The Gamecocks did not appear to be dwelling on their previous loss as they earned a clean 86-71 victory over the Florida Gators Thursday night. The victory marked win number 350 for Dawn Staley in her coaching career.
The Gamecocks were missing senior leader Asia Dozier after she suffered a wrist injury against Texas A&M, but freshman Doniyah Cliney stepped in for Dozier and provided a spark for the Gamecocks in her first start. Cliney scored seven points in the first half.
On giving Cliney the opportunity to start, Staley remarked that "She's been patient. Part of what we have been doing with Doniyah is being really hard on her in practice because she doesn't have any game experience. With being so hard on her she took the hint and put herself in a position to get the nod."
Florida anticipated South Carolina's physical advantage and implemented a ferocious zone defense that really bore down on the low post. While this scheme was intended to mitigate the impact of center Alaina Coates and forward A’ja Wilson down low, it opened up shots for South Carolina's outside shooters.
The Gamecocks built momentum throughout the first two quarters, and at one point they scored 16 unanswered points in the second quarter. Tina Roy came off the bench to score a critical three-pointer during that run. At the half, South Carolina carried a 43-31 lead into the locker room.
Despite Florida's efforts to shut down Alaina Coates, the 6-foot-4 center found her rhythm as the game progressed. Coates finished with 14 points and 11 boards, compiling her usual double-double.
Senior guard Tiffany Mitchell paced the Gamecocks in scoring with 22 points.
On achieving the career milestone Staley noted, "There have been some special ones [wins] wrapped up in there, but the biggest one has yet to come."
The win also marked South Carolina's 10th over ranked teams this season. The Gamecocks are scheduled to face Tennessee on the road on Monday, Feb. 15.