South Carolina women’s basketball fell to 0-2 in the Paradise Jam with a 78-55 loss to No. 5/6 Notre Dame Friday. South Carolina is now 2-3 on the season, while Notre Dame is 5-0.
The season, the Gamecocks have generally struggled offensively in the first half only to find their rhythm in the second half. On Friday, the reverse was the case, leading to the Gamecocks’ worst loss of the season.
The game opened well, with South Carolina shooting 45.8 percent from the field and making four of five three point attempts. South Carolina also used its inside strength to get to the free throw line 13 times, making 11, including eight straight at one point. South Carolina capped off the half with a three pointer by Samone Kennedy to make it 44-37 at half time.
In the second half, the Gamecocks were ice cold, hitting on just 19.2 percent of their shots. They made just five baskets in 26 attempts, missed all six three-point attempts, and hit just eight of 14 free throws. Meanwhile, the Irish also cooled off compared to the first half, but still shot a respectable 36.7 percent from the floor, made 3-9 three pointers, and nine of 15 free throws. The Irish also dominated in the paint, normally the Gamecocks’ area of success. The Irish outscored the Gamecocks 24-16 inside and 17-8 in second chance points.
Head coach Dawn Staley made a change to the starting lineup for the first time this season. Sophomore forward Charenee Stephens started in place of freshman Kelsey Bone, the Gamecocks leading scorer. Bone came off the bench to score 14 points in 28 minutes, and pull down eight rebounds, tied with fellow freshman Ashley Bruner for the team-high.
After winning the rebounding battle against Oklahoma, South Carolina was once again beaten on the glass by Notre Dame, 41-34. South Carolina also failed to take care of the ball, committing 21 turnovers, leading to 21 Notre Dame points. Freshman point guard Ieasia Walker was the worst offender, committing five turnovers without dishing out an assist.
Guard Valerie Nainima lead South Carolina with 15 points. Wing player Courtney Newton saw her first action of the year for South Carolina, and scored three points on a jumper in the first half, and grabbed one rebound. Newton missed the first four games of the season after suffering a concussion in practice.
Notre Dame found success with a balanced scoring attack. Four players scored in double figures, led by Melissa Lechlitner, who had 15 points. Ashley Barlow had 14 points , six rebounds, and four assists. Skylay Diggins had 12 points and Becca Bruszewski had 11.
South Carolina will conclude its trip to the Virgin Islands on Saturday. South Carolina will face San Diego State, who fell 84-79 to Notre Dame and was routed 87-48 by Oklahoma in its first two games.
