Ashlyn Watkins explains motivating factor in strong first half performance vs. Oregon State

South Carolina entered the locker room with a 37-33 lead over Oregon State in the Elite Eight on Sunday. Forward Ashlyn Watkins utilized her length to help anchor the Gamecocks on both ends of the court.

Watkins finished the first half with six points and six rebounds off the bench — five of which came off the offensive glass. She has also added three blocks to her total as well. After missing seven of her 11 shot attempts in the Sweet 16, Watkins revealed what changed between Friday’s win and now.

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“It’s the just the energy. The other day I just didn’t have much energy. Today, I want it,” Watkins told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “We want it and we have to pull it out.”

On the season, Watkins is averaging 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds, finishing as a second-team All-SEC forward despite starting just 10 of South Carolina’s first 36 games (including the Elite 8). She ended up being a finalist for the SEC 6th Player of the Year award as well.

The Gamecocks jumped out to a fast start on the Beavers, leading Oregon State 16-8 through the first 8:40 of the first quarter. South Carolina’s lead was cut to four before the end of the quarter, and the Beavers were able to keep pace with the undefeated Gamecocks for the rest of the half.

Oregon State star forward Raegan Beers has a team-high 9 points for the Beavers, but has three fouls. If the Gamecocks can keep her off the court, Watkins and fellow forward Camilla Cardoso are threats to dominate in the paint.

Fellow Beaver forward Timea Gardiner, who averages 11 points per game for the Beavers, also found herself in foul trouble before the break with three herself. Both would be a huge loss for Oregon State if they were to find themselves with four early in the second half.

A win would mean the fourth-straight trip to the Final Four for South Carolina, while Oregon State is looking for its first appearance since 2016.

Catch the remainder of the game live on ABC as Oregon State looks to overcome the NCAA Tournament’s top seed. The winner will play whoever emerges victorious between Texas and NC State in the Final Four next weekend in Cleveland.