Unexpected hurdles can trip even the most seasoned champions, and the South Carolina Gamecocks felt that firsthand against No. 19 Alabama. Their 76-58 win extended an impressive SEC streak, but head coach Dawn Staley wasn’t blind to the imperfections in their play.

Staley’s post-game reflection laid bare her concerns: “What we weren’t doing was executing. I mean, they made it hard for us to catch. We weren’t getting open. And so they disrupted the flow of our offense. And we got to get better.”

Despite Alabama missing Sarah Ashlee Barker, their second-leading scorer, the Crimson Tide capitalized on defensive disruptions to challenge South Carolina’s rhythm. The Gamecocks’ 15% shooting from beyond the arc underscored their offensive struggles, forcing them to rely heavily on points in the paint.

In the first four minutes, South Carolina raced to a 12-0 lead, leveraging Alabama’s 0-for-8 start to gain an early advantage. When asked how crucial that cushion was, Staley admitted, “It’s crucial for us to get off to quick starts because that’s something that we haven’t done consistently all season long. It helps us… we needed the cushion in order for us to just hold on to the lead and hold on to some momentum, even though it was slipping away from us.”

Momentum is the invisible player on any court. For the Gamecocks, that initial burst gave them breathing room as Alabama fought back. Joyce Edwards led with 21 points, and Chloe Kitts contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds, but the team’s consistency remained a concern.

Bench Dominance: Dawn Staley’s Ace in the Hole

Although South Carolina’s starters faltered, their bench stepped up in a big way. Outscoring Alabama’s reserves 43-2, the Gamecocks showcased the depth that has defined their season. MiLaysia Fulwiley’s 16 points and Te-Hina Paopao’s 11 kept South Carolina afloat, reinforcing that victories often come from the collective, not just individual brilliance.

This bench dominance isn’t new for the Gamecocks. According to NCAA.com, South Carolina leads the nation with an average of 42.1 points per game from their reserves—a testament to their well-rounded roster.

This dominance was mirrored on the boards, where South Carolina outrebounded Alabama 51-34. Offensive rebounds alone accounted for 19 second-chance points, a critical factor in the Gamecocks’ ability to maintain their lead.

Despite the win, Staley’s remarks emphasized the need for growth. “They made it a two-possession game… and we got to get better.” South Carolina’s struggles against Alabama’s defensive pressure hinted at vulnerabilities that tougher opponents might exploit.

As they prepare to face No. 13 Oklahoma, the Gamecocks will need to fine-tune their execution and rediscover their shooting form. Their 3-for-20 performance from deep won’t suffice against higher-ranked foes.

Basketball is as much about adapting to adversity as it is about skill. South Carolina’s victory over Alabama was a testament to their resilience but also a reminder of their humanity. As Dawn Staley candidly acknowledged, there’s work to be done. And in the game of inches, South Carolina knows those inches will define their season.