Nainima helped the Gamecocks keep it close.By: Neel Dhere
The Lady Gamecocks basketball team fell to Mississippi State Thursday night 55-53 at the Colonial Life Arena. The loss may mean a big hit to USC's NCAA tournament chances as fell into a tie for fifth place in the SEC.
The team had one of its worst offensive performances committing 18 turnovers. They made only 34.9 percent of their shots from the field.
Valerie Nainima scored with 29 seconds left and was fouled. She had a chance to tie the game, but a lane violation erased the free throw.
The Lady Gamecocks then had a chance to tie the game with 2.9 seconds left. The ball was in-bounded to Kelsey Bone who tried a lay-up but missed, sealing the loss to Mississippi State (16-9, 7-5).
Nainima led the team with 15 points.
The Gamecocks (13-11, 6-6) will take on Arkansas Feb. 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the Colonial Life Arena.
