The South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious with a resounding 85-52 win over the highly regarded #9 TCU Horned Frogs. This marked their second consecutive triumph against a top-ten opponent, showcasing their growing strength and prowess on the court.

South Carolina's Defensive Prowess Transforms the Game

Defense Turning into Offense

In the first quarter, a 7-0 run broke open a tied game, setting the tone for South Carolina's dominance. Then, starting the second quarter with a 10-0 run and ending it with an 11-0 run, they turned the game into a blowout by halftime. Their smothering defense seamlessly translated into easy offense, as they shot 50.8% for the game (over 54% before Dawn Staley emptied the bench in the fourth quarter). They went 8-20 from three and 17-19 from the line, with 18 assists against just 12 turnovers. All 12 available Gamecocks played, and 10 of them scored. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the way with 20 points, demonstrating her all-around game as a great defender as well. She guarded Hailey Van Lith and had three steals and a block. Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson each added 11 points, and Tessa Johnson had 10 points.

TCU's Offensive Struggles

The Horned Frogs entered the game with one of the nation's top offenses. They were 17th in scoring (85.1 points), fourth in assists (21.6), 23rd in field goal percentage (48.4%), tenth in three-pointers per game (10.3), and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.06). However, South Carolina held them to a season-low nine points in the second and third quarters. The 52 total points were less than TCU scored in the first half against New Orleans. TCU shot just 33.3%, had just 11 assists, made just 5-19 threes, and had 20 turnovers (nearly a 2:1 turnover-to-assist ratio). Van Lith was the only TCU player with any success on offense, finishing with 21 points and six assists but shooting 7-17 and having five turnovers. South Carolina held 6-7 Sedona Prince, who averaged over 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, to just six points, two rebounds, and one block. Along with Taylor Bigby (2-3), they were the only TCU players who made more than one basket.

Key Moments and Players

Late in the first quarter, Prince blocked a layup attempt by Ashlyn Watkins. Watkins ran back on defense and came from behind to steal the ball from Madison Conner. She then controlled the ball in the backcourt and, by the time she crossed mid-court, it was clear she was lining up the dunk. Prince tried to chase Watkins down. At 6-7, she is the nation's leading shot-blocker, and she almost caught Watkins but only brushed by her while she dunked. "We knew she was going to dunk that. After she got blocked, she was psyched up," Fulwiley said. Watkins also dunked against Kentucky last season. Officially, she dunked twice during her freshman season - first against Clemson and then rattling in a layup against Charleston Southern that was scored as a dunk.Notes: Sakima Walker was not available due to an ankle injury and did not play against Purdue or Duke. Aliyah Boston attended her second consecutive game and sat near Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale. Freshman Adhel Tac played in the fourth quarter and is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Chloe Kitts had only four points but had a game-high 12 rebounds. Dawn Staley's outfit was a black and gold Louis Vuitton jacket and pants. Announced attendance was 8,004. South Carolina has exams this week, and their next game is next Sunday against South Florida.