College University Athletics, College/University News

South Carolina Women’s Basketball Dominates Mississippi State

News Summary

The South Carolina women’s basketball team showcased their skill with a convincing 95-68 victory over Mississippi State. Despite a slow start, the Gamecocks rallied to outscore their opponents with a stunning second-half performance. Key players, including Tessa Johnson and Chloe Kitts, made significant contributions, while their defense was formidable in limiting Mississippi State’s scoring. Although the team faced injury concerns with star player Ashlyn Watkins, their resilience shines through as they prepare for their next game against Texas A&M.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball Shines in Convincing Victory Over Mississippi State

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina women’s basketball team made quite the statement on Friday night as they dominated the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a final score of 95-68. This exciting matchup put South Carolina, now ranked No. 2 in the nation, firmly on the map with their second victory in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, pushing their overall record to an impressive 14-1 and 2-0 in the SEC.

A Slow Start, But a Strong Finish

Even though the Gamecocks came out of the gate a bit sluggish, things turned around dramatically. After falling behind by 11 points midway through the second quarter, South Carolina flipped the script in a way that had fans jumping out of their seats. In a stunning 19-2 run to close out the first half, the Gamecocks regained control, heading into the locker room with a lead of 42-34. A huge contributor to this comeback was Tessa Johnson, who absolutely lit up the court with a career-high 22 points, including four well-placed three-pointers.

Key Performers Stepping Up

But it wasn’t just Johnson who shone. Chloe Kitts also had a standout performance, recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her fourth double-double of the season. Additionally, Te-Hina Paopao didn’t sit back either; she added 15 points along with 5 assists and 4 rebounds to the tally, showcasing the depth and talent of this South Carolina squad.

A Tightened Defense

As if the offensive fireworks weren’t enough, the Gamecocks showcased their formidable defense as well. They held Mississippi State to just 11 points in the third quarter, while also forcing 19 turnovers. This defensive prowess played a crucial part in maintaining their lead and ensuring that the Bulldogs couldn’t find their footing.

Injury Concerns

Ashlyn Watkins sustained an injury during the second quarter when she fell awkwardly on her left leg. Fortunately, she did not require immediate hospitalization and stayed on-site for treatment. Her father later shared through social media that she “just tweaked her knee a little bit” and assured fans that she’ll be “going to be fine.” It’s also worth noting that the Gamecocks were without the services of guard Maddy McDaniel and post player Sakima Walker due to their own injuries.

Looking Ahead

As they gear up for their next confrontation, South Carolina will face Texas A&M for their first SEC home contest of the season on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Coach Dawn Staley hinted that more updates about Watkins’ condition would be forthcoming as the team navigates the week ahead.

Conclusion

This exciting win not only adds another tally to the Gamecocks’ record, but it also highlights their resilience and ability to rally back under pressure. With potent offense on display, including a total of 10 three-pointers made during the game, and a rock-solid defensive front, South Carolina is set to continue their quest for success in the SEC. Fans can’t wait to see what the team has in store for their next showdown!