Dawn Staley on Stopping UCLA Star Lauren Betts Without Kamilla Cardoso: “Math is Not Mathing”
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley faced a challenging task when her team prepared to take on UCLA’s dominant star, Lauren Betts, without the presence of her defensive anchor, Kamilla Cardoso. Cardoso, a towering 6’7″ center known for her shot-blocking prowess and ability to dominate the paint, was unavailable for the matchup, leaving Staley with a significant gap to fill in her lineup. Ahead of the game, Staley candidly acknowledged the uphill battle, stating, “Math is not mathing.” The quip reflected both the humor and the gravity of the situation as the Gamecocks sought to neutralize Betts’ imposing presence in the paint.
Betts, a 6’7″ sophomore center, has been a revelation for UCLA this season, averaging a double-double with points and rebounds while anchoring the Bruins’ interior defense. Her combination of size, skill, and mobility makes her a nightmare matchup for most opponents. Without Cardoso, South Carolina was forced to rely on a smaller, quicker lineup that could potentially outpace Betts but struggled to match her size and physicality.
Game Planning Without Cardoso
Staley’s decision to adapt her game plan revolved around mitigating the impact of Betts by committee. The Gamecocks leaned on a mix of defensive schemes, including double-teams and fronting Betts in the post, to limit her touches. Players like Ashlyn Watkins and Raven Johnson, though undersized compared to Betts, were tasked with leveraging their agility and hustle to disrupt her rhythm.
“We don’t have anyone on our roster who can replicate what Kamilla brings,” Staley admitted in a pregame interview. “But what we do have is a group of players who understand how to work together to make things as difficult as possible. It’s not going to be perfect, but we’re not backing down.”
The Gamecocks also placed a greater emphasis on transition offense, hoping to exploit Betts’ size by forcing her to defend in space. By speeding up the tempo, South Carolina aimed to prevent UCLA from setting up in half-court situations where Betts could dominate.
Lauren Betts’ Impact
Despite South Carolina’s efforts, Betts proved why she’s one of the most feared players in college basketball. She finished the game with a commanding stat line, recording 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Her presence on both ends of the floor was a constant reminder of what South Carolina was missing without Cardoso.
Betts’ ability to seal off defenders in the post and finish through contact made her nearly impossible to contain. On defense, she altered countless shots, forcing the Gamecocks to settle for mid-range jumpers and contested layups. “She’s just a special talent,” Staley said postgame. “When you’re trying to game plan against someone like that without your own centerpiece, the math doesn’t always work in your favor.”
Lessons and Takeaways
Though the Gamecocks fell short in their bid to upset UCLA, Staley praised her team’s resilience and adaptability. Players like Watkins stepped up admirably, and South Carolina’s guards showcased their ability to pressure UCLA’s perimeter players, forcing turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities.
“We learned a lot about ourselves tonight,” Staley said. “Even without Kamilla, we showed we can compete with anyone. But we also saw areas where we need to grow if we’re going to be a championship team.”
The absence of Cardoso underscored the importance of depth and versatility, key themes for Staley as she prepares her team for the grind of the SEC schedule and, eventually, the NCAA Tournament. While the loss was a setback, it also highlighted the Gamecocks’ potential to adapt and persevere under challenging circumstances.
Looking Ahead
As South Carolina awaits Cardoso’s return, the Gamecocks will continue to refine their approach, knowing they may face Betts and UCLA again in March. For now, Staley’s humor and pragmatism encapsulate the reality of coaching through adversity. “Sometimes, you just have to make the math work,” she said with a smile. “We’ll get back to the drawing board and figure it out.”