SOUTH CAROLINA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

South Carolina looks to bounce back from the loss at Connecticut with a date with Georgia Thursday night.

1. Putting UConn behind them

The message following the loss to Connecticut on Monday is simple: move on, it doesn’t change what matters in the SEC. South Carolina is still in the race for the regular season championship, but can’t afford to slip up. As the cliche goes, South Carolina can’t let Connecticut beat them twice.

2. Bright spots

Head coach Dawn Staley wanted to force Connecticut to match up with her guards, and she did have some success. Bianca Cuevas-Moore tied her career-high with 25 points and Te’a Cooper had 20 points and four assists in just 21 minutes. Cooper has been frustratingly inconsistent this season, especially prone to duds at home, while Cuevas-Moore has been a steady contributor capable of getting hot for stretches.

On Tuesday, Cooper and point guard Tyasha Harris were named to the Dawn Staley Award midseason watch list. The award recognizes ball handling, scoring, ability to distribute the basketball and will to win.

3. Make your Valentine’s plans

The Gamecocks are going all out for fans on Valentine’s Day. They have made Valentine’s cards that fans can give out.

They are holding a pink out game, both to raise awareness for breast cancer and celebrate the holiday.

And of course there is the date night promotion, which is now sold out, the highlight of which is Cocky and a cheerleader bringing a rose to your seat. I’ll be honest. If none of you arranged to send a rose to press seating for me, I’ll be hurt.

This is also an excuse to post the second funniest thing I’ve seen on Twitter this week, Champ and his Valentine.

4. Horsing around

Adding to the promotions, fans will have the opportunity to take a picture with the saddle that South Carolina was awarded for winning the 2017 National Championship.

Let’s be honest, I only bring this up as an excuse to share the funniest thing I’ve seen on Twitter this week, and this year, and this season.

5. Scouting the Bulldogs

Georgia won three of its first four SEC games, and then lost three straight. Georgia won 26 games last season and made the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but has regressed this season with a young team. Georgia plays a slower tempo, and averages 10 points per game less than South Carolina in conference games, despite similar shooting percentages. Of course, Georgia is also coming off a 93-point game against Florida. However, Georgia doesn’t defend the three well, allowing opponents to shoot 34 percent from deep.

Senior forward Caliya Robinson leads the Lady Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding, at 14 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, respectively.

“They play hard,” Staley said. “They’re a relentless team on both sides of the ball. We’ve got to bring it.”

The Ws

Who: #11 South Carolina (17-6, 9-1) vs Georgia (14-9, 5-5)

When: Thursday, February 14, 7:00 pm

Where: Colonial Life Arena

Watch: SEC Network