{"id":294,"date":"2025-03-09T22:16:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-09T22:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/ryanagarnersportsjournal\/?p=294"},"modified":"2025-03-09T22:16:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-09T22:16:46","slug":"south-carolina-knocks-sooners-down-to-no-5-in-the-sec-semifinals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/ryanagarnersportsjournal\/2025\/03\/09\/south-carolina-knocks-sooners-down-to-no-5-in-the-sec-semifinals\/","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina Knocks Sooners Down to No. 5 in the SEC Semifinals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Carolina vs. Oklahoma \u2014 March 8, 2025, Bon Secours Wellness Aren<\/em>a
Final Score: South Carolina 93, Oklahoma 75<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Ryana Garner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GREENVILLE, S.C. \u2014 Two teams with explosive energy collided in the SEC semifinals, but it was South Carolina\u2019s Dominance in the paint and relentless defense that secured their 93-75 victory over Oklahoma, which led to their sixth consecutive SEC Championship appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freshman Joyce Edward\u2019s led the game with 21 points and five rebounds, while MiLaysia Fulwiley added 19 points and five assists, showcasing the Gamecocks\u2019 depth and chemistry on both ends of the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201dThis team is committed to the process and each other,\u201d South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said after the win. \u201cWhen you commit at that level, you can dominate some historical things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Game Mattered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Semifinals is what determines who will make it to the SEC Championship. This game in particular showed South Carolina\u2019s continued dominance in the conference. Though Oklahoma is ranked the second-best rebounding team in the nation, the Gamecocks out-rebounded them, further proving that they are a powerhouse. All of South Carolina\u2019s forwards scored in double figures, emphasizing on how smart and tactical they are on offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Game Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Half:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game started off in a fast pace with South Carolina\u2019s Sania Feagin hitting a midrange jumper to open the scoring. Oklahoma\u2019s Raegan Beers quickly responded, setting the tone for a fast-paced back-and-forth battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freshman Joyce Edwards found her rhythm, dominating inside of the paint. The Gamecocks displayed hardcore defense, resulting in Oklahoma having over 10 turnovers in the first half. Their quick hands and sharp anticipation led to multiple steals, disrupting Oklahoma\u2019s flow and turning defense into offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Te-Hina PaoPao also created the offensive, dishing out crisp assists, including a beautiful assist for Feagin. MiLaysia Fulwiley also did not hesitate to share the ball with her teammates. She had multiple beautifully executed assists. The Gamecocks\u2019 bench made an early impact, with nearly every player who touched the floor contributing to the scoreboard. By halftime, South Carolina had built a 45-28 lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Half:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oklahoma began to turn up the heat with Sahara Williams sinking a much-needed three-pointer to start the Sooner\u2019s offense. Payton Verhulst also followed with a deep three, injecting life into Oklahoma\u2019s sideline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their efforts, the Sooners struggled with turnovers and couldn\u2019t match South Carolina\u2019s rebounding presence. Even as Neveah Tot hit a buzzer-beater three to end the third quarter, offense was still a bit of a struggle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coach Staley made excellent use of her bench, rotating the players, who stepped up to maintain the team\u2019s intensity. While Oklahoma battled until the final buzzer, the Gamecocks continuously dominated inside the paint and their defensive players were too much to overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game ended with a 22-point lead for South Carolina, 93-75, sending to another championship showdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Stats and Standout players<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Carolina:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n