The South Carolina women's basketball ream took a big step on Sunday, beating Alabama on their home court at Coleman Coliseum.

Both teams came out shooting and shooting hot, going on small scoring runs, with the Gamecocks getting a decent lead (11 points) early on and the Crimson Tide whittling it down to only 4 points at halftime.

In the second half, the Gamecocks continued to hit their shots, while the Tide cooled off considerably (63.6%, 1st half; 31.7% 2nd half = 42.9% for the game) enabling South Carolina to extend and maintain the lead and  cruise to a 12-point victory.

The Gamecocks suffered a rash of turnovers (21) many of which came in the form of travelling calls, a shifted pivot foot, a nervous dribble AFTER picking up the dribble...mostly silly, nervous things that can be eliminated over time and with experience.

However, great shooting saved the day. While the Gamecocks took only 52 shots (to 63 for Alabama) they hit nearly 60% for the game, including 66% from behind the 3-point line. Only 2 Gamecocks shot less than 50%, individually. (Somebody find out what the secret is and bottle it--quick!) 

Junior guard Valerie Nainima led the scoring (which featured 5 Gamecocks in double figures) with 21 points, followed by freshman center Kelsey Bone with another double-double: 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore guard LaKeisha Sutton had 13 points on 5 of 6 shooting (3-3 from 3) and sophomore forward Charenee Stephens and freshman guard Ieasia Walker each added 10 points. Nainima also led the team with 5 assists (with only 1 turnover) and 3 steals.

The Crimson Tide was led by Dedrea Magee and Varisia Raffington, each with 18 points and Ericka Russell with 14 points. Raffington and Carmen McCoy each had 6 rebounds for Alabama.

The Gamecocks cleared a huge hurdle by winning a conference game on the road and are now 8-7 overall and 1-2 in the Southeastern Conference.

The next challenge is hosting the Kentucky Wildcats at Colonial Life Arena on Thursday night. Tipoff is at 7 pm.