**South Carolina Women’s Basketball Dominates Clemson 65-37 Despite Up-and-Down Performance**
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team secured a 65-37 victory over in-state rival Clemson on Nov. 11. However, the final score did not fully capture the hot and cold streaks experienced by both the offense and defense throughout the game.
South Carolina (3-0) entered the final quarter with just a 10-point lead over Clemson (2-1), before closing out the game on a decisive 20-2 run. This defensive stand marked the second-fewest points allowed in a single quarter in program history — a record that can only be tied, as the fewest points allowed is zero.
“Basketball is a game of runs,” said South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson. “That’s kind of expected. Once we got to the low point on our end, we kind of kept it there. We need to figure it out. I also think it’s just we’re still building chemistry with each other and learning to adjust quicker.”
The Gamecocks started strong with an 11-0 run. Although Clemson managed to cut the deficit to six midway through the second quarter, South Carolina responded with three straight baskets, expanding the lead back to 11 points.
Despite holding a 35-24 advantage at halftime, the Gamecocks struggled offensively in the third quarter, going nearly eight minutes without scoring.
“We had a good group that was disciplined,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. “Sometimes you go an entire game and one group is just more linked and connected.”
Chemistry is a key focus for this young team, especially considering the current roster limitations. Staley has just nine players available after Maddy McDaniel was suspended indefinitely.
“The margin of victory in the first two games minimized most mistakes,” Staley noted. “As much as I can get mad at what’s happening on the floor, when you really look at it, we’re just a really young basketball team, inexperienced and having to learn how to play together. We have to go through some things.”
The coaching staff has put its trust in four new starters this season, including two transfers alongside junior guard Tessa Johnson and fifth-year player Raven Johnson. Depth remains a concern; last season, the bench averaged just over four minutes per game but now must shoulder a heavier load.
Clemson coach Shawn Poppie highlighted the importance of execution during South Carolina’s dominant fourth quarter. “They had wide-open shots but just didn’t hit them,” he said.
Looking ahead, South Carolina faces a tough test against No. 10 USC on Nov. 15 at 9 p.m. ET in Los Angeles (broadcast on FOX). The Trojans feature two players averaging 17.5 points per game, presenting a significant challenge for the Gamecocks’ perimeter defense.
One player to watch is Londynn Jones, who went 5-of-5 from the 3-point line against South Carolina in last November’s loss to UCLA. Now a Trojan, she scored four points against NC State on Nov. 9 and remains a threat from beyond the arc.
“I thought tonight was a real challenge for us,” Staley said about the Clemson game. “They challenged us to be more disciplined. It’s really good stuff that we need to show our team so we can recognize it. Everything is about awareness and recognition for this team.”
To close out the month of November, South Carolina will take on Duke followed by a matchup against either Texas or UCLA — all three teams expected to be ranked in the top 25 at the time.
The Gamecocks will need to continue refining their chemistry and consistency if they hope to maintain their high ranking and compete for a national championship this season.
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2025/11/11/south-carolina-womens-basketball-clemson-dawn-staley-southern-cal/87152891007/