USC women's basketball will face the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday, November 15. If you have been wondering how good South Carolina is this season, the Gamecocks offered a first indication by hammering No. 12 North Carolina, 84-39, over the weekend. Is North Carolina ranked too high at 12? Regardless, a 45-point win over a team widely expected to be a top-20-level team and a Sweet 16 contender rates as a big statement for South Carolina.
The Gamecocks forced 24 North Carolina turnovers. They outrebounded the Tar Heels by 15, 48-33. South Carolina attempted 18 more free throws (25-7). The Gamecocks' defense was absolutely suffocating, limiting North Carolina to 25-percent field goal shooting, just 15 of 60. North Carolina scored 10 or fewer
points in each of the first three quarters. South Carolina outscored North Carolina 32-9 in the third quarter to increase a 17-point halftime lead to a 40-point lead after three quarters.
South Carolina's best players, Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts and Tessa Johnson, all made at least five field goals and shot at least 50 percent from the field. As you would expect of a 45-point win, it was a complete performance from the Gamecocks at both ends of the floor. Lindsay Gottlieb and the USC coaching staff will look at game film going into next Sunday's clash and realize what they are up against.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: South Carolina makes resounding statement one week before USC showdown
