South Carolina got big nights from Ashlyn Watkins and Milaysia Fulwiley, and a big second half from Kamilla Cardoso, helping the top-ranked Gamecocks shake loose of Auburn for a 76-54 road victory, Thursday.
Cardoso stumbled out of the gate, grabbing just one rebound before halftime and missing six of her first seven shots from the floor. Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley stuck with her, however, and Cardoso responded by scoring nine points in a six-minute stretch in the third quarter to help the Gamecocks take control. Cardoso was also a factor defensively, blocking three shots.
Watkins and Fulwiley were both brilliant from the outset, combining to score 29 points to lead USC to its 20th straight victory. Watkins was surgically efficient, finishing 5 of 6 from the field and 4 of 5 from the foul line for 14 points. Watkins also led all players with 15 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Fulwiley (15 points) added another clip to her freshman season highlight reel, taking the ball behind her back on a drive into the lane before floating it home over a defender.
South Carolina’s defense and depth continues to set it apart from the competition. USC held Auburn to 32% shooting and the bench scoring was 34-13 in the Gamecocks’ favor.
USC (20-0, 8-0) will kick off a three-game homestand against Ole Miss Saturday. Tipoff from the Colonial Life Arena is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Final Stats
