South Carolina’s Henderson, No. 1, recovered with a 77-62 victory over Missouri

By PETE IACOBELLI
The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, SC – Destanni Henderson of South Carolina knew the only way to overcome UConn’s 2nd place defeat – and she showed that Thursday night in the Gamecocks victory over Missouri.

Henderson scored seven of his 11 points in a decisive series in the third quarter, while his team moved away from the Tigers 77-62 for their 30th consecutive victory against the Southeast Conference competition.

Just a few days earlier, the junior owner was concerned about her poor performance in the 63-59 defeat in overtime for the Huskies. Henderson hit just 5 out of 17 and had the worst eight turns of the season.

“For me, I knew that I made many mistakes and, if I hadn’t made them, we could have had a better result,” she said. “You just have to let it go.”

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said Henderson is usually tougher on herself when things don’t go her way. She asked an assistant to check on Henderson on Tuesday night. But on Wednesday in training, Henderson told his trainer that she was fine and ready to go.

This showed against Missouri in the third quarter. Henderson then got his basket onto a driving tray. South Carolina (16-2, 11-0 SEC) recovered Henderson’s failed free throw and the ball found its way back into his hands as the Gamecocks climbed from one forward 54-46.

Henderson knew it was time to take charge. “We certainly needed to start more strongly in the second half and make baskets.”

Zia Cooke overcame a bad start to finish with 15 points for the Gamecocks, while Aliyah Boston had 11 points and 12 rebounds for his ninth double-double this season and 22nd of his university career.

Missouri (7-8, 3-7) made Gamecocks difficult in the first 25 minutes until Henderson heated up. But the Tigers failed to respond and lost for the fifth time in the last seven games and for the fourth consecutive time to South Carolina.

“I really thought they increased their defensive intensity,” said Missouri coach Robin Pingeton.

Tigers have a habit of approaching the SEC’s top teams this season. They lost a pair of games to Arkansas ranked by eight points combined. They also had a four point loss to No. 6 Texas A&M and a six point loss to No. 20 Kentucky.

Shug Dickson scored 15 points to lead Missouri. LaDazhia Williams and Aijha Blackwell, who have an average of almost 29 points per game, were left with just 17 of them.

THE GREAT IMAGE

Missouri: The Tigers once again came close to a ranked opponent, but they didn’t have the speed or strength to keep up with South Carolina. Things aren’t getting any easier because Missouri faces four ranked opponents in their last five games of the regular season.

South Carolina: Gamecocks have a tendency to start slowly and pass through stretches where even the simplest and closest blows seem to miss the mark. Although they are sure to fall from first place, they have a smart and experienced lineup that will lead them to fight for the national title.

SOUTH CAROLINA OFFENSE

It took a while for South Carolina to start connecting in the attack. The game was tied at 36 – all at halftime, before the Gamecocks moved away from the last two quarters. “We are in progress,” said Staley. “We are past the middle of the season and we are still learning, which is good.”

THAT WAS THREE?

LeLe Grissett, the only South Carolina veteran, was surprised by everyone in the building when she reached the first three years of her career. The 6-foot-2 striker had only taken a three before. This time, however, she took a confident step towards the shot and passed. “I’m usually a first pass player, but why not?” she said, smiling.

NEXT

South Carolina hosts LSU on Sunday.