South Carolina women's basketball: Rapid Reaction - Bowling Green

South Carolina used an explosive offense to rout Bowling Green 114-47. Here’s what stood out on Friday night.

– It seemed like South Carolina fixed all of the things it had issues with on Monday against Grand Canyon. The defense was much more focused

After pulling down just 38 rebounds against Grand Canyon, South Carolina grabbed 34 rebounds in the first half alone and finished with 53 rebounds and a plus-28 margin.

Joyce Edwards and Madin Okot dominated the Falcons with a combined 37 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks, and Maryam Dauda chipped in nine points and eight rebounds off the bench. Edwards told me on Thursday that they weren’t approaching the game any differently after a fairly quiet opener, but her play said otherwise. 

I kind of felt sorry for Fred Chmiel. Winston Gandy got the work-in-progress Gamecocks, and Chmiel got the version that learned from the mistakes.

– Agot Makeer looks like a star in the making. Tessa Johnson picked up two quick offensive fouls in the first 90 seconds of the game, forcing Makeer into early action. It could have been a bad situation, but Makeer was outstanding. 

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She scored nine of her 12 points in the first quarter and also finished with three rebounds, a block, and a steal. Makeer was 4-6 from the floor, 1-2 from three, and 3-5 from the line.

She uses her length well to block shots, get steals, and force missed shots. Offensively, Makeer can run the court and sink threes. Her handle is still a little loose, but she already seems to be getting better.

In my preseason predictions, I predicted Makeer would become the fan favorite. I might have sold her short. Her talent and versatility could have her in the running for Sixth Woman of the Year.

– South Carolina got what it needs to get from its bigs all season. Okot had a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double. Maryam Dauda had nine points, and Adhel Tac had three points, two rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes. 

The box score was good, but all three did so many things that only show up on film. Okot, Tac, and Dauda only combined for six blocks, but they forced countless other misses just by being tall and in good position. 

Dauda made an up-and-under layup that she wouldn’t have even had the confidence to attempt a year ago. She also had nine points and tied her Gamecock career-high with eight rebounds. 

Okot continues to be surprisingly nimble with the ball in her hands. She’s able to grab a rebound and start the break, and even threw a three-quarter court pass to Makeer for a layup. 

They showed a lot to be excited about.

NEW! Message board for South Carolina Women’s Basketball!