No. 2 South Carolina wraps noncon schedule with home win over Wofford: 3 observations
The Gamecocks returned as sharp as ever after a brief breather from their grueling non-conference slate.
No. 2 South Carolina cruised past Wofford 93-47 on Sunday at Colonial Life Arena to wrap up 2024.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter (USC 36.4% on FGs vs Wofford 21.1%), but the Gamecocks turned it on in the second quarter. USC ripped off a 17-0 run across a four-minute stretch in the frame, leading to a 46-22 lead going into halftime.
Wofford (6-5) found a bit of a spark in the third quarter, outscoring USC 19-18 in the period, but still trailed 64-41 heading into the fourth. USC scored the final 22 points of the game.
“How many teams are going to play their very best against us? They give an extra burst of energy, but I think Wofford, they just play that way,” USC head coach Dawn Staley said of her message to the team after the first quarter.
Five Gamecocks scored in double figures against the Terriers: Joyce Edwards (16), Tessa Johnson (14), Raven Johnson (13), Te-Hina Paopao (12), MiLaysia Fulwiley (11).
Freshman Maddy McDaniel (concussion) and senior Sakima Walker (ankle) both sat out against Wofford. After the game, Staley said she didn’t have any updates on their availability for the next game.
South Carolina (12-1) now turns to SEC play, starting with a road trip to Missouri on Thursday.
Here are three observations from South Carolina’s win over Wofford on Sunday:
Owning the paint
The Gamecocks went into the Christmas break with a win over Charleston Southern, a game in which USC bounced back from a super slow start. That didn’t happen in the first half against Wofford. South Carolina went back to its roots in the blowout win with a strong effort on the interior, outscoring Wofford 48-12 in the paint.
“We’ve gotten off to some not-so-appealing starts,” Staley said. “Hopefully that isn’t indicative of how we’re going to continue.”
The Gamecocks also continued to crowd ball-handlers throughout the game, forcing Wofford into a 1 of 14 start from the field. Wofford finished 21.1% shooting overall.
Bench bravado
South Carolina’s biggest not-so-secret strength this season has been its depth, leading the nation in bench points per game (40.6). That continued Sunday as USC’s bench outscored the starters 56-37. Every Gamecock that saw the court against Wofford scored.
“It’s going to prepare us for the long run,” Paopao said on the SEC Network’s postgame show. “It’s going to be a great run for us as long as people do their roles and our team knows what we need to do.”
Time for SEC play
Now the real grind begins. South Carolina will head into conference play as the highest-ranked SEC team in The Associated Press Top 25. The SEC boasts eight ranked teams, including four in the Top 10: No. 5 Texas, No. 6 LSU and No. 9 Oklahoma, alongside No. 2 USC.
South Carolina remains the favorite to win the SEC, but the road won’t be easy. Circle Jan. 12 on the calendar — that’s when the Gamecocks host No. 5 Texas in a marquee showdown. Before that, USC will face unranked foes Missouri, Mississippi State and Texas A&M.
The Gamecocks will face other tough tests early in conference play from Oklahoma (Jan. 19) and LSU (Jan. 23).
Let the conference chaos begin.
Next four games
- Thursday: at Missouri, 7 p.m. (SEC Network)
- Jan. 5: at Mississippi State, 2 p.m. (SEC Network)
- Jan. 9: vs Texas A&M, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)
- Jan. 12: vs Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
This story was originally published December 29, 2024 at 3:42 PM.
