Markeshia's Corner: The Standard: South Carolina secures SEC regular season title and No. 1 seed

🏀🔥 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 took care of business Sunday, beating Kentucky 78-66 to secure a share of the SEC regular-season title and the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament—sealed by Commissioner Greg Sankey’s now-infamous coin toss.

Gamecock game highlights:

Defense? Locked in. Pressure? Applied. South Carolina controlled the game and never let up. They had 10 steals, made Kentucky turn the ball over 14 times, and made them shoot 26% from the 3. 

Additionally, Tessa Johnson led all scorers with 16 points, Te-Hina Paopao added 13 points, and Chloe Kitts put up a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.

The Gamecocks have now won four straight SEC regular season titles and nine SEC titles overall. The standard is the standard.

Standout Performances

Chloe Kitts – Setting the Tone Inside

Chloe Kitts went off again, putting up 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking 2 shots. Sania Feagin added 8 points, 4 boards, and 2 blocks to keep that momentum going from their game against Ole Miss.

Te-Hina Paopao – Stuffing the Stat Sheet

Paopao put on a clinic, stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. She played with poise, controlled the pace, and set the tone defensively, sparking momentum early in the first half for the Gamecocks.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang

South Carolina’s bench came up big against Kentucky, delivering 32 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks to keep the pressure on.

Tessa Johnson – 16 points and 4 rebounds 

MiLaysia Fulwiley – 10 points, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds

Joyce Edwards – 6 points and 3 rebounds 

With another SEC title secured and the No. 1 seed locked in, South Carolina has once again proven why they are the standard. The Gamecocks are battle-tested, deep, and locked in as they head into the postseason. With momentum on their side and a championship mindset, they’re ready to chase even bigger goals.

Next stop: the SEC Tournament. The mission isn’t over. It’s just getting started. Happy March Madness!

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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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