Gamecock Digest

The Story Inside The Game: South Carolina vs Norfolk State University

South Carolina's Women's Basketball team is heavily favored against an underrated Norfolk State squad, mainly due to their length and experience.

Arvon Bacon

The Story Inside The Game: South Carolina vs Norfolk State University
The Story Inside The Game: South Carolina vs Norfolk State University /

Day one of the historic run for Dawn Staley and her historic undefeated team is here. Still, ironically, Coach Staley conveyed after the selection show this past Sunday that the team's stress levels are lower than last year's national title run.

"This year we're playing more experienced with a target on our backs, so there's pressure, but not as much pressure, meaning we had to win last year - because of how we lost the year before, but this year they've learned how to win and how to carry that pressure - we're just thinking about how we're going to win the next game, and that's been the mentality all season," said Staley.

While the #1 seed Gamecocks are heavily favored with an over/under of 49.5 points over the MEAC champions, Norfolk State University is ready to make the most of their opportunity.

"These ladies have aspirations to play overseas, and they are more than good enough. - There's nothing better than a film you can send against the No.1 team in the country to help them get the money that they deserve," said NSU Head coach Larry Vickers

The NSU ladies are also drawing inspiration from the men's team, who slayed a proverbial giant in 2012, upsetting the #2 seed Missouri Tigers 86-84. Coach Vickers was an assistant coach for NSU's men's team in 2012. With HBCUs returning to a focal point of the media, today's game will also be another excellent recruiting tool for Norfolk State and other HBCUs alike, especially if the Spartans can make things interesting against a team of South Carolina's caliber.

The X's and O's

The Gamecocks will have the advantage in length, so look for them to dominate the glass. Second-chance opportunities should open the floodgates for USC and allow them to get in a groove early in the second quarter. Keep your eyes on senior guards Zia Cooke and Brea Beal to be the offensive sparks and light it up from deep if the Gamecocks see a high dosage of zone defense.

Norfolk has primarily run a man-style defense, but don't be surprised to see them utilize a 3-2 or 1-3-1 zone, attempting to force South Carolina to try their luck from behind the arc. As a team, South Carolina is shooting 31.5% from deep. 

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Arvon Bacon
ARVON BACON

Arvon Bacon III covers South Carolina athletics at Fan Nation and the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G-League). 

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