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Home > SECWB News & More! > SEC Teams > South Carolina > Finally, Gamecocks Score Conference Win
Finally, Gamecocks Score Conference Win
by Marilyn McManus, SECWB.com
Posted: February 4th, 2008 @ 4:25pm
Source: View Box Score
The South Carolina Gamecocks finally got their first conference win of the season today, holding off the University of Arkansas Razorbacks for a 59-50 win at the Colonial Center. It was not the prettiest win ever seen, but it worked. Junior forward Demetress Adams set a new single-game rebounding record, with 26, equaling the number gathered by the entire Arkansas team.
Defense was the name of the game today, with Carolina holding Arkansas to 32% shooting for the game, while the Gamecocks shot 37% and dominated on the boards. Their ferocity in both areas allowed them to overcome the effects of 25 turnovers committed in the game (leading to 13 points for Arkansas in the first half.)
The Gamecocks were led by Demetress Adams, with the most impressive double-double of her career (so far): 18 points on 7-10 shooting, 26 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Brionna Dickerson added 15 points and 6 rebounds and Jordan Jones added 10 points. Ilona Burgrova and Lakesha Tolliver each had 7 rebounds and Tolliver blocked 3 shots in fairly spectacular fashion, bringing the crowd to their feet with each one.
Brittany Vaughn led Arkansas with 14 points, while Sarah Pfeifer and Ayana Brereton had 11 points apiece. The Razorbacks took more shots than the Gamecocks (61-53) had more steals (15-6) and took better care of the ball (11-25.) But their inability to get rebounds--or to the foul line--as often as the Gamecocks doomed them.
And how about a word about those fouls? The officiating at this game was somewhat absurd, led by the intrepid and outgoing Dee Kantner. In the first half, a total of 7 fouls were called and no shots were taken from the foul line. The second half, however, was a person foul free-for-all, with 24 fouls called in the second 20 minutes. I’m not complaining, really. The rash of fouls eventually benefitted the Gamecocks, who made 16 of 22 free throws. Personally, I didn’t see that much difference in the way the teams played in the two halves of play.
I’m just saying...
The Gamecocks players were clearly relieved to get their first conference win under their belts and should be able to play the remaining games without the additional pressure of getting over that hump. Lakesha Tolliver’s return provides not only rest for the post players and a strong defensive presence inside, but a certain confidence that comes only from experience. Now if they could just make a dent in the turnovers department...
Up next? The Gamecocks travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt on Thursday night.
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