No. 1 South Carolina flexes its muscles in SEC-opening win over Texas A&M
The No. 1 Gamecocks started conference play in the victory column.
South Carolina (13-0, 1-0 SEC) defeated Texas A&M (5-6, 0-1 SEC) at home Thursday night, winning 76-34.
South Carolina jumped out to a 24-6 first quarter lead, doing what it wanted inside as it typically does. The team scored 12 points in the paint and attempted 12 free throws in the first 10 minutes.
From there, South Carolina remained in total control.
The Gamecocks won the SEC opener for the first time since 2020 and extended their winning streak to 19 games — the longest active streak in college basketball.
Head coach Dawn Staley said the team’s shooting numbers could improve, but she liked what she saw overall in the team’s first conference game.
“I like our depth,” Staley said. “I like the fact that we can play at different speeds. I thought our starters got off to a slow start. And then we started some of the players that are substitutes. They came in to push the tempo.”
Texas A&M has struggled with injuries all year and entered the game shorthanded. The Aggies only had eight players available against the Gamecocks. The team’s leading scorer, Janiah Barker, has missed four games now with a fractured wrist.
Freshman guard Talaysia Cooper led the way for South Carolina with 15 points off the bench. She was active from the moment she entered the game, driving to the rim and pushing the ball on the break.
Thursday marked the 34th straight win for USC inside Colonial Life Arena.
South Carolina will hit the road for its next game, facing the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday in Athens.
SANIA FEAGIN GETS GOING
Sophomore forward Sania Feagin took advantage of her minutes off the bench Thursday.
She recorded 11 points and six rebounds for South Carolina while also blocking two shots. Feagin has been productive at times for USC in non-conference play and delivered an effective performance throughout Thursday’s game.
“I feel like I’m more dominant,” Feagin said. “Attacking more. Defensive wise, I feel like if you come in the paint, I’m there to block it.”
Feagin did not play in two of South Carolina’s games earlier this season, but Staley earlier in the year said she could be the “most talented” player in the post rotation. But she still wants her to find a way to stay more consistent.
Staley said she likes the way Feagin’s offensive game has developed, but wants her to get more stops on defense.
“We got a lot of good things to watch film with her regarding this game,” Staley said. “But she’s got to connect the days as well. She’s gotta connect practices, she gotta connect games. Once she’s got it, then it’s no further discussion.”
COOKE KEEPS SCORING TO SEC
Zia Cooke, South Carolina’s leading scorer, continued those to get her offense with 14 points against the Aggies.
Cooke got things going early by drawing a foul four seconds into the game on a layup attempt. The senior continued to look for her shot, making five of her 10 attempts from the field. She knocked in three 3-pointers as well, giving her a team-high 24 on the season.
“Just staying the gym, doing little things when nobody’s watching,” Cooke said about how she found a rhythm from 3-point range this season. “Making sure I’m getting my shots, not changing my routine and just being ready whenever the ball is passed to me.”
Cooke led the team in scoring as a sophomore and has finished in the top-three in scoring in each of her previous seasons with the Gamecocks. The team continues to look toward her for a scoring lift.
There have been times where Cooke’s struggled from the field, but the 14 points she scored against the Aggies were efficient. So much so that her coach felt she could have been even more aggressive.
“There was a few times coach (Staley) was like, ‘You should have shot that one,’ ” Cooke said. “So I probably should have shot a little more, but I’m definitely starting to feel it, and they’re starting to go in for me.”
BREE HALL OUT FOR USC
Sophomore guard Bree Hall was ruled out due to a right lower leg injury, the team announced on Twitter. Hall also missed the season opener due to an illness.
Hall wore a boot on the sideline during the game. She did not dress, but was on the court with the team during warmups. Staley said she suffered the injury about two days ago, and added that Hall told her she wants to play on Monday against Georgia.
“When a player tells you that’s their goal, and medical staff, that’s the goal,” Staley said.
Hall’s been a key contributor for the Gamecocks’ bench, averaging 6.5 points per game and shooting 36.4% from 3-point range. She’s received a minutes increase from her freshman year, averaging 15.9 per game for USC.
NEXT FOUR SOUTH CAROLINA WBB GAMES
Monday: at Georgia, 7 p.m. (SEC Network)
Jan. 5: home vs. Auburn, 7 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)
Jan. 8: at Mississippi State, 1 p.m. (SEC Network or ESPN2)
Jan. 12: at Kentucky, 7 p.m. (SEC Network Plus)
This story was originally published December 29, 2022 at 8:51 PM.
