Prior to South Carolina’s matchup against 12th-seeded Kansas in the NCAA Tournament, sophomore forward Aleighsa Welch told reporters USC would have to find a way to disrupt the Jayhawks’ efficient, high-scoring offense.
But the Gamecock defense could not slow down Kansas, falling 75-69 in the round of 32 in Boulder, Colo. The loss marked only the fifth time this season that USC (25-8) allowed more than 60 points in a game.
Senior Ieasia Walker, senior Ashley Bruner, sophomore Elem Ibiam and Welch all finished with double-doubles in the loss. Bruner and Welch led the Gamecocks in scoring with 16 points apiece, but Bruner missed two critical free throws with just over a minute to play and USC trailing by three.
Senior Ieasia Walker took a 3-point shot that would have tied the game with 30 seconds to play.