the Cats worst enemy today.
The white flag may as well been waving as the Gamecocks opened up the 2nd half with a 15-6 run to make the rest of the game academic.
Kentucky was led by Amelia Hassett who finished with 15 on a perfect 5-5 from deep. Teonni Key added 13 and 8, Clara Strack with 11 and 5, the only other Cat in double figures was Asia Boone (10).
South Carolina was paced by Joyce Edwards (21) and Tessa Johnson (15).
The best thing for the Cats was everyone escaped without injury and now they can get ready for the NCAA tournament. Selection Sunday is on March 15th at 8 on ESPN for the ladies. That's 9 days to stew in this one.
South Carolina wins 87-64.