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©Associated Press
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 29, 2001
UF rips USC in rapid rematch
GAINESVILLE -- Florida clamped down defensively in a rematch with South Carolina.
Brandi McCain had 30 points Sunday and the 10th-ranked Gators beat the Gamecocks for the second time in eight days, 91-53 Sunday.
Florida, which has won 14 straight home games, beat South Carolina 97-85 on Jan. 21 and has won 12 straight against the Gamecocks.
"For us to come back and play South Carolina within a week and make such big strides defensively is really the most positive thing about this game," coach Carol Ross said.
The Gators held South Carolina to 7-for-30 shooting (23 percent) in the first half and 29 percent for the game. They forced 24 turnovers, leading to 35 points.
"We couldn't buy a layup," South Carolina coach Susan Walvius said. "It was nightmarish when you're getting good, high percentage shots and they won't fall."
McCain shot 12-for-24, and freshman center Vanessa Hayden had 19 points and 11 rebounds for her second straight double double.
Shannon Segres led the Gamecocks with 13 points.
MEMPHIS 81, USF 71 (OT): Tiffany Adkins, Conference USA's third-leading scorer and fifth-leading rebounder, hit a three-pointer to tie the score at 69 with a second left in regulation, then scored six in overtime to lead the visiting Tigers.
Until the final play of regulation, the Bulls had held Adkins to 11 points and nine rebounds. The senior forward finished with a team-high 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
"Memphis got the ball into their star's hands at the end and she scored, but I'm really very proud of our girls and their effort," USF coach Jose Fernandez said. "That was the hardest we have played all year and we also had a great effort against UAB Friday. To have back-to-back efforts like this is great. It's just unbelievable."
USF seemed to have its first C-USA win wrapped up when Aiya Shepard drove inside and scored for a 68-60 lead with 1:20 left. Memphis then outscored the Bulls 9-1 in the final 1:01 of regulation.
NO. 3 UT 87, ODU 70: Gwen Jackson scored 23 for the visiting Vols, who opened the second half with a 23-8 run, including nine points by Jackson, to take a 66-39 lead.