Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
South Carolina’s Staley returns to rout Temple
A’ja Wilson wouldn’t let Dawn Staley’s homecoming be spoiled.
Wilson had 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks to help No. 4 South Carolina rout Temple 87-60 Thursday night.
“Our team said in the pregame huddle, let’s do it for coach,” Wilson said. “It’s her homecoming. We wanted to put it on.”
Staley grew up in Philadelphia, a mile from Temple where she coached from 200008. On Wednesday, the city celebrated her, renaming a few blocks Dawn Staley Lane as a day in her honor was celebrated at the Hank Gathers Recreation Center.
She gave the center, where the Hall of Famer honed her game growing up, a replica NCAA championship trophy similar to the one her team won in April.
The game against Temple was Staley’s first against the school since she left for South Carolina following the 2008 season. Staley broke Nancy Wilson’s program record with her 232nd victory.
“It’s ironic how it all plays out,” Staley said. “It was just great to have Candice (Dupree’s) jersey retired and to come back and share in the national championship with the recreation center I grew up with . ... Seemed like the perfect fit for today.”
The Gamecocks (11-1) raced out to a 26-9 lead behind Wilson. She outscored the Owls 10-9 in the quarter. South Carolina led 4620 at the half and cruised to the easy win.
Tyasha Harris had 13 points and 11 assists for South Carolina.
Mia Davis had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Temple (8-4). Tanaya Atkinson added 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
“We knew coming into this game it would be a difficult matchup for us because of their size,” Temple coach Tonya Cardoza said. “We decided to pack it in and hope they miss shots. They came out and made shots. Wilson is just a tough matchup for anyone, arguably the best player in college basketball.” her former player.