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Markeshia Grant: South Carolina survived Albany, Now they are Cleveland bound 

by:Markeshia Grant04/01/24
south carolina womens basketball ashlyn watkins
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) blocks a shot attempt by Oregon State Beavers guard Dominika Paurova (3) during the first half in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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What. A. Game. Heart rates were up. Blood pressure were high. So much at stake. Of course it was the Elite-8. South Carolina survived Albany with a 70-58 win over Oregon State and now they are Cleveland bound. 

Gamecock game highlights

South Carolina did not have its best shooting night, but one thing they did have that’s been a constant all season is bench production and the next player up mentality. The Gamecocks had 38 bench points with Tessa Johnson leading the way and stellar performances from Ashlyn Watkins and Sania Feagin. Kamilla Cardoso had a quiet 12 points and 9 rebounds but it still was a game-changing performance.

[Get Complete South Carolina WBB postseason coverage from veteran reporter Chris Wellbaum and analyst Markeshia Grant! Join GC now and get your first month for $1 or use the code FAMS to get 40% off the first year!] 

Impact moment

Late in the fourth quarter with time running down, Ashlyn Watkins methodically moving her feet while playing outstanding defense on Timea Gardiner—Gardiner tries to shoot and before you know it, Watkins emphatically blocks her shot! Breezy Hall then ties the ball up. Possession Gamecocks! They were up seven with 1:51 left in the game. 

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X-Factors

Ashlyn Watkins

Ashlyn felt like she was not as aggressive against Indiana, so she wanted to make a statement in the game against Oregon State. She did just that. From offensive rebounds and put-backs, to And 1s, block shots and numerous hustle plays—Watkins truly left her mark on this game. Ashlyn finished the game with 14 rebounds, 8 points, and 4 blocks. Additionally, defensively she did a very good job of guarding Timea Gardiner, who was in foul trouble early with three fouls in the first half.

Tessa Johnson

She really grew up in a moment where it was a “next Gamecock up” mentality. She showed that the moment is never too big for her. She was very even-keeled. From 3-pointers, to floaters, drives to the basket and clutch free throws—you name it. Tessa did it against Oregon State. She did it with poise and with pace. She led all Gamecocks with 15 points. 

Sania Feagin

Feagin made her presence felt in just 12 minutes with 8 points and 4 rebounds. She also did an excellent job defending Raegan Beers of Oregon State. She was active on the offensive glass getting the Gamecocks extra possessions, hitting timely shots and running the floor in transition. 

Embrace the Journey: FINAL 4

South Carolina will play NC State on Friday, April 5 in Cleveland, OH. Time to be determined.

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