NCAAW: South Carolina, LSU deliver wins in SEC/ACC Challenge

On Thursday, we had 10 games in the SEC/ACC Challenge, and when the dust settled, the SEC won 10-6 across both days of the competition.

Here’s a rundown of the results from the six most interesting games, as well as how we ended up with the SEC running away with the second-annual inter-conference event:

Gamecocks still rule

No. 3 South Carolina dominated No. 8 Duke, winning 81-70. The opening quarter was as one-sided as a period can be. The Gamecocks outscored the Blue Devils 28-12 during the first 10 minutes and never looked back.

Chloe Kitts scored 21 points while shooting 9-for-14 from the field. She also grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the team in both statistical categories.

Notre Dame gets back in the groove

No. 10 Notre Dame was desperate for a win on Thursday after losing back-to-back games. It took overtime to get it done, but Notre Dame made sure it wouldn’t suffer a third-consecutive loss by beating a good No. 4 Texas team, 80-70.

And they got it done thanks to Hannah Hidalgo, who went off and scored a game-high 30 points. However, she wasn’t a one-woman show, as both Sonia Citron and Olivia Miles scored 18 points in the win.

Texas pushed hard in the fourth thanks to some late-quarter points by Rori Harmon, in addition to Madison Booker’s 20-point game, but they ran out of gas in overtime, and Notre Dame was able to secure the upset win.

LSU avoids disaster

Stanford entered the fourth quarter up 57-52, putting them just 10 minutes away from beating No. 5 LSU and achieving the biggest upset of the SEC/ACC Challenge.

Unfortunately for them, Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams scored 16 points in the fourth to rally back and force overtime.

In the extended period, Williams hit a critical 3-pointer with 38 seconds to go to put the lead out of Stanford’s reach for good. Good teams find a way to win, and that’s what LSU did.

North Carolina cruises pass Kentucky

The Tar Heels surprised many by dominating the Wildcats 72-53. The game was essentially over in the first half, largely due to the second quarter, where No. 16 North Carolina outscored No. 14 Kentucky, 15-9.

Three Tar Heel starters scored in double figures, and the bench stepped up big, contributing 16 points compared to two for the Wildcats. The victory will undoubtedly place UNC over Kentucky in the next AP poll. In this contest, Maria Gakdeng scored 18 points, pushing her past the career mark of 1,000 points.

Cal shocks us all

Perhaps this season will become a year of tremendous growth for California basketball. This was an impressive 69-65 win over No. 19 Alabama.

Kayla Williams came up big for the Golden Bears in this game, scoring 21 points, including a critical field goal during clutch time, to edge out the Crimson Tide. The win likely won’t put Cal in the top 25, but it does put the basketball world on notice that the 8-1 squad is dangerous.

Wolfpack survive Rebels’ comeback

No. 18 Ole Miss rallied late, going on a 17-4 run to start the fourth to get within four points of NC State. Both teams exchanged baskets for multiple possessions, but the Wolfpack hung on by knocking down four straight free throws to win 68-61.

The upset was brought to you by the quartet of Zoe Brooks, Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers and Zamareya Jones, all of whom scored in double figures. Jones, in particular, shined, scoring 14 off the bench and missing just one shot.

In the end, the SEC winning two-day challenge demonstrated they have the top talent. There is plenty of time left in the season, and March is when it all comes to a head, but right now, the SEC is and remains the queens of the court.