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

by: Markeshia Grant03/03/25
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) drives against the Kentucky Wildcats during an NCAA women's college basketball game on March 2, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. (Photo by Katie Dugan/GamecockCentral.com)
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) drives against the Kentucky Wildcats during an NCAA women's college basketball game on March 2, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. (Photo by Katie Dugan/GamecockCentral.com)

đŸ€đŸ”„ 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. đŸ”„đŸ€

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!

đŸ€đŸ”„ 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. đŸ”„đŸ€

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