Gamecocks roll in opener; South Florida wins in overtime

Zia Cooke scored 11 points as No. 1 South Carolina moved five wins away from a perfect season after opening the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 72-40 victory over No. 16 seed Norfolk State on Friday.

Aliyah Boston had seven points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Gamecocks (33-0), who won their 39th straight game dating to last year’s NCAA title run and moved to 11-0 in firstround games under coach Dawn Staley. They’ll face No. 8 seed South Florida on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.

This was a colossal mismatch from the tip like so many other games South Carolina’s been a part of this season.

Norfolk State’s tallest player is freshman forward Skye Robinson at 6-foot2. South Carolina has seven players that tall or taller.

South Carolina did its best to end any drama early as Boston and Cooke scored five points apiece in the opening quarter for a 20-7 lead.

South Florida 67, Marquette 65 (OT): Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu scored 22 points and Elena Tsineke’s jumper with 31.2 seconds left in overtime put South Florida ahead for good in a 67-65 victory over No. 9 seed Marquette.

The Golden Eagles (22-11) had a final look to win, but Mackenzie Hare’s 3-pointer went inside the rim and rolled out with a second to play.

The Bulls (27-6), who didn’t lead for the game’s first 38 minutes, rallied several times including from 47-36 down in regulation to tie their mark for wins in a season.

Arizona 75, West Virginia 62: Cate Reese scored 25 points and Esmery Martinez had a double-double against her former team, helping seventh-seeded Arizona to a victory over 10th-seeded West Virginia in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats (22-9) started fast and never trailed.

Maryland 93, Holy Cross 61: Abby Meyers scored 16 points and Diamond Miller added 13 points and eight rebounds as second-seeded Maryland beat 15th-seeded Holy Cross.

The Terrapins (26-6) scored the game’s first 14 points and advanced to face seventh-seeded Arizona on Sunday. Maryland was able to give its top players plenty of rest, with Miller, Meyers and Shyanne Sellers each playing a little over half the game.

Sellers had 13 points and eight assists, and Brinae Alexander led Maryland in scoring with 18 points.