Boston scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds to match the Southeastern Conference record of 19 consecutive double-doubles as No. 1 South Carolina won a share in the league title by beating No. 53 67-53. 12 Tennessee.
She tied Sylvia Fowles’ 15-year-old record. The Gamecocks (25-1 and 13-1 SEC) won the 13th consecutive game to secure the No. In two weeks, she will be the No. 1 seed in this league tournament.
Saniya Rivers from Boston, Saniya Rivers’ freshman teammate, said, “Watching someone do that at this level, it’s like, ‘Wow!’” To do this consistently every game.”
Boston has been consistent in being the best and this is what has pushed her to this point. She was an All-American last season, but she would have given up all her honors to be able to play in the national semifinal defeat to NCAA Tournament champion Stanford last March.
Boston stated, “It’s a great feeling to be there with (Fowles). “I can see her play and how strong she’s and that is what I want to emulate.
Boston’s dominant performance with her Tennessee orange braids stole the show. After scoring eight points and eight rebounds, Boston scored her 10th point with a driving basket. Boston got her 10th rebound three minutes later. The crowd of over 18,000 cheered.
Tennessee (21-6, 10-4) was still in the game, but down 44-36 following Rae Burrell’s bucket midway through third quarter.
At that moment, Destanni Henderson was honored as a South Carolina senior and played her last regular-season home match. She rushed up to the court for layups on consecutive possessions. Saniya Rivers, a freshman, stole a pass at midcourt and made a layup to make the Gamecocks win 50-38.
The Lady Vols couldn’t respond and lost for the fifth time in eight matches since they rose to No. The rankings ranked 4 Tennessee lost its top rebounder and scorer Jordan Horston in Tennessee’s first game. She fractured her left elbow during a loss to Alabama.
Horston sat down on the bench, her arm wrapped around a sling. Burrell was the Lady Vols’ leading scorer with 14 points. Tamari Key (6’6″) had 10 points and 10 assists.
Kellie Harper, Lady Vols coach, likes her team’s determination without Horston. They will need it throughout the season. Harper stated, “Nothing will be easy for this team during the remainder of the season.”
Zia Cooke scored 12 points, while Henderson had 11. The Gamecocks improved their record to 11-0 against ranked opponents.
South Carolina hosted a national event with a packed house and ESPN’s College GameDay.
Brooklynn Miles’ bucket tied the score at 13-all after one quarter. The Gamecocks went on a 17-6 run. Henderson started things off with a basket.
Cooke made a 3-pointer, while Boston scored two inside baskets. To the delight of the crowd, Henderson added another shot from behind the arc. Kamilla Cardoso also scored and the Gamecocks led by 30-19.
Both teams failed to score the ball early. To close out the half, the Lady Vols and Gamecocks went 0-of-15 from 15 feet.
THE BIG PICTURE
Tennessee: With Horston absent for what coach Kellie Harper believed could be several weeks, it’s difficult to see Tennessee’s future. The Lady Vols looked to be on the rise prior to their recent stretch, and they still seem to be one step away from winning championships.
South Carolina: South Carolina has won or shared three SEC crowns in the past and could win one more next week at Texas A&M. It’s difficult to imagine South Carolina not winning the SEC Tournament, and being among the clear favorites for the NCAA.
ORANGE IS THE NEW BOSTON
Boston claimed that her Tennessee orange braids weren’t made intentionally, but were just picked by her stylist. Boston stated that she does not interfere with the selection as she doesn’t want it to affect her stylist’s vibe. Dawn Staley, Gamecocks coach, saw the item and knew that some would view it as a shot at Lady Vols. Staley smiled and said, “She let somebody else make the decision.” “And I know that she has learned her lesson.”
PLAYER OF YEAR
At the beginning of the week, Staley spoke out about why Boston should be given as much attention as other national award candidates. Staley believes Boston will be able to convince voters that it is the best game this season by its performance on the national broadcast. Staley, who is a Virginia two-time national player award winner, said that “I don’t think it’s a debate at this point.” “She’s done enough.”
UP NEXT
Tennessee hosts Mississippi State Thursday night at home
On Thursday, South Carolina will travel to Texas A&M.
