Game Preview: South Carolina Takes on Clemson in Rivalry Showdown
CLEMSON, SC – The #1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0) are set to face off against Clemson (3-0) tonight at 5:00 PM on ESPN2. The Gamecocks, who lead the all-time series 35-33, have dominated the rivalry in recent years, securing 13 consecutive victories over the Tigers since 2009.
Clemson has made remarkable changes this season, hiring 39-year-old coach Shawn Poppie after a disappointing 12-19 record last year. Poppie, formerly of Chattanooga, brought in 20 new players from the transfer portal, aiming to revitalize the program. Among the new faces is Florence native Loyal McQueen, averaging 17.3 points per game. Alongside her, Mia Moore contributes significantly with 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
In their last meeting on November 16, 2023, South Carolina delivered a stunning performance, overpowering Clemson 109-40. The Gamecocks established a commanding 31-6 lead in the first quarter and dominated the boards, out-rebounding Clemson 73-27. Star guard Raven Johnson recorded 17 assists, showcasing South Carolina’s depth and talent.
Historically, Clemson holds a slight edge on their home floor, but their recent struggles against head coach Dawn Staley’s team make this matchup particularly lopsided. South Carolina is currently riding a 32-game road win streak and aiming for their 43rd consecutive victory, which would break the program record and mark one of the longest winning streaks in NCAA history.
With both teams seeking to assert themselves in different ways, the Gamecocks are expected to remain dominant. Analysts predict a decisive South Carolina victory, with a projected score of 88-57, as the team prepares for upcoming challenges against top-ranked opponents UCLA and Iowa State.
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Photo credit southcarolina.rivals.com
