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3 observations from South Carolina WBB’s 84-point exhibition win over Clayton State

trevyn gray
·2 min read

South Carolina women’s basketball dominated Clayton State 126-42 at Colonial Life Arena on Monday night in a preseason exhibition.

Sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley and freshman Joyce Edwards led the way for the Gamecocks. Fulwiley scored 21, while Edwards scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Sophomore Tessa Johnson had 15 points and senior Te-Hina Paopao added 13 of her own.

South Carolina opens its regular season next Monday, Nov. 4, against Michigan in Las Vegas.

Here are three observations from the exhibition win:

Joyce Edwards dominates down low

Edwards made an immediate impact — similar to the first exhibition game — scoring on her first possession with a smooth spin move for a layup.

The Gamecocks threw it to Edwards down low often for easy layups, but she also came away with multiple offensive rebounds and put-backs. The Gamecocks as a whole scored 67 points in the paint.

The No. 2 recruit in ESPN’s Class of 2024 rankings, Edwards came off the bench but played 10 minutes in the first half, going 5 for 5 from the floor and grabbing three rebounds.

Smothering defense

South Carolina’s defensive intensity set the tone from tip, forcing 15 turnovers in the first half alone. Clayton State struggled to keep possession, often succumbing to shot clock violations and travels. The Lakers committed 25 turnovers total.

USC made it a focus to smother ball handlers and crowd passing lanes throughout the game. Six Gamecocks recorded at least one steal, with Paopao and Bree Hall each nabbing two.

The Gamecocks’ defense led to 41 fastbreak points.

Letting it fly

The Gamecocks fired early and often from beyond the arc, attempting 3 3-pointers (up from 11 in their last exhibition against Memphis) and knocking down 10.

Tessa Johnson and Hall led in attempts, with Johnson hitting 3-of-8 and Hall going 0-for-7. Paopao was the most efficient, shooting 3-of-6 from distance. Fulwiley also knocked down four 3-pointers.

Next four South Carolina WBB games

  • Nov. 4: vs. Michigan in Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)

  • Nov. 10: vs. NC State in Charlotte, 3 p.m. (ESPN)

  • Nov. 14: vs. Coppin State, 7 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)

  • Nov. 17: vs. East Carolina, 2 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)