COLONIAL LIFE ARENA: Someone had to pay after South Carolina was defeated by Texas last time out, and Florida was next on the schedule. And the Gators paid the price as the 4th ranked Gamecocks laid a 101-63 whipping on the visitors from Gainesville.
The Gamecocks, who never trailed, put up 36 points in the first quarter, a season high for scoring in a quarter, as they shot 69% from the floor and made four of six three pointers. Te-Hina Paopao and Joyce Edwards combined for 21 of those points and USC led 36-15 after the first ten minutes.
The onslaught continued in quarter two with Edwards scoring eight more points and the Gamecocks led 62-32 at halftime. In the second half, the lead grew to 41 points and was never less than 24 points.
The Gamecocks finished with eight three-pointers and made 21-22 from the foul line. They forced 17 points and converted them into 24 points. They also grabbed 17 offensive rebounds they turned into 21 second chance points. The Gamecocks outscored Florida in the paint 52-28.
Edwards scored a career high 28 points in 19 minutes. Paopao added 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
With their 17th straight win over Florida, the Gamecocks improved to 23-2 overall and 11-1 in the SEC. They will host 7th ranked UConn on Sunday afternoon.
Dawn Staley postgame
Final Stats
