The top-ranked Gamecocks got off to a slow start offensively before finding their groove and rolling past East Carolina 73-36 in Greenville, NC, Saturday. South Carolina hit on just five of their first 20 shots, but ECU could do next to nothing against USC’s defense, allowing the Gamecocks to get out to a 36-18 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, USC exploited its advantage in the post, as Kamilla Cardoso and Ashlyn Watkins (11 points) made a combined 5 of 7 from the field for 13 points in the period. The Pirates had no answers offensively and were held to 19% shooting for the game. It didn’t help that ECU lost starting point guard Micah Dennis to an apparent knee injury five minutes into the game.
Milay Fulwiley provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points to go with nine rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Cardoso grabbed ten rebounds to go with a dozen points and a game-high five assists.
Although, the score was lopsided, it was not one of South Carolina’s better offensive performances. USC shot 41% from the field and made just 18 of 34 (53%) from the foul line. The Gamecocks did find moderate success from the perimeter, however, making 5 of 13 from the beyond the arc. Te-Hina Paopao was the sharpest from long range, making 3 of 5, accounting for all nine of her points.
South Carolina (12-0) will next step into conference play with a road game at Florida. Tipoff between the Gamecocks and the Gators is set for 7 p.m., Thursday.