WBB: Staley becomes USC's winningest coach

South Carolina capped off a memorable trip to Philadelphia with an 87-60 win over Temple. A'ja Wilson turned in another stellar performance, finishing with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight blocks.

When the game was over, Dawn Staley walked off the court as South Carolina's all-time winningest coach. The win was her 232nd at South Carolina, passing Nancy Wilson, and it came at Temple, where Staley's coaching career began. Staley set the record in ten seasons, while Wilson coached for 13 seasons.

A'ja Wilson had her way with the Owls right from the start. She drilled a spot-up three for the game's first basket, and the show was on. Wilson finished the first quarter with a jumper at the buzzer, and had 10 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the first quarter alone.

There was no letup from Wilson, and she tied her career high with eight blocks. Wilson's big game could have been expected. She is aware of her statistics and where she ranks against others as she chases career milestones. Temple's Tanaya Atkinson entered the game with similar per game averages to Wilson, so you knew Wilson would try to put her stamp on the game. In addition to her big numbers, Wilson and the Gamecocks held Atkinson to nine rebounds and a season-low 14 points.

Wilson's early three-pointer was the third of the season and second in as many games for Wilson. While she is never going to be counted on to be a long-range threat, Dawn Staley has made it clear that she wants to establish Wilson's range to open up driving lines and post-up opportunities.

Wilson had plenty of help, including a career night from freshman Bianca Jackson. Jackson scored 16 points, doubling her previous career high. She shot 4-7 from three, and it would be a big boost for South Carolina if she can become a consistent shooting threat. Jackson also had five assists and three rebounds. Jackson is averaging 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists since stepping into the staring lineup to replace the injured Lindsey Spann.

Jackson's backcourt mate Tyasha Harris also had a strong game. Harris finished with 13 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds for her second straight double-double and third of the season. Harris committed just two turnovers and went 1-3 from three.

South Carolina led by as much as 36 before Temple narrowed the gap in garbage time. South Carolina shot 54 percent from the floor while holding Temple to a dismal 27 percent. South Carolina had nine steals and committed just seven turnovers for the entire game.

Notes:

Wilson went 7-12 from the free throw line, becoming the Gamecocks' all-time leader in free throws made and attempted. ... LeLe Grissett was the only other Gamecock to attempt a free throw, going 0-3 from the line. As a team, the Gamecocks tied their season lows for free throw attempt an makes, set against Duke. ... All five Gamecock starters scored in double figures, with Doniyah Cliney scoring 11 and Alexis Jennings adding 10 points and six rebounds. ... Mia Davis led Temple with 19 points and 10 rebounds. ... At halftime, Temple great Candice Dupree, one of Staley's former players, had her jersey retired. Staley wanted to be present for the ceremony, and she had the Gamecocks stay on the court to witness the ceremony instead of going to the locker room. ... Sophomore guard Victoria Patrick played 14 minutes and went 0-3 from the floor, all from three. For the season, Patrick is 1-6 from inside the arc (17 percent) and 5-28 from beyond the arc (18 percent). ... When Staley left Temple, she was the winningest coach in program history. Her win total has since been surpassed by Temple's current coach, Tanya Cardoza. ... South Carolina is off for ten days before it begins SEC play against Texas A&M on December 31.