The South Carolina Gamecocks got off to a quick, if rocky, start this afternoon at the Colonial Life Arena, then held on for a 63-56 victory over the Penn State Lady Lions.

The home team held a 28-15 advantage at the half, despite terrible shooting (26%) and poor rebounding. The Lady Lions had an even worse shooting day, hitting only 20%. But they came out energized for the second half and made the Carolina team work hard to preserve their win. They clawed their way into the game, erasing the lead, and then the teams traded baskets--and fouls--the rest of the way. Neither team shot well for the total game--30% for USC and 28.6% for PSU--and both missed a lot of free throws along the way: 9 for Penn State and 13 for South Carolina.  Let's call it a learning experience for both teams and leave it at that.

Junior guard Valerie Nainima led the Carolina scoring with 18 points, followed closely by sophomore forward Charenee Stephens' double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman center Kelsey Bone also scored in double figures with 10 points and added 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Junior guard Samone Kennedy had 3 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, while freshman forward Ashley Bruner had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 1 steal in just 13 minutes on the floor.

The Lady Lions' scoring was led by senior guard Tyra Grant with 18 points, while sophomore guard Zhaque Gray had 11 and freshman guard Alex Bentley added 10. Freshman forward Nikki Greene had 9 rebounds to lead Penn State.

 

The Gamecocks will be back in action on Thanksgiving Day, as they participate in the U. S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. Their first game will be against Oklahoma on Thursday, followed by Notre Dame on Friday and San Diego State University on Saturday.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!