For the first quarter, the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State stayed with #1 ranked South Carolina, and even led by five points. Then, the Gamecocks took off by Jackrabbits. They finished the quarter with an 11-2 run, led at the half 36-22 and won the second half 42-16. It all added up to a 78-38 win for USC which was held under 100 points for the first time this season.
As if there were any doubt who was going to win, the Gamecocks really turned up the defensive heat in the fourth quarter. State missed their final 15 shots from the floor and the Gamecocks finished the game on a 16-0 run.
On a night they missed all 12 of their three-point attempts playing without injured sharpshooter Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks scored 52 points in the paint and 31 points on fast breaks, most the result of their 15 steals. The Gamecocks also had 16 blocks, one off the team record.
Kamilla Cardoso led the Gamecocks with 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. Raven Johnson added 18 points, six assists and five steals.
The Gamecocks are 4-0 and will host Mississippi Valley State Friday afternoon.
