Columbia, S.C. – The top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team (4-0, 0-0) continued their winning ways, cruising to a commanding 95-44 victory over the East Carolina Pirates (2-1, 0-0) at home. The defending national champions showcased their depth and resilience, shaking off a shaky third quarter to remain undefeated.
Head Coach Dawn Staley utilized all 12 players on the roster during this early-season matchup, with every player contributing to the scoring effort.
The Pirates struggled from the outset, turning the ball over on their first six possessions and failing to score until 6:22 into the game. Despite missing five of their first seven shots, the Gamecocks jumped out to a 13-0 lead before East Carolina finally got on the board.
South Carolina’s bench proved crucial, dominating in the second quarter and helping the team achieve a season-high 29 points in the period. The Gamecocks shot an impressive 63% from the field and converted 9 of 13 free throws.
Freshman guard Maddy McDaniel made an immediate impact, entering the game at the start of the second quarter and delivering a highlight-worthy assist to senior forward Sania Feagin under the basket during a fast break.
With former top scorer Kamilla Cardoso no longer on the roster, team-wide contributions are more critical than ever for the Gamecocks. Looking ahead to their matchup against UCLA on Nov. 24, South Carolina is emphasizing balanced scoring and aggressive play from all positions.
“The more we are able to be aggressive and score the ball at multiple positions, the better we’re going to be as a team,” said Coach Staley. “We’re talented, no doubt about it. It’s about figuring out what group works well together.”
The Gamecocks’ starters combined for 50 points, led by Kitts with 14. Off the bench, freshmen Milaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards each contributed 12 points, adding to the team’s depth.
Notably absent was Tessa Johnson, who missed her second consecutive game and remains day-to-day, according to a team spokesperson.
South Carolina concludes their home-game stretch and will travel to Clemson for a road game on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
