Dawn Staley reveals the key to coming back for South Carolina, Kamila Cardoso vs. LSU

No. 1 South Carolina’s undefeated record is being tested early in its matchup against No. 9 LSU. After the first quarter, the Gamecocks trailed 24-18. Before the second frame kicked off, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley revealed what her message to her team during the break.

“Move the ball. It’s a really simple solution,” Staley said. “We have to meet the moment. We haven’t met the moment yet. It’s OK. We will. We’ll settle down and get going.”

South Carolina allowed LSU to control the glass in the first period. The Tigers secured six offensive rebounds in the quarter compared to South Carolina’s zero. Additionally, South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso failed to contribute.

Standing at 6-foot-7, Cardoso is a fierce paint presence. She leads South Carolina in scoring this season, averaging 13.3 points per game. Nonetheless, she did not even attempt a shot in the first quarter. Staley knows her team must get their big involved.

“She’s gotta want it. It’s plain and simple,” Staley said of Cardoso. “Ask for the ball. Catch the ball. Go get us a bucket. If not, defer. Kick it out. Let us get some 3’s up.”

LSU packs the stadium against South Carolina

Of course, it isn’t easy to play your normal game in front of 13,000 fans. For the massive matchup, fans packed the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, raining down screams for every deep 3, sweet pull-up and flashy finish.

Earlier this week, LSU’s Angel Reese discussed how much the fans’ support means to the team.

“It’s crazy. Obviously, on the road, it’s like a home game as well and everybody’s coming out to see us,” Reese said. “It’s a blessing to be a part of something so amazing and I feel like we’re a part of history. You don’t see this many people coming out for women’s basketball — women’s sports in general — so I embrace this moment.

“I love the fans that come out. The students. Everybody that comes out and supports us. I’m just so appreciative of everybody who really supports us and continuously supports everything. So, I’m just happy.”

Head coach Kim Mulkey, sitting next to Reese as they discussed their popularity with fans, pointed out there was likely a horde of fans waiting to get autographs and a moment with the Tigers players after the game. 

“Go down that hall and take a peek — Scott [Woodward] just did — go see what’s what’s waiting for these kids after every ball game. And those people will not leave until they go out there,” Mulkey said.

Reese agreed, humorously pointing out that the fans are willing to go to great lengths to catch even a moment with the LSU women’s basketball team.

“They’re waiting at the car, they’re waiting at the bus, they’re waiting,” Reese said with a chuckle.

On3’s Andrew Graham also contributed to this article.