For another year USC didn't get the a closer NCAA Region they deserved and now they can't even get game times they want in their own Regional. But the Gamecocks are embracing it and having fun with it.
Sunday night's second round NCAA tournament game against Virginia is set for a 9 pm tip-off time. So USC says it'll be a Pajama Party at the CLA.
"Hopefully our crowd comes in there with all kinds of Gamecock pajamas on and cheering us on and giving us that extra energy that they gave us last night at the end of the fourth quarter that helped us secure a win," Dawn Staley said in today's pregame press conference.
Gamecock fans are encouraged to come out in Pajamas to watch the game and the first three thousand fans will get snacks. Dawn Staley event posted Excuse Slips signed by herself and Ray Tanner on her Twitter account for fans who may not have enough energy on Monday. No doubt she wants fans to fill the CLA and settle in for matchup with alma mater in Virginia. Just like the A&T game this one will be another tough battle for the Gamecocks.
"Its' pretty tough," Staley said. "That's what you want. To put five people on the floor that can score. They spread people out, they're pretty athletic but we got to make them work. We got to use our homecourt advantage to our advantage."
No.10 Virginia upset No.7 California 68-62 to advance to the second round. They played well defensively and executed late in order to get the win. Center Felicia Aiyeotan is 6'9" and effects everything. USC has seen that In Mississippi State center Teaira McCowan.
Doniyah Cliney, a junior guard for USC who scored 8 timely points for USC in their A&T, points out that UVA is no slouch.
"They're looking to attack the basket and get up any kind of shot. They have a couple of good three-point shooters as well. Of course you have big Fe-Fe in the paint so she's kind of big part of their offense and defense as well. They have a lot of pieces to their team."
Tip-off is at 9 pm in the CLA for the second round on Sunday night.