Markeshia's Corner: No co-champs. No coin flips. The rematch we all wanted

🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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South Carolina came out hot once again, dominating the first half against Oklahoma 45-28. However, basketball is a game of runs and the Sooners made a run in the second half hitting several 3s to cut into the Gamecocks lead. But, South Carolina finished the game strong winning 93-75 to reach their sixth consecutive SEC Championship Title game, fueled by Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley.

Gamecock game highlights

South Carolina had five players in double figures (Sania, Chloe, Joyce, MiLaysia, and Tessa), shot 47.4% from the floor, had 19 assists, dominated the paint, won the rebounding battle 42-41, and had 7 steals. The bench showed up big adding 56 points with Maryam Dauda being a game-changer,  helping hold Raegan Beers to just 7 points. 

Standout Performances

Sania Feagin – The Anchor

Sania had 14 points on another efficient shooting day going 7-of-9 (77%)—hitting several crucial mid-range jumpers. 

Chloe Kitts – Versatility at its Best

Chloe put her versatility on full display once again, knocking down mid-range jumpers, finishing put-backs, and setting up her teammates for easy buckets. She added 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Point Guard Play

South Carolina’s point guard play was steady, with Paopao and Raven combining for 6 points, 8 assists, and just 1 turnover, controlling the tempo of the game.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang 

South Carolina’s bench came up big against Oklahoma, delivering  56 bench points for the fourth time this season with key contributions from Joyce, MiLaysia, Tessa and Maryam.

• Joyce Edwards – 21 points and 5 rebounds
• MiLaysia Fulwiley – 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals
• Tessa Johnson – 11 points and 5 rebounds
• Maryam Dauda – 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks

Maryam Dauda – Game-Changer

Maryam was a game-changer adding 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Her versatility showed up in the most crucial moments in the matchup with Raegan Beers. She battled hard in the paint, made Beers turn the ball over, scored on her, got her into foul trouble, and held her to just 7 points.

The Gamecocks look to carry this momentum into the SEC Championship game and secure their third straight title.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 29-3 vs. Texas Longhorns 31-2

The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For: South Carolina vs. Texas

Dawn Staley. Vic Schaefer. South Carolina. Texas. No co-champions. No coin flip. This is for all the bragging rights—who is really the best team in the SEC? I personally think this is to solidify a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. This is another chance to put the spotlight on two defensive powerhouses in women’s college basketball. 

Key Matchups to Watch

Guard Play vs. Madison Booker

• The Longhorns’ sophomore forward and leading scorer has the ability to take over games, so South Carolina has to make her think about something other than scoring. She’s struggled with efficiency from the floor in both matchups against the Gamecocks, shooting 3-19 in the first meeting and 7-22 in the second meeting—that’s just 24% against South Carolina’s defense. She’s known for her mid-range game, so the Gamecock guards will need to use their length to force her into taking contested shots. Additionally, they will need to pressure her at all times and speed her up so she cannot find her rhythm. Also, they will need to box her out because she likes to crash the offensive boards for put-backs or extra possessions for her team. Attack her feet on defense as she is foul-prone.

Guard Play vs. Rori Harmon

• Rori Harmon is the head of the snake—the engine that makes Texas go. South Carolina’s guards will have to disrupt her and make her think about something other than running her team. Play her honest, but make her uncomfortable. Force her into uncharacteristic decisions. Defend her without fouling—she’s crafty at drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. And stay alert—she has a knack for sliding in late to take charges. Attack her on offense, make her work, and be smart with the ball.

Post Play vs. Texas Post Play

• Texas brings size and length in the frontcourt, which was evident in both matchups against the Gamecocks where they out rebounded them. To limit that, South Carolina’s posts must stay disciplined in boxing out and controlling the glass to limit second-chance points. Additionally, they can’t allow Texas to establish deep post position and be physical without fouling. On the offensive end, South Carolina’s bigs bring size and athleticism so they must stay aggressive by attacking Texas’ foul-prone frontcourt and give them multiple moves because they try to block all shots. Make them guard you and run on them on offense.

Gamecocks’ Advantages

South Carolina’s depth, defensive intensity, speed, and athleticism give them the edge. To control the game, they must push the tempo and be ready for Texas’ full court man defense.

Keys to the Win

1. Keep the main thing, the main thing – Stay focused and control the pace.

2. Set the tone early – HIT FIRST, don’t let up, and keep the momentum for 40 minutes. 

3. Lock in on defense – The Gamecocks’ stifling man-to-man defense holds teams more than 20+ points below their season average.

4. Bench production – South Carolina’s Seatbelt Gang has been dominating, leading the nation in bench points per game. Their depth will be crucial in this matchup.

5. Win the rebounding battle – When the gamecocks win the rebounding battle, they normally win the game. WIN THE PAINT!

6. Take care of the ball – Averaging 16.8 assists per game, ball movement will be key. Especially on the road in a tough environment.

7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces about 17 TOs per game, while Texas averages 13.2 TOs per game.

8. Convert at the free-throw line – Texas is foul-prone averaging 17 fouls per game, so the Gamecocks must capitalize at the free throw line.

9. Play hard, play smart, play disciplined, play together, play and act like champions!

10. Have fun!

Let’s Go Gamecocks!

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🏀🔥 Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter. 🔥🏀

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