Markeshia Grant: South Carolina survived Albany, Now they are Cleveland bound
South Carolina Women’s Basketball: News • Recruiting • Schedule • Roster • Stats • SEC Standings • NCAA Polls • Scholarship Chart
What. A. Game. Heart rates were up. Blood pressure were high. So much at stake. Of course it was the Elite-8. South Carolina survived Albany with a 70-58 win over Oregon State and now they are Cleveland bound.
Gamecock game highlights
South Carolina did not have its best shooting night, but one thing they did have that’s been a constant all season is bench production and the next player up mentality. The Gamecocks had 38 bench points with Tessa Johnson leading the way and stellar performances from Ashlyn Watkins and Sania Feagin. Kamilla Cardoso had a quiet 12 points and 9 rebounds but it still was a game-changing performance.
Impact moment
Late in the fourth quarter with time running down, Ashlyn Watkins methodically moving her feet while playing outstanding defense on Timea Gardiner—Gardiner tries to shoot and before you know it, Watkins emphatically blocks her shot! Breezy Hall then ties the ball up. Possession Gamecocks! They were up seven with 1:51 left in the game.
X-Factors
Ashlyn Watkins
Ashlyn felt like she was not as aggressive against Indiana, so she wanted to make a statement in the game against Oregon State. She did just that. From offensive rebounds and put-backs, to And 1s, block shots and numerous hustle plays—Watkins truly left her mark on this game. Ashlyn finished the game with 14 rebounds, 8 points, and 4 blocks. Additionally, defensively she did a very good job of guarding Timea Gardiner, who was in foul trouble early with three fouls in the first half.
Tessa Johnson
She really grew up in a moment where it was a “next Gamecock up” mentality. She showed that the moment is never too big for her. She was very even-keeled. From 3-pointers, to floaters, drives to the basket and clutch free throws—you name it. Tessa did it against Oregon State. She did it with poise and with pace. She led all Gamecocks with 15 points.
Sania Feagin
Feagin made her presence felt in just 12 minutes with 8 points and 4 rebounds. She also did an excellent job defending Raegan Beers of Oregon State. She was active on the offensive glass getting the Gamecocks extra possessions, hitting timely shots and running the floor in transition.
Embrace the Journey: FINAL 4
South Carolina will play NC State on Friday, April 5 in Cleveland, OH. Time to be determined.
