Markeshia's Corner: After UConn loss, Gamecocks look to start new streak

🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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South Carolina took one of its worst losses in the Dawn Staley era to UConn, snapping its 71-game home winning streak. However, this squad isn’t built to back down. Every challenge is a lesson, and if history has shown us anything, it’s that the Gamecocks always respond.

The shots didn’t fall when they needed to, they didn’t control the tempo of the game, and South Carolina did not win the rebounding battle (48-29). But if there’s one thing about this team, it’s that they never let a loss define them.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang

Seatbelt gang added 31 bench points and 10 rebounds against UConn.

• Joyce Edwards – added 17 points and 5 rebounds
• MiLaysia Fulwiley –  added 11 points 

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What’s Next?

The game against UConn was uncharacteristic of a Dawn Staley coached team—no doubt this loss stings, however, South Carolina isn’t built to dwell on it. This is unfamiliar territory for the players and the fans, but if there’s one thing this program has proven, it’s that they know how to respond when tested. 

The NCAA Top 16 reveal has the Gamecocks sitting at the #2 overall seed, which means they’re still right where they need to be—a #1 seed in the Birmingham region. That speaks for itself. Now, it’s about getting back in the gym, locking in, making the necessary adjustments, getting back to the basics, and doing what they do best. Every great team faces adversity, but the real ones know how to respond. And if there’s one thing about this squad, it’s that they always bounce back.

A new streak starts now.

Up Next South Carolina Gamecocks 23-3 (11-1) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks 9-18 (2-10)

Key matchups to watch:

Guard defense vs. Izzy Higginbotto

Izzy makes the Razorbacks go. She’s their engine. She leads the team in scoring (24.1 PPG), assists (3.6 APG), steals (1.2 SPG), and turnovers (3.7 TPG). She’s the one that makes things happen, so keeping her uncomfortable is a must. Ball pressure, defending without fouling, forcing her into tough decisions will be key to slowing her down and taking her out of her rhythm. 

Post advantages

South Carolina’s depth, defensive pressure, speed, and athleticism give them the edge in the paint. To take control, they’ve got to push the tempo and get out in transition. Arkansas doesn’t have much post depth, so the Gamecocks need to attack inside and dominate with the points in the paint.

Gamecocks Advantage

South Carolina’s versatility at the guard and post positions is a huge advantage, but it doesn’t stop there. Their transition offense, bench depth, and defense make them a tough team to handle especially when they are all locked in. 

Keys to the Win

1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and control the pace of the game.
2. Set the tone early – Bounce back games are usually a bright spot for the Gamecocks. So, they will need to set the tone early and remind everyone they are still focused on their goals.
3. Lock in on defense – The Gamecocks’ stifling man-to-man defense holds teams more than 20+ points below their season average so they will need to continue to lock into their scouts.
4. Bench production – South Carolina’s Seatbelt Gang has been dominating, leading the nation in bench points per game. Their depth will be crucial in this matchup against Arkansas.
5. Win the rebounding battle/Win the paint – When the Gamecocks win the rebounding battle, they win the game. So they need to give two efforts and dominate in the paint!
6. Take care of the ball – Averaging 16.5 assists per game, so sharing the ball and ball movement will be key. Especially against a team like Arkansas who gives up 77.4 PPG.
7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces 17 TOs per game, while Arkansas averages 15.7 TOs per game.
8. Convert at the free-throw line – Free throws are mental, so the Gamecocks will need to focus and make their free throws because they will get to the line. 
9. Play hard, play smart, play disciplined, play and act like champions!
10. Have fun!

Let’s Go Gamecocks!

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🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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