South Carolina’s 88–45 rout of Mississippi State wasn’t just another dominant night for the Gamecocks. It also offered a glimpse into the steady breakthrough of freshman forward Alicia Tournebize, whose growing comfort and versatility continue to reshape her role within Dawn Staley’s rotation.
One sequence late in the third quarter captured that evolution perfectly.
As the clock wound down, Maddy McDaniel and Tournebize rolled to the right, setting up what has become a work-in-progress staple of South Carolina’s offense—the alley-oop. McDaniel’s pass drifted just beyond its target, but Tournebize’s awareness turned a near-miss into a highlight. Instead of forcing a catch or letting the play die, she quickly redirected the ball to Adhel Tac, who was cutting backdoor for an easy layup.
The play wasn’t flawless, but it underscored why the Gamecocks keep trusting Tournebize in those moments. She’s learning to read defenses in real time—and to make the right decision even when the initial action breaks down.
After a couple of quieter outings, Tournebize responded with one of her most complete performances yet. She finished with eight points, three rebounds, and three assists, while also knocking down the second three-pointer of her career, another sign of her expanding offensive confidence.
“We’re seeing where we can get Ali more involved,” head coach Dawn Staley said. “Every day you learn something new about her.”
That growth came at an important time. With South Carolina dealing with three ailing guards, the frontcourt was asked to shoulder an even heavier load—often playing extended minutes and, at times, out of their natural positions. Against Mississippi State, the Gamecock bigs answered the call emphatically.
After producing just eight points against Texas A&M and showing incremental improvement with 19 points versus Auburn, the bigs erupted Thursday night. The group combined for 28 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals, providing stability, physicality, and interior scoring throughout the game.
Tournebize’s contributions stood out within that surge, not just for the numbers but for the poise behind them. She wasn’t forcing touches or chasing shots. Instead, she let the game come to her—scoring when opportunities opened, facilitating when defenders collapsed, and defending with discipline.
The performance reflected a player beginning to understand both her skill set and her value within South Carolina’s system. For a team navigating injuries and lineup adjustments, Tournebize’s emergence offers reassurance and upside.
The alley-oop may not be perfect yet—but like Tournebize’s development, it’s getting closer. And for the Gamecocks, that progress could matter far beyond one lopsided win.
