South Carolina Secures 43rd Straight Win Against Clemson
CLEMSON, S.C. — In a thrilling matchup, the No. 1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks achieved a remarkable feat by defeating their rivals, the Clemson Tigers, with a score of 77-45. This victory marked their 43rd consecutive win, setting a new school record.
Despite starting the game slowly, with the Gamecocks trailing 17-12 midway through the second quarter, they found their rhythm and launched a dominant 17-0 run. This run allowed them to pull ahead and take control of the game. Te-Hina Paopao led South Carolina with 13 points, while Ashlyn Watkins contributed with 10 points and 11 rebounds, achieving her first double-double of the season.
Prior to this game, the Gamecocks had a winning streak of 42 games, beginning with their impressive run in the 2022 NCAA Tournament where they clinched the national championship. Their winning streak continued until they reached the 2023 Final Four.
Clemson’s Loyal McQueen was the standout for the Tigers, scoring 15 points. A key moment in the game occurred when Mia Moore made a 3-pointer, giving Clemson their last lead of the night. That’s when South Carolina shifted gears, stepping up their defense and shooting to turn the game in their favor.
The Gamecocks’ defense was a key factor in their win, forcing Clemson into a season-high 19 turnovers and dominating the rebounding battle, 54-30. In total, 11 of the 12 players who took the court for South Carolina scored at least three points. The Gamecocks outscored the Tigers in the paint, 44-10, and their bench significantly contributed with a score of 43-3.
Notably, Tessa Johnson made a crucial 3-pointer just before halftime, extending South Carolina’s lead to 12. Freshman Joyce Edwards added to the excitement with back-to-back layups during a strong third-quarter push, while fellow freshman Maddy McDaniel also shined with a season-high of seven points, including her first career three-pointer.
With this impressive victory, the South Carolina Gamecocks continue to show why they are at the top, adding another significant win to their record and demonstrating their depth and talent on the court.
