COLOMBIA – Talent took over, as it usually does, but is there still something that just doesn’t exist?
Or is it the case of South Carolina, in fifth place, playing only its fourth game this month, and the second in two weeks?
The Gamecocks (6-1, 1-0 SEC) rolled Florida 75-59 on Thursday with the All-American preseason Aliyah Boston returned to form, posting a double-double only in the first half. She scored 28 points, her career record, including all three points of 3 Gamecocks, Zia Cooke had 26 and the Gators (7-2, 0-1) realized as many that they just don’t have the talent and depth of this USC roster.
But in a game where USC raised a “No. 1 “banner consistent with your final poll results last year, and this season should be the conclusion of what could (should it?) If it weren’t for the pandemic, is this team like the last one?
“Probably a little bit of (fights and a sporadic schedule), and a little bit of adjustment to play in a dead gym. I think our children like to feed on the energy of the crowd and, when it reaches 17% of capacity, it is very difficult ”, said trainer Dawn Staley. “But it’s a different team.”
The Gamecocks won, comfortably, and displayed their galaxy of stars as they did in 26 consecutive victories at the end of last season. However, they did not cut the opponent the way they did, they dominated the way they did it.
Then again, at this point they should have played 12 or 13 games instead of six, and more often than two games in 14 days. So it might be rust, and the rest of the SEC’s 15-game schedule, with two and sometimes three games in seven days (as the USC did next week) offers a chance to smooth out the remaining wrinkles.
The USC celebrated 21 wins in Florida, but also lost 15 balls. Gamecocks continue to make more layups than they lose, but the difference between the two is not big. Last year’s team was lethal defensively and could score from anywhere or from any player on the ground.
This year’s team, so far, has a problem with defending the ball and their score is mainly linked to Boston and Cooke. An advantage of 22 points decreased to 10 with 10 minutes to play and while the USC never let it go below that and never lost in the game, it was a question of whether this team can finish the games it starts.
“We are still in the process of understanding each other, learning to play and finding some courage. We need some courage, ”said Staley. “The grit is missing from this team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”
Cooke said two weeks ago that when this team clicks, it will be scary.
Will this happen?
“It’s coming. Honestly, I can’t believe we’re there yet,” said Cooke. “But you will see.”
Flag raised
Gamecocks placed banners for their regular 2019-20 SEC season and tournament championships on the beams of Colonial Life Arena, and revealed another. It said “Final National Classification, Unanimous” around a big “# 1”.
USC’s thinking has always been that it didn’t want to claim a national championship that it didn’t actually win, so it hung a banner recognizing a fact that was indisputable. Gamecocks finished last year in first place in the 25 polls from the Associated Press and USA Today / Coaches.
Follow David Cloninger on Twitter @DCPandC.