Paopao, Watkins lead No. 1 South Carolina to record 43rd straight win 77-45 over Clemson
Paopao chats about new program record, Gamecocks' defensive priority
As No. 1 South Carolina earns its 43rd straight win, a new school best and second best in SEC history, Te-Hina Paopao breaks down this year's squad and the road win vs. Clemson.
CLEMSON, S.C. -- — Te-Hina Paopao had 13 points and Ashlyn Watkins added 10 points and 11 rebounds as No. 1 South Carolina set a school record with its 43rd straight win, 77-45, over rival Clemson on Wednesday night.
The Gamecocks (5-0) struggled to find the basket for about 15 minutes and trailed 17-12 midway through the second quarter before breaking off a 17-0 run to take control.
South Carolina's previous best was 42 wins in a row, which started with the 2022 NCAA Tournament where it won the national championship and continued until the 2023 Final Four where it lost to Iowa 77-73.
It was Watkins' most dominant showing of the season since returning to the team from her suspension.
Loyal McQueen led Clemson (3-1) with 15 points.
South Carolina: Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley said Sunday after a win over East Carolina her team misses too many layups. It happened again early at Clemson and needs fixing fast.
Clemson: The Tigers were blown out 109-40 by their rival a year ago. This time, Clemson and first-year coach Shawn Poppie threw a few early scares at the Gamecocks before losing its 14th in a row in the series.
Clemson took a 17-12 lead on Mia Moore's 3-pointer with five minutes left in the second quarter. That's when South Carolina found its touch to ignite a 17-0 run to the break. The Gamecocks made 8 of 15 shots in that stretch after hitting just six of 29 attempts to that point.
South Carolina's defense was dominant once more as it forced Clemson into a season-high 19 turnovers and outrebounded the Tigers 54-30.
South Carolina visits No. 5 UCLA on Sunday while Clemson will face UAB at the Emerald Coast Classic on Monday.
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Game Information
- Referees:
- Dee Kantner
- Rod Creech
- Fatou Cissoko-Stephens
2024-25 Southeastern Conference Standings
2024-25 Atlantic Coast Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | 7-0 | - | 16-2 |
| Duke | 6-1 | 1 | 15-4 |
| NC State | 6-1 | 1 | 14-4 |
| Louisville | 6-2 | 1.5 | 13-6 |
| California | 5-2 | 2 | 17-3 |
| North Carolina | 5-2 | 2 | 17-3 |
| Florida State | 5-2 | 2 | 15-4 |
| Georgia Tech | 4-3 | 3 | 16-3 |
| Virginia Tech | 4-3 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Boston College | 3-4 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Virginia | 3-4 | 4 | 11-8 |
| Clemson | 3-5 | 4.5 | 10-9 |
| Stanford | 2-5 | 5 | 10-8 |
| SMU | 2-5 | 5 | 10-9 |
| Miami | 1-6 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Pittsburgh | 1-6 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Syracuse | 1-6 | 6 | 7-11 |
| Wake Forest | 0-7 | 7 | 7-11 |
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