Late free throws lead Gamecocks to victory
A 3-pointer from senior Ieasia Walker and a block from sophomore Aleighsa Welch in the first few moments of South Carolina’s game against Auburn set the tone of the game for the No. 15 Gamecocks.
However, despite USC’s hot start, the contest went down to the wire with multiple lead changes throughout. But crucial free throws down the stretch for USC allowed the Gamecocks to reel off their fifth straight SEC win, beating the Tigers 59-51 in Colonial Life Arena behind a career high 19 points from freshman guard Khadijah Sessions.
“Coach (Dawn) Staley always says, ‘When your number is called, be ready,’” Sessions said. “This is a critical point in the season, and I know we’re going to need all nine players that we have, so I’m just trying to step up for my teammates.”
Sessions came off the bench to lead USC in scoring after a disappointing three points at Arkansas last Sunday.
“Each game she’s grown confidence,” Staley said. “We knew when she decided to come to play here at South Carolina she would be a special player. When we called her number in Florida, she’s been playing well ever since.”
Two other Gamecocks broke double digits, including freshman Tiffany Mitchell, who added a team-high four rebounds to her 10 points. The win improves the Gamecocks to 19-3 on the season, with a 7-2 record in SEC play.
Auburn (13-9, 2-7 SEC) was led by junior Tyrese Tanner and freshman Tra’cee Tanner who both turned in 10 points for the Tigers. The sisters, 6’1” and 6’3” respectively, added to a tall Auburn lineup that gave USC trouble on the boards.
“We talk about doing your work early, and I don’t think we did our work early,” Staley said. “And when you don’t do that you put yourself in the position where the post player, like the length that Auburn has, they really take advantage of you.”
The Tigers outscored USC in the paint 26-18 and grabbed seven more rebounds than the Gamecocks. Sunday’s win was the third consecutive game South Carolina was out-rebounded by its opponent.
Losses by both No. 8 Kentucky and No. 9 Tennessee on Sunday have left the SEC wide open, setting South Carolina up for a potential run at the conference title. However, Staley is stressing to her players to stay focused on their team and block out the rest.
“We just keep trying to control what we can control, and that’s winning basketball games, taking care of home,” Staley said. “I think it helps in the overall scheme of things to have that parody in the league, but I think we still control our own destiny.”
USC entered the day in fifth place in the SEC. The Sunday win will catapult the Gamecocks ahead of Kentucky, whom they beat earlier in the season, and tie them with Tennessee in the conference standings.
Despite this being her first year on campus, Sessions has emerged as an asset for South Carolina. While Staley urges her team not to look ahead, the freshman guard can’t help but imagine the possibilities.
“I think we’re capable of winning the SEC, and those games that were lost today show that the SEC title is up for grabs, and we’re trying to go grab it,” Sessions said.