Aliyah Boston, the Indiana Fever’s towering star and South Carolina legend, found herself back in familiar territory on Sunday. She was courtside at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, proudly repping her alma mater during South Carolina’s hard-fought 71-57 win over NC State at the Ally Tipoff.
Boston wasn’t just there for the free snacks and the comfy seats, though. She was fully in fan mode, cheering her heart out for the Gamecocks. If her courtside appearance wasn’t enough to signal her loyalty, she made sure her Instagram followers knew exactly where she stood. Her three-word caption? “Cocks over everybody.” Message received. Subtle? Absolutely not. Iconic? You bet.
Fans Bleed Garnet and Black, But NC State Leaves with Bruises
The Spectrum Center was bathed in South Carolina’s signature garnet and black as Gamecocks fans flooded the arena, ready to witness a showdown of grit and grind. It didn’t take a PhD in fandom to figure out who the crowd was rooting for—unless, of course, you’re colorblind.
On the court, Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley made sure those fans didn’t leave disappointed. The dynamic duo combined for 41 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals that seemed more like grand larceny. Their performances were a solid reminder that while the fans brought the noise, the players brought the thunder.
Defensive Battle or Dance-Off?
In true rivalry fashion, this was no walk in the park. It was more like a dance-off between two stubborn toddlers—lots of pushing, shoving, and no one wanting to admit defeat. South Carolina barely edged out NC State for three straight quarters, holding on for dear life like they were clinging to the last donut in the break room.
In the end, the Gamecocks’ poise under pressure (and maybe a little championship muscle memory) carried them through the muck. NC State’s defense was nothing short of feisty, but South Carolina had that “we’ve been here before” swagger, and it showed when it mattered most.
The Queen of Columbia Returns
Of course, no trip down memory lane would be complete without a reminder of why Aliyah Boston’s name will forever echo through the halls of South Carolina. Boston was a human wrecking ball during her collegiate days, leading the Gamecocks to the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Championship with a stat line that still gives UConn fans nightmares—11 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and probably a few broken egos.
Boston didn’t just win games; she dominated them. In 2022, she scooped up every piece of hardware you can think of, including the AP Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year, and the John R. Wooden Award. South Carolina was Boston’s world, and everyone else was just living in it.
What’s Next for the Fever Star?
As she enjoyed the Gamecocks’ victory from her courtside throne, one can’t help but wonder what’s next for Boston in her young pro career. The Indiana Fever are banking on her to bring that same dominance to the WNBA, and if her courtside confidence is any indication, she’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon.
For now, though, it’s safe to say Aliyah Boston is enjoying being back where it all started, with her fellow Gamecocks, and delivering courtside content that has the internet buzzing. After all, when you’ve got a legacy like hers, you’ve earned the right to drop some epic one-liners and watch the wins roll in.
Final Thought: If South Carolina keeps this up, maybe it’ll be “Cocks over everybody” in March, too. Keep the champagne on ice just in case.
