Garnet and Black Attack's preview of South Carolina's second round matchup with Oregon State highlights two keys to the Gamecocks getting a win tonight.
Oregon St. lives on three-point shots, making 8.2 per contest. The Gamecocks play disciplined perimeter defense, giving up only 3.5 treys per game. We're well-equipped to take away what OSU does best. USC also outshines OSU in post presence. While OSU is no slouch down low, with its roster including 6'6 Ruth Hamblin, the Gamecocks trio of Aleighsa Welch, Elem Ibiam, and Alaina Coates has been the key to its success all year and is good enough to help carry the Gamecocks to victory on this one if USC patiently works the ball to them on offense.
Oregon State ranks 14th in the nation in 3-point percentage this season, according to WBB State - South Carolina negating that strength and leveraging their offensive rebounding strength and athleticism to cut second chance opportunities seem like the two big keys to this game.
For more on South Carolina's season, check out Garnet and Black Attack's women's basketball section. For more on the region as a whole, check out our Stanford region storystream.