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This story first appeared in GamecockCentral’s GamecocksW newsletter!
Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, is back to provide fans with South Carolina women’s basketball analysis.
You can get her unique insights from the FREE GamecocksW newsletter here.
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team made history on Sunday, setting a new SEC record with their 70th consecutive home conference win in an 83-66 victory over Auburn.
The historical win came on none other than 2’2 Day, a day dedicated to honoring one of the greatest to ever wear garnet and black—NCAA Champion, three-time WNBA MVP, and Gamecock legend A’ja Wilson. Her iconic No. 22 jersey now hangs in the rafters, a permanent reminder of her impact on the program and the game of basketball.
Win tickets to the South Carolina-Florida women’s basketball game
Game Highlights
• South Carolina shot an efficient 57% from the floor and 42% from three, dominating on both ends.
• Defensively, the Gamecocks racked up 16 steals, with Raven Johnson leading the charge with a game-high 6 steals.
Standout Performances
Chloe Kitts – Setting the Tone Inside
Kitts was a force in the paint, helping to set the tone for South Carolina’s dominance down low. She finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds, making her presence felt on both ends of the floor.
Raven Johnson – Stuffing the Stat Sheet
Johnson put together an all-around performance, contributing 9 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals, proving once again why she’s a do-it-all leader on this team.
Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang
The Gamecocks’ Seatbelt Gang showed up and showed out, delivering 39 bench points, reinforcing their position as the nation’s top-scoring second unit (42 PPG).
• Joyce Edwards led all scorers with 18 points on 8-11 (72%) shooting.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley added 17 points and, as always, delivered her signature highlight
• Tessa Johnson rounded out the production with 4 points and 3 rebounds
Up Next: South Carolina vs. Georgia Bulldogs (9-14, 1-8 SEC)
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Key Matchups to Watch
Guard Defense vs. Trinity Turner
• A talented freshman with the ability to take over games, but she’s turnover-prone (3.2 TOs per game).
• South Carolina’s guards must apply pressure, making her uncomfortable and forcing mistakes and thinking about something other than scoring.
Guard Defense vs. De’Muari Flournoy
• A sharpshooter hitting 41% from three and Georgia’s best free-throw shooter at 96.9%.
• The Gamecocks must force her off the line, make her put the ball on the floor, and defend without fouling.
Post Play vs. Mia Woolfolk
• A strong post presence, but she struggles with foul trouble (3 fouls per game).
• South Carolina must establish position early, deny deep post-ups, and crash the offensive glass against a Georgia team that struggles with rebounding.
Gamecocks’ Advantages
South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, speed, and athleticism give them the edge. To control the game, they must push the tempo and be ready for Georgia’s zone defense.
Keys to the Win
1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and control the pace.
2. Set the tone early – Establish dominance from the start.
3. Lock in on defense – The Gamecocks’ stifling man-to-man defense holds teams to just 55.5 PPG.
4. Bench production – South Carolina’s second unit continues to be the best in the country for the second consecutive season.
5. Win the rebounding battle – Outrebounding opponents by 8 per game has been a difference-maker.
6. Take care of the ball – Averaging 16.5 assists per game, ball movement will be key.
7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces 17.5 TOs per game, while Georgia averages 16 TOs per game.
8. Convert at the free-throw line – Georgia is foul-prone, so the Gamecocks must capitalize at the free-throw line.
South Carolina will look to keep their momentum rolling as they take on Georgia, aiming to extend their historic streak and continue their dominance in the SEC.
