However, the Commodores (much like the Gamecocks) are a very different team than they were last year. There are 10 freshman and sophomores on the roster, alongside experienced veteran players Liz Sherwood (the only senior), Jennifer Risper and Christina Wirth(both juniors.)
Wirth is the leading scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game and followed by Sherwood with 12.7 ppg and Risper with 9.4 ppg. Risper is also the leading rebounder with 6 per game, while Wirth averages 5 rpg. Wirth is the leading 3-point shooter, averaging 2 made per game.
The Gamecocks, 12-10 on the season, are led by a trio of players scoring in double figures: Jordan Jones (12.3 ppg), Demetress Adams (11.7 ppg) and Brionna Dickerson (10.7 ppg). Adams is the rebounding leader, averaging 9.2 per game, and is coming off of a record-setting performance against Arkansas with 26 rebounds for the game. Senior Lakesha Tolliver is now back in the lineup, after missing 6 games, which adds a shot-blocking threat and some fierce defensive play to the Gamecocks lineup. The Gamecocks should be feeling confident after their first conference win; they had come extremely close to winning 3 previous conference games–but just weren’t able to get over the hump. They continue to be plagued by slow starts and turnovers leading to points for their opponents. Eliminate the turnovers and the Gamecocks could easily have 17 wins at this point. Woulda, shoulda, coulda.
The Gamecocks have suffered through the losses of several key players, all season long. Two point guards bit the dust, one before practices began, the other just as she was solidifying her role in the starting lineup. Jordan Jones has assumed some of the point guard duties, from time to time, as has Brionna Dickerson–but both are natural shooters and their production lags when they play out of position. And both have been playing in pain, with various foot and knee ailments. Point guard Ashlie Billingslea has returned to the roster, while still rehabbing an ACL injury and trying to play her way into shape. Results have been mixed–Billingslea is clearly highly motivated to play, but she has not provided the edge the team needs from that position.
Vanderbilt has the scoring edge, as well as a huge edge in the turnovers department. The Commodores give up the ball about half as often as the Gamecocks do, which could easily be the difference in the ball game. The Gamecocks have a bit of an edge when it comes to rebounding; another monster game from Adams could have a huge impact on the final result.
Tipoff is at 8 pm, Eastern Standard Time, Thursday night.
