COLONIAL LIFE ARENA: South Carolina handled its business in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Friday, looking the part of a championship contender in a 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech.
The Gamecocks lived up to their no. 1 seed from the opening tip, shooting better than 60% in each of the four quarters and setting a school scoring mark for an NCAA Tournament game, eclipsing the record (91) they set last year against Presbyterian.
With the victory, USC runs its winning streak to eight games. Additionally, South Carolina has won seven consecutive NCAA Tournament games and 17 of 18 dating back to 2022.
The Gamecocks suited up a dozen healthy players and all 12 scored as USC piled up 66 points from its reserves. Joyce Edwards had her way in the paint, scoring 22 points in 22 minutes on 9 of 12 shooting.
MiLaysia Fulwiley (15 points), Tessa Johnson (11) and Chloe Kitts (10) joined Edwards in double figures.
Tennessee Tech (26-6) had come into Columbia riding a 17-game win streak, but it was clear from the outset that they would find no success against the defending champions.
Bigger challenges lie ahead, however. Indiana, South Carolina’s second-round opponent, may be rounding into form after Friday’s 76-68 victory over Utah and a five-point loss to no. 1 seed Southern Cal in the Big Ten Tournament. The Gamecocks defeated the Hoosiers 79-75 in last season’s Sweet Sixteen round.
South Carolina (31-3) and Indiana (20-12) will square off from the Colonial Life Arena, Sunday. The tipoff time is TBD.
Final Stats
Gamecocks postgame press conference with Dawn Staley,
Joyce Edwards and Adehl Tac
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