South Carolina Gamecocks
SEC (27-4, 14-2)
One of the best stories in all of women’s college basketball has been the rise of the South Carolina Gamecocks into the mix as one of the nation’s elite teams. The Gamecocks only have one senior on the roster and have arguably the best freshman in the country in post player Alaina Coates. This young and talented team has bought into the vision of head coach Dawn Staley and is in prime position to make a run to the Final Four this season.
Big Wins: 1/9 Kentucky (68-59), 2/16 at LSU (73-57), 2/20 at Kentucky (81-58)
Bad Losses: 12/18 vs North Carolina (66-74), 1/16 at Texas A&M (65-67), 3/2 at Tennessee (61-73)
Coach: Dawn Staley (6 seasons at South Carolina)
Why They Can Surprise:
South Carolina can surprise if they bring the same consistent play that they have had all season long. The Gamecocks have been very good about coming ready to play, especially at the defensive end of the court. Also, this team has not been phased by a moment being too big for them, especially on the road, which will be important considering that South Carolina will have win a Regional on the road. This year’s Regionals are on the campuses of Nebraska, Louisville, Notre Dame, and Stanford.
Why They Can Disappoint:
If the Gamecocks have a tough night shooting the basketball it would put unnecessary pressure on the offensive attack. Another possible disappointment would be if the defense was to have a rare off night. There is always the specter of a team getting red hot from three-point range and that could take South Carolina out of its comfort zone. Also, the youth of this team could get too tight in the NCAA Tournament, especially the farther along the Gamecocks advance.
Probable Starters:
Tiffany Mitchell, Sophomore, Guard, 15.2 ppg,3.5 apg, 5.5 rpg
Khadijah Sessions, Sophomore, Guard, 7.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg
Asia Dozier, Sophomore, Guard/Forward, 6.0 ppg, 2.7 apg
Aleigsha Welch, Junior, Forward, 13.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg
Elem Ibiam, Junior, Center, 9.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Alaina Coates, Freshman, Center, 12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.1 bpg
Tiffany Davis, Redshirt Freshman, Guard, 2.6 ppg, 1.3 apg
Tina Roy, Redshirt Sophomore, Guard, 3.7 ppg, 1.6 apg
Olivia Gaines, Junior, Guard, 2.2 ppg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 73.9 (57th in nation, 4th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 54.8 (6, 2)
Field-Goal Percentage: 48.1 (5, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 34.5 (5, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 4.1 (273, 10)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 35.4 (40, 4)
Free-Throw Percentage: 67.7 (215, 9)
Rebound Margin: 9.6 (10, 2)
Assists Per Game: 14.9 (81, 6)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.6 (77, 3)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 NCAA Round of 64 win over South Dakota State
2013 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Kansas
2012 NCAA Round of 64 win over Eastern Michigan
2012 NCAA Round of 32 win over Purdue
2012 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Stanford
2011 NIT Round of 64 win over Appalachian State
2011 NIT Round of 32 loss to Charlotte
2008 NIT First Round loss to North Carolina A&T
2008 NIT Second Round loss to North Carolina State
2007 NIT Second Round win over Hartford
2007 NIT Third Round loss to Hofstra
2006 NIT First Round loss to Xavier
2003 NCAA Round of 64 win over Chattanooga
2003 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Penn State
*all team stats through 3/6
See All Women’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
