Gamecocks Forge Ahead to SEC Title Game After Defeating Oklahoma

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — The No. 5 South Carolina Gamecocks claimed a spot in the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship game after a decisive 93-75 victory against 10th-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday. Freshman Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 21 points, while MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 19 off the bench, contributing to South Carolina’s impressive offensive performance.

South Carolina, boasting a season record of 29-3, closed the first half with a commanding lead of 45-28 following a dominant 14-2 run. The Gamecocks’ aggressive defense forced five turnovers in the opening quarter, setting the pace for the game.

“You’ve got to show up from the tip or you’re not going to make it,” said Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk, acknowledging South Carolina’s early ball pressure that hampered her team’s offensive rhythm.

Oklahoma, which fell to 25-7, struggled offensively after playing its third game in three days. Sahara Williams and Payton Verhulst combined for 32 points for the Sooners but could not match the Gamecocks’ depth, which saw nine different players score and five reach double figures. During the third quarter, South Carolina’s bench dominated, outscoring their counterparts 29-0.

During the game, South Carolina’s defense was pivotal, leading to 10 first-half turnovers from Oklahoma that translated into 17 points for the Gamecocks. Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina, commented on her team’s defensive prowess, highlighting their efficiency underneath the basket. Post players Sania Feagin and Chloe Kitts shot an impressive 11-for-14 in the paint.

Joyce Edwards emphasized the winning nature of the program, stating, “One of the reasons I came to South Carolina is to win. We’re a winning program. That’s what we do. We’re just living up to expectations.”

The Gamecocks will face off against either LSU or Texas in the SEC Championship Game, marking their sixth consecutive appearance in the title matchup. Staley expressed confidence in her lineup, noting they have been playing their best basketball heading into the title game.

In their path to the championship, South Carolina has showcased balanced scoring. Four players hit double figures in their quarterfinal win against Vanderbilt, and five followed that up in the semifinal against Oklahoma. “The good thing about South Carolina is that you have so many players who can score, whether it’s in the mid-range, whether it’s layups, whether it’s 3s,” said Edwards.

The championship game is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, where South Carolina seeks to capture its third consecutive SEC title and fifth in six seasons. As the defending national champions, the Gamecocks continue to assert their dominance in the tournament.