Cardoso returns, leads No. 1 South Carolina past Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kamilla Cardoso had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 1 South Carolina past upset-minded Tennessee 66-55 on Thursday night.

Cardoso had missed two previous games while playing for Brazil in an Olympic qualifying tournament. Ashlyn Watkins added 14 points and 10 rebounds for South Carolina (24-0, 11-0 Southeastern Conference). Raven Johnson had 15 rebounds.

Rickea Jackson scored 19 points to pace Tennessee (15-9, 8-4). Sara Puckett added 15 points and Jasmine Powell 12.

Tennessee led by three points at halftime and the game was tied at 48 after three quarters. South Carolina started the fourth quarter with a 9-1 run to get a bit of breathing room. Bree Hall had five points in that outburst.

South Carolina had a nightmare of a first half. The Gamecocks had nine turnovers and shot 33% (10 of 30). Tennessee led 28-25 behind 13 points from Jackson. The Vols shot 31% (13 of 42) and 11% (1 of 9) from 3-point range.

THE TAKEAWAY

South Carolina: The Gamecocks won handily in Cardoso's absence, winning twice, including an 18-point victory over UConn.

Tennessee: If the Lady Vols are going to maintain their streak of never missing an NCAA Tournament, February will need to be a special month. Before Thursday night’s loss to the Gamecocks, Tennessee ranked No. 44 in the NCAA Evaluation Tool, which is used in the selection process. It was projected as a No. 11 seed in the tournament. Tough games at Vanderbilt, home with No. 13 LSU and Texas A&M, then the regular-season finale at South Carolina remain.

NEXT UP

South Carolina: Host Georgia on Sunday.

Tennessee: Face Vanderbilt in Nashville on Sunday.

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AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball