Markeshia Grant: How Sweet it is! Gamecocks dominate UNC
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Kamilla Cardoso and Breezy Hall were back for the Gamecocks. And it was a problem — for North Carolina! South Carolina had five players in double figures scoring for the second consecutive game in a row, with MiLaysia Fulwiley leading the way with 20 points. Chloe Kitts and Cardoso added 12 points each, while Ashlyn Watkins and Tessa Johnson added 11 each. South Carolina won by a 47 point margin, 88-41 over UNC Sunday at Colonial Life Arena to advance to the Sweet Sixteen!
Gamecock game highlights
What a first half of basketball? From transition layups and 3s, to putback shots, mid-range daggers, and crucial free throws. That was the most beautiful half of basketball I’ve seen in a very long time. South Carolina was clicking on all cylinders.
Locked UP: A Defensive Clinic
A newly implemented full-court press. Holding their 33rd opponent to single digits in the 1st quarter of play. Pressure. Disruption. Deflections. Steals. Contested shots. Blocks. That was the story of the day against UNC defensively.
As I mentioned in my last write-up, I thought Breezy Hall would have been tasked with guarding UNC’s most valuable player, Deja Kelly. I was wrong. Coach Dawn Staley started Raven Johnson on Deja Kelly, which was an excellent coaching strategy because Johnson is the Gamecocks best on-ball defender. With that in mind, if Johnson was subbed out, then entered Fulwiley to pick up where Raven left off. They were the Gamecocks one/two punch and defensive nightmare against Kelly.
Johnson and Fulwiley disrupted Kelly and made her uncomfortable for the duration of the game. They were absolutely relentless! Getting out in passing lanes on her passes, picking her pocket and blocking her shots. Whew, I would not want to be guarded by them for 40 minutes! Additionally, Johnson and Fulwiley combined for 6 of South Carolina’s 13 steals and they also forced Kelly to make six turnovers of her own and limited her to just 7 points on 2-13 shooting.
Locked IN: The Gamecocks Lit It Up
South Carolina was so locked and loaded. When the Gamecocks get out in transition and move the ball well, great things happen. Hence, why it was raining 3s in Colonial Life Arena. Te-Hina Paopao, Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson “lit it up”. They all did a very good job of spotting up on the perimeter behind the 3-point line and being ready to shoot. It’s almost as if they knew once it left their hand it was going in. They combined to go 9-16 from the 3. It was amazing to see them knock down so many things, but it had the building rocking. The FAMS were absolutely elated every time a 3 went it.
Bench Production aka “Seatbelt Gang”
The “Seatbelt Gang”, as Fulwiley likes to call the Gamecocks’ bench, outscored UNC’s entire team 51 bench points to 41 total points. WOW! Sania Feagin, Fulwiley, T. Johnson, and Kitts all came in the game ready to instantly contribute.
Chloe Kitts
Chloe continued her hot shooting as she scored 12 points on 4-5 shooting in just 17 minutes. Kitts has only missed one shot in the NCAA tournament so far. She once again showcased her versatility by hitting her mid-range jumpers and getting to the basket by drawing fouls.
Sania Feagin
Feagin gave great minutes for the Gamecocks. She also showcased her versatility from the forward position by hitting the mid-range jumper, posting up and finishing through contact, making the right reads, and getting timely rebounds.
Tessa Johnson
So happy that Tessa was able to score her first points of the NCAA tournament. She sparked an early 11-0 run by hitting back-to-back 3s. She shot with so much confidence and didn’t think twice about if they would go in or not. She also played really good defense on Alyssa Utsby to disrupt the ways she normally positively impacts the game.
MiLaysia Fulwiley
Fulwiley continued her stellar freshman post-season play by tallying another 20-point game. She played under control and on a mission. She knocked down four 3-pointers, pushed the ball in transition, and played exceptional defense. She led all Gamecocks with 3 blocks. Ashlyn Watkins added 2 blocks.
Embrace the Journey: Sweet 16
South Carolina will play the winner of Indiana and Oklahoma, who play tonight at 6:30 on ESPN2.
