COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – Aliyah Boston had his career record, 28 points, along with 16 rebounds, and South Carolina’s No. 5 opened the Southeastern Conference game with his 13th straight win over Florida, 75- 59 on Thursday.
Boston, the second six-foot year, was dominant while the Gamecocks (6-1) won their third straight loss since the season’s solitary loss to the third state of North Carolina, 54-46 on December 3. .
Zia Cooke had 26 points for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina had not played in two weeks since their 103-41 home win over Temple on December 17. And it looked like Gamecocks weren’t going to get into that either, when the originally scheduled opponent Ole Miss had to postpone the deadline. for COVID-19 issues.
But Florida (7-2) intervened – the Gators were originally scheduled to come to South Carolina on February 25 – to start the SEC game.
At first, the Gators seemed fully capable of taking on the Gamecocks and dropped just 16-13 after Lavender Briggs had two consecutive baskets in the second quarter. That was when Boston and the Gamecocks started a 15-0 run to take control.
Boston had nine points in the raise and Cooke, the team’s top scorer this season, had four points.
When Boston fell at 3 points, Gamecocks were at 31-13 and cruising.
Boston dominated the half time, hitting the failed shot under the Florida basket with six seconds left, running across the court and stopping for a short jump.
She doubled in the interval with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Boston had his third double-double this season and 16 of his career. She also had four of South Carolina’s 10 blocks and a better career with three points out of 3.
Florida reduced the 22-point lead to 57-47 at the end of the third quarter, but the Gamecocks opened the final period with a 6-1 explosion to win their 20th consecutive SEC competition.
Briggs tied his career with 23 points to lead the Gators.
THE GREAT IMAGE
Florida: The Gators replaced when South Carolina’s game with Ole Miss was canceled due to the rebels’ coronavirus problems. The move has given Florida a number of better SEC teams. After the current South Carolina champion, the Gators play 9th place in Texas A&M on Sunday and 12th in Mississippi on Thursday.
South Carolina: Gamecocks lowered a flag from the arena beams before the game, celebrating the team’s 2019-20 season when they reached 32-1, won SEC regular and tournament titles and were ranked first in the country when COVID-19 ended the NCAA Women’s Tournament. The banner features a large “# 1” with “Final National Classification” and “Unamious”.
NEXT
Florida: hosts No. 9 Texas A&M on Sunday.
South Carolina: In Alabama on Monday night.
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