Markeshia's Corner: Sweet to Elite - South Carolina defeats Maryland, faces Duke in Elite 8

🏀🔥 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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Every team brings their BEST in the Sweet 16, and Maryland did just that. Shoutout to former Gamecock guard Lindsay Spann for having the scout—she had them ready. However, when the game got tight, South Carolina locked in and found a way to win. A gritty 71-67 win and a fifth straight Elite 8 ticket punched. It wasn’t perfect, but South Carolina was effective where it mattered—defense, rebounding, and depth. That’s what separates championship teams. That’s why the Gamecocks are still dancing—SURVIVE AND ADVANCE.

Game Highlights

• 5th Straight Elite 8 Appearance
• Two in double figures – Chloe Kitts & MiLaysia Fulwiley
• 13 assists 
• WON the rebounding battle 47-34 
• 7 blocks
• 40 bench points – the Seatbelt Gang showed up
• 17-21 (81%) from the free throw line

Standout Performances

Chloe Kitts – Versatility at its Best

She started the game on a mission—scoring South Carolina’s first 10 points. Finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and set the tone for how this game was gonna go. Just solid, all-around production.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang Strikes Again

South Carolina’s bench delivered its typical scoring output, with key contributions came from MiLaysia, Joyce, Tessa, and Maryam—adding 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 assists.

• MiLaysia Fulwiley – 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. Cold-blooded.
• Tessa Johnson – 7 points, 5 rebounds. Key minutes.
• Joyce Edwards – 6 points, 7 rebounds. Hustle plays.
• Maryam Dauda – 4 points, 3 rebounds. Held it down inside.

MiLaysia’s Magic

When the lights get bright, she shines brighter.  When the moment gets big, she plays bigger. Dropped 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists—making plays all night. Smooth, electric, fearless. That behind-the-back into a sidestep? COLD—and easily one of her coldest highlights in my book. Just a problem!

Key Moment of the Game

Raven Johnson locked in on Kaylene Smirkle during the inbound, got a hand on the pass, and forced it off Smirkle’s hand while she was standing out of bounds. Huge defensive play. A game-changing moment for South Carolina!

South Carolina Got the Job Done. 

Maryland fought. South Carolina finished. The depth, the defense, the rebounding—it was too much for the Terps. This is what elite teams do. When it’s time to close, they close.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks  vs. Duke Blue Devils – Elite 8 Showdown

Earlier this season, South Carolina defeated Duke 81-70 at home. However, both teams have gotten better since that time. So, this is another test, another challenge for the Gamecocks—with the Final 4 on the line and Tampa in their view. 

Gamecocks Advantage

South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, rebounding ability, speed, and experience give them the edge. Duke relies on six to seven players consistently, while South Carolina can rotate as many as 12 on any given night.

Key Matchups to Watch

Guard Advantages

South Carolina has the edge in defense, veteran championship leadership, experience, playmaking, and point guard play.

Guards vs. Ashlon Jackson

Ashlon is built for big moments—she’s got that coach-on-the-floor mentality. A true three-level scorer who can hit the three, knock down the mid-range, and finish at the rim. South Carolina has to make her uncomfortable. Pressure without fouling. Run her off the 3-pt line. Disrupt her rhythm. Make her think about something other than scoring. And don’t forget—she crashes the glass hard. Box her out every time.

Guards vs. Oluchi Okananwa

Oluchi is Duke’s energy player—their heartbeat on defense. The second she comes in the game, she’s in attack mode, looking to disrupt, pressure, and make life miserable for whoever’s in front of her. She’s relentless, and she’s not letting up. South Carolina has to be ready. Match her energy. Stay poised. Protect the ball. Dictate the pace. Don’t let her set the tone.

Guards vs. Reigan Richardson

Reigan is capable of making big shots in big moments. She’s a 3 point shooter, however, she will look to shoot the mid-range. South Carolina will need to run her off the 3-point line and make her think about something other than scoring. Defensively, she will foul, so the Gamecock guards need to attack her—she’s averaging 2.1 fouls per game.

Also, look for Duke to use Tania Mair and Vanessa De Jesus in tandem to get their offense going. 

Guard Defense

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

• Match the intensity – The Final 4 is on the line. The Gamecocks need to bring energy, set the tone, and dictate the pace from the start.
• BOX OUT – No second-chance points. Guards need to crash the boards and finish the play with a box out.
• Defend without fouling – Stay disciplined, move your feet, and keep Duke off the free-throw line. 
• Pressure them – Make them uncomfortable from the jump. Teams who pressure for 40 minutes normally do not like to be pressured back. Duke will turn the ball over when they are pressured. They are averaging 14.9 turnovers per game.

Post Advantages

South Carolina has one of the deepest frontcourts in the tournament. Whether it’s scoring inside, dominating the glass, or locking down the paint, the Gamecocks’ size, depth, and physicality will wear down Duke.

Posts vs. Toby Fournier

Duke’s freshman and leading scorer, Toby Fournier, is athletic, active and crafty around the basket. She hasn’t had a “great” game yet in the tournament, so I feel like she’s anxious to do well. The Gamecocks will need to do their work early, make her work for all catches, make her uncomfortable,  and BOX HER OUT.

Post Defense

• Use depth to your advantage – Rotate fresh legs and wear them down.
• Own the Glass/Win the Rebounding Battle – Box out, secure rebounds, and control the paint.
• Stay Out of Foul Trouble – Defend without fouling.
• Run the Floor – Beat Duke’s bigs down the court, set the tone in transition, and finish at the rim.
• Attack them on offense – They’re foul-prone, so stay aggressive.

Keys to Victory

1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and handle business. FINISH THE JOB!
2. Set the tone early – Come out aggressive and establish control of the game from the start.
3. Lock in on defense – Disrupt their rhythm, pressure the ball, and take away the three.
4. Bench production – The Seatbelt Gang leads the nation with 42 bench PPG—depth will be a difference-maker.
5. Win the rebounding battle / WIN THE PAINT – When South Carolina wins the glass, they win the game. Dominate inside.
6. Take care of the ball – Smart decisions, ball movement, and unselfish play will help with taking care of the ball.
7. Stay focused and execute – Lock in from tip. No let-ups.
8. Balanced scoring attack – When everyone eats, the Gamecocks WIN. 
9. Play hard, play smart, play disciplined, play and act like champions!
10. Have fun! – Enjoy the moment and handle business.

One more to the Final Four. Time to take care of business.

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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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