The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks demonstrated their resilience by holding off a resurgent No. 3 USC Trojans squad, 89-85, in a high-stakes clash at Bons Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This contest marked the third meeting between the two programs within a single calendar year, significantly closer than their previous encounters where South Carolina dominated with a 69-52 victory in Los Angeles and a 101-61 blowout in the NCAA tournament second round. The Gamecocks now hold a perfect 6-0 all-time record in this unique rivalry, cementing their status as the dominant force in the “Real SC” series despite the Trojans’ recent momentum.
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USC’s offensive engine, former National Player of the Year JuJu Watkins, mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback that threatened to erase the Gamecocks’ lead. Watkins’ late surge kept the Trojans within striking distance, creating a tense final minute that highlighted the competitive balance returning to this matchup. However, South Carolina’s depth proved decisive when reserve forward Jordan Lee, a transfer from two-time Final Four participant Texas, recovered from a half-court turnover to deliver a game-saving block on Watkins’ potential equalizer. This defensive stop showcased the Gamecocks’ ability to rely on their bench to protect leads in high-pressure situations.
The victory reinforces South Carolina’s trajectory toward a seventh consecutive Final Four appearance, underscoring a roster rich with talent and experience. Fifth-year forward Chloe Kitts captured the team’s confidence in the post-game press conference, declaring, “Now you guys can stop saying who the real SC is, because we are.” With no further regular-season matchups scheduled, this result serves as a definitive statement of intent for the Gamecocks, proving they can handle elite competition even when the opponent is playing with heightened urgency and star power.
Source: Yahoo Sports
