Markeshia's Corner: Gamecocks host Indiana with Sweet 16 on the line!

🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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South Carolina didn’t just handle business—they made history while doing it. Margin of victory, buckets made, threes drained, and field goal percentage—are all new program records in an NCAA Tournament game.

However, let’s talk about the real highlight of the day, the Seatbelt Gang—who set the record for the most bench points ever scored in an NCAA Tournament game. Pure domination from start to finish.

Game Highlights

South Carolina dominated across the board, proving once again why they’re made FOUR IT ALL:

• Set a new NCAA Tournament scoring record with 108 points
• 60 point margin of victory
• Four players in double figures – Chloe, Joyce, MiLaysia, and Tessa
• 67% (43-64) shooting from the field 
• 63.2% (12-19) from the three
• 25 assists
• WON the rebounding battle 47-15
• 10 steals
• 8 blocks
• 66 bench points – the highest output all season (outscored Tennessee Tech’s entire team)

Standout Performances

Chloe Kitts – Versatility at Its Best

Chloe set the tone inside with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 18 minutes of play. Sania Feagin added 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Point Guard Play – Control & Composure

South Carolina’s point guards set the tone on both ends, with Paopao and Raven combining for 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, keeping the tempo in check from start to finish.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang Shows Up

South Carolina’s bench delivered in a huge way, dropping 66 points—an NCAA Tournament record and their highest bench output ever. To top it off, they outscored Tennessee Tech’s entire squad (48 points). Key contributions came from:

Joyce Edwards – 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals

MiLaysia Fulwiley – 15 points 5 assists, 4 blocks, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds

Tournament Tessa (Tessa Johnson) – 11 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds

Adhel Tac and Sakima Walker – adding 6 points a piece and 5 rebounds combined

Maryam Dauda – 4 points and 4 rebounds 

Maddy McDaniel – 2 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds 

What a way to start the NCAA Tournament. Now, the focus shifts to the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round. South Carolina will look to keep the same energy, same dominance, and same depth on full display as they continue their march to another national title.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Indiana Hoosiers – NCAA Second Round

Last year, the Gamecocks pulled out a close win over Indiana after letting a big halftime lead slip away. However, this time, South Carolina is locked in for a rematch, looking to approach the game with more focus and discipline.

Gamecocks Advantage

South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, rebounding ability, speed, and experience give them the edge in this matchup. Indiana plays six players consistently while South Carolina will play as many as 12 on any given night.

Key matchups 

Guards vs. Yarden Garzon

She’s Indiana’s leading scorer, putting up 14.6 PPG, and she’s got big-game potential. She’s looking to shoot threes, pull up for mid-range jumpers off ball screens, and attack the basket when given the lane.

But here’s the key—she’s foul-prone on defense. South Carolina’s guards need to stay aggressive, attack her off the dribble, and put pressure on her because she will foul. Get her in trouble early, and it could change the game.

Guards vs. Sydney Parrish

The Oregon transfer is a highly confident player who looks to make her presence felt in big-stage moments. She hunts threes, but she’s also a versatile scorer who will find a way to get buckets by any means necessary.

On the other end, she tries to be a disruptor defensely—she wants to take players out of their rhythm/game and force them into bad decisions. South Carolina just needs to stay composed, play their game, and not let her dictate the tempo.

Guard Advantages

South Carolina everything—defense, veteran leadership, experience, playmaking, and IQ

Guard Defense

South Carolina’s guards need to set the tone defensively from tip-off.

• Defend the 3 – Indiana relies heavily on the three, as they make 7.6 threes per game—so the Gamecocks can’t give any easy looks. Run their shooters off the three point line and make them put it on the floor. Make it difficult to score.
• Match their intensity – This is the NCAA Tournament—there’s no room to let up. South Carolina has to bring the energy, set the tone, and dictate the pace from the jump. I’m sure Indiana remembers last year’s Sweet 16 matchup, but the Gamecocksneed to keep the main thing, the making thing.
• BOX OUT – No second-chance points. Guards need to crash the boards and finish the play with a box out.
• Defend without fouling – Don’t bail them out. Stay disciplined, move your feet, and keep them off the free throw line. Indiana is knocking down 78.9% of their free throws, so South Carolina will need to play smart, play physical, but keep them off the line.
• Pressure them – Indiana guards are averaging about 2 turnovers per game, So the Gamecocks will need to apply pressure, force turnovers, and turn defense into offense.

Post Advantages

The Gamecocks have one of the deepest frontcourts in the tournament—whether it’s scoring inside, dominating the glass, or locking down the paint, this group gives them a serious edge in wearing teams down. That’s going to be key against Indiana, who only rotates two post players and runs a four-guard lineup. South Carolina’s size, depth, and physicality should be a problem for the Hoosiers all game long.

Post Defense

Indiana’s post are undersized and do not have a lot of depth, so the Gamecocks need to:

• Use their depth to their advantage – Rotate fresh legs and wear them down.
• Own the Glass/Win the Rebounding Battle – No second chances. Box out, secure rebounds, and control the paint.
• Stay Out of Foul Trouble – Defend without fouling.
• Run the Floor – Use athleticism to beat their bigs down the court—set the tone in transition, and finish at the rim.
• Attack them on offense because they are foul prone.

Keys to the Win

Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and handle business.

Set the tone early – Come out aggressive and establish control of the game from the start.

Lock in on defense – Disrupt their rhythm, pressure the ball, and take away the three.

Bench production – The Seatbelt Gang leads the nation with 42 bench PPG—depth will be a difference-maker. They had 66 points the last time out.

Win the rebounding battle / WIN THE PAINT – When South Carolina wins the glass, they win the game. Dominate inside.

Take care of the ball – Smart decisions, ball movement, and unselfish play will help with taking care of the ball.

Stay focused and execute – Lock in from tip. No let-ups.

Balanced scoring attack – When everyone eats, the Gamecocks WIN. 

Play hard, play smart, play disciplined, play and act like champions!

Have fun!

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🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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