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South Carolina

WBB: Aliyah Boston sets double-double record

On3 imageby: Chris Wellbaum02/25/22ChrisWellbaum
On3 image
Aliyah Boston/Photo by Chris Gillespie

Aliyah Boston set the SEC record by recording her 20th consecutive double-double in South Carolina’s game at Texas A&M.

Boston already had 16 points and grabbed her tenth rebound off her own miss late in the third quarter. She broke the record she shared with LSU great Sylvia Fowles, who accomplished the feat during the 2006-07 season. She finished with 18 points and ten rebounds. Boston’s streak is tied for the sixth-longest in NCAA history.

The streak is important to Boston and as it has gotten longer and longer it has become a ritual for fans and teammates. It started with small cheers. Now there is a palpable buzz when Boston is a rebound or basket away, especially later in the game, and a roar when she adds to the streak.

“Honestly, I’m just as excited as the fans,” said Saniya Rivers. “When it’s at nine points, nine rebounds, as soon as she gets that one it’s like everybody goes crazy. I’m over there doing the same thing, just matching the energy. It’s fun to watch because that’s something I was doing in high school. Watching someone do it at this level is just like, it’s amazing. (turning to Boston) You should be more proud.”

Fowles finished with 27 double-doubles in 2007, which is seventh most in a single season. She had 86 in her career, fifth most in NCAA history. She isn’t as well-known as some other players, but Fowles is one of the all-time great rebounders in the sport. Her career total of 1,570 is the most in SEC history and sixth-most all-time. She is the all-time leading rebounder in the WNBA and a former league MVP. Boston understands the significance of breaking one of Fowles’ records.

“It feels really good,” Boston said. “Sylvia Fowles is a dominant post player. For me to be right there with her is just a great feeling because I’ve watched her play and I see what she does and how strong she is. I just want to do that.”

History in the making

Boston now has 21 double-doubles this season and 51 for her career. She ranks fourth in Gamecock history for double-doubles in a season and third in career double-doubles. Boston needs three more to tie A’ja Wilson for second most in a career, and four more to tie Katrina Anderson’s single-season record. She is just 21 double-doubles behind Sheila Foster for the program record.

“I do think we toss around the word ‘generational.’ She’s a generational player, she’s definitely a generational post player,” Dawn Staley said. “She put the work ethic behind her development. There isn’t anything that she can’t do out there on the basketball court.”

Boston has a way to go for the NCAA record for consecutive double-doubles. The single season record is 33, set by multiple players, and Boston would have to wait until next year to chase that. Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris set the overall record with 112 consecutive double-doubles.

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