South Carolina women's basketball answers its first loss by dominating #15 Iowa State
#4 South Carolina responded to its first regular season loss in almost three years with a dominating 76-36 win over #15 Iowa State.
Mackenzie Hare hit a three-pointer to give the Cyclones an early lead, but then it was all Gamecocks.
On defense, they swarmed Audi Crooks, deflected passes, and contested every shot. On offense, they played inside-out, shared the ball, and took open shots.
The result was the best basketball South Carolina has played all season and it was reflected ou the scoreboard. South Carolina held Iowa State scoreless for just under a quarter and a half – 14:52 – and outscored the Cyclones 32-0.
Eight different Gamecocks scored during the run. Dawn Staley substituted frequently to rotate fresh players and wear down Iowa State.
After trailing 37-9 at halftime, Iowa State made a run to start the third quarter. South Carolina started 0-9 from the floor as Iowa State went on an 11-0 run. Then Tessa Johnson drove for a layup and the rout was back on.
South Carolina’s depth was in full force. Twelve different players played, and 10 different players scored. Their point totals ranged from four points (Maddy McDaniel) to four players with six points, two players with seven, one with eight points, and two with 13.
Sania Feagin had struggled in her first season as a starter and the Gamecocks said they needed to get her more involved. They went to her early and she had what was easily her best game of the season. Feagin scored 13 points, tied for the team-high, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked a pair of shots.
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She also had the toughest defensive assignment, guarding Iowa State’s Audi Crooks. Feagin used her quickness to make Crooks chase her on offense and then was able to front her and recover on defense.
Crooks didn’t hit a field goal until the third quarter and finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, well below the 21 points she averages.
She wasn’t the only Cyclone that struggled against the Gamecocks’ pressure. Addy Brown entered the game averaging 16.2 points and was held scoreless on 0-7 shooting with five turnovers. Emily Ryan, the nation’s leader in assists at 9.0, had just one on Thursday while committing five turnovers.
As a team, Iowa State shot just 23%, committed 19 turnovers, and was outrebounded by 14.
“I was impressed with our defense, our ability to stay disciplined for 40 minutes. Our offense was a roller coaster ride for a little bit. I’m just proud of our players and how they responded,” Staley said in a postgame interview. “This was the sample of what you can be when you lock into each other.”
Joyce Edwards also had 13 points for South Carolina. She added three steals and 11 rebounds for her first career double-double. MiLaysia Fulwiley shot just 3-10 but still finished with eight points and five rebounds. Ashlyn Watkins also shot poorly but had six points, eight rebounds, a block, and two steals.
Notes:
Adhel Tac was the only Gamecock that did not play. … South Carolina shot 45%. … South Carolina only allowed two points off 11 turnovers but scored 30 off Iowa State’s 19. … South Carolina had a 42-14 edge in points in the paint. … Dawn Staley’s outfit: Staley wore a green hoodie that said “Pay some respect to women’s sports.” The coaching staff wore matching hoodies and t-shirts. … Announced attendance was 2,122. … South Carolina’s next game is Saturday against Purdue.
