Women's NCAA roundup: No. 1 South Carolina shines in 2nd half

Mar 19, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Zia Cooke (1) drives around South Florida Bulls guard Carla Brito (55) in the second half of South Carolina Gamecocks 76-45 victory at Colonial Life Arena, advancing them to the Sweet 16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Defending national champion and top-seeded South Carolina pulled away in the second half for a 76-45 win over No. 8 seed South Florida on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Columbia, S.C.

Zia Cooke scored a game-high 21 points for the unbeaten Gamecocks (34-0), who outscored the Bulls 43-16 in the second half. Aliyah Boston added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Laeticia Amihere came off the bench to net 10 points.