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Boston helps No. 1 South Carolina beat Alabama 83-51

Posted February 03, 2022 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Alabama guard Hannah Barber (5) dribbles against South Carolina guard Zia Cooke (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Aliyah Boston had 20 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks and No. 1 South Carolina beat Alabama 83-51 on Thursday night.

Coupled with Florida's victory over Tennessee, South Carolina (21-1, 9-1 Southeastern Conference). took sole possession of the conference lead.

'œCan't get too comfortable in this league at all. At all,'ť South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. 'œWe're not comfortable. We know who we play next and next and next.'ť

Zia Cooke made her first five shots and finished with 14 points for the Gamecocks

'œIt feels good to be in the top spot in our league because it says a lot about this league,'ť Staley said. 'œIf you're the top team in this league, you can win a national championship.'ť

Brittany Davis led Alabama (11-10, 2-8) with 20 points.

'œTonight, South Carolina was obviously the No. 1 team in the country. Up close and in person, their size and their depth is amazing,'ť Alabama coach Kristy Curry said. 'œBrittany really found her shot again tonight. We just needed a little more help.'ť

BIG PICTURE

South Carolina: Tennessee and South Carolina will meet in Columbia on Feb. 20, with the SEC regular-season championship likely on the line.

Alabama: There was expected to be a drop off after two straight winning seasons, including last year's second-round NCAA Tournament finish. The Tide's six newcomers just haven't been able to make headway among a rough SEC schedule.

UP NEXT

South Carolina: At Kentucky on Feb. 10.

Alabama: At Vanderbilt on Sunday.

South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) blocks a shot by Alabama guard Taylor Sutton (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) The Associated Press

South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) drives to the hoop against Alabama center Jada Rice, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) The Associated Press

South Carolina guard Zia Cooke scores a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Myra Gordon (15) and South Carolina guard LeLe Grissett (24) compete for position during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) The Associated Press

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