With just 15 seconds left on the clock, and South Carolina clinging to a two-point lead, Bon Secours Wellness Arena exploded as Jordan Lee delivered a clutch chase-down block on Southern Cal star JuJu Watkins. The Gamecocks huddled under the basket, preparing to play defense, while Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb called a timeout, ready to draw up the inbounds play.
The Call That Shocked USC
Southern Cal thought they were keeping the ball after that massive play, but South Carolina coach Dawn Staley had other ideas. Her video coordinator, Hudson Jacobs, got word to her on the bench: challenge the call. Jacobs was convinced the ball last touched Watkins before going out of bounds, and Staley listened.
Staley’s Gut Call and The Stakes
Staley didn’t hesitate, making the pivotal decision to challenge the play. She knew exactly what was on the line, and her reasoning tells you everything about her coaching philosophy in high-stakes moments like these.
I got word that we should challenge, and we challenged in that moment, and it was truly the play of the game. It was the play of the game. I think if they would have gotten a shot up, I’m thinking, ‘Prevent threes.’ I’m thinking (about) seeing the three go in, and then we lose the lead.
That kind of strategic foresight, the absolute refusal to leave anything to chance with the game on the line, that’s what makes Staley a legend. She wasn’t just coaching; she was playing chess, staring down the possibility of a game-losing three and making a move that could change everything for South Carolina on that Sunday, November 15, 2026.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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