South Carolina women's basketball: Gamecocks rout short-handed Aggies

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South Carolina made easy work of short-handed Texas A&M for a 76-34 win.

A season ago, South Carolina was in a similar situation: undefeated, ranked no. 1, and playing a shorthanded opponent to open conference play. In that game, South Carolina allowed Missouri to hang around early, gain confidence, and ultimately pull off a shocking upset.

The Gamecocks made sure there would be no repeat for the Aggies.

It took just four seconds for South Carolina to take the lead, as Victaria Saxton tipped the opening toss ahead to Zai Cooke, who was fouled on a layup. Then Aliyah Boston and Laeticia Amihere each scored five points during a nearly five-minute, 13-0 first-quarter run that quickly put Texas A&M in a hole. South Carolina led 24-6 at the end of the quarter and continued to stretch the lead for the rest of the game.

“I thought our starters got off to a slow start,” Dawn Staley said. “They came in to push the tempo. I like the fact that we can play at different speeds.”

South Carolina led by 25 at halftime and 41 after three quarters. They led by as much as 46 in the fourth quarter.

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Due to various injuries, Texas A&M dressed just eight players. South Carolina had more players score in the first half (nine) than Texas A&M had available. Then the Aggies’ short bench got even shorter due to foul trouble. Guard Eriny Kendrid, forced to play forward, picked up three fouls in the first five minutes and finished with five rebounds and four fouls in 13 minutes. 

“You’re just limited in what you can do. We don’t have our normal lineup, we don’t have our bigs,” Joni Taylor said. “At the same time, there are things we could have controlled tonight that we didn’t.”

Sydney Bowles and Jada Malone each scored eight points to lead the Aggies, and each also fouled out.

The Gamecocks handled the Aggies the same way they have handled most of their opponents this season. They pounded the ball inside (plus-30 points in the paint), rebounded (plus-27 and 21 second-chance points on 18 offensive rebounds), blocked shots (nine), and played tough defense (23.5% shooting and 22 turnovers for Texas A&M). They also got strong contributions from their bench, which combined for 42 points.

Talaysia Cooper scored a career-high 15 points and went on a personal 6-0 run in the second quarter. She also had five rebounds and two assists and got some time at point guard in the second half.

“She plays like a freshman. You saw moments of greatness and then she fouls three times,” Staley said. “It’s just trying to connect those great moments.”

Amihere had seven points, four rebounds, and four steals. Kamilla Cardoso had five points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Sania Feagin was among the first group of players off the bench and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. 

Boston finished with just six points and five rebounds in only 19 minutes. Cooke finished with 14 and made 3-7 from behind the arc.

“I’m just feeling it,” she said.

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Notes:

Bree Hall did not play due to a right lower leg injury. She was on the bench with a walking boot on her right foot. “She said she’s playing on Monday, so…” Staley said. … Staley coached much of the second half while sitting on a stool at the end of the bench. “I was running from Coach Boyer,” She explained. … Earlier in the day no. 4 Indiana and no. 7 Virginia Tech each lost. … Everyone except Ashlyn Watkins and Olivia Thompson scored for the Gamecocks. Watkins had five rebounds and two blocks but was 0-3 from the floor. … Aliyah Boston braids report: Boston still had her red and green Christmas braids. … Dawn Staley fit report: Staley and the entire staff wore black hoodies that said “Dreams, Nets, Assets,” this season’s theme. … Announced attendance was 13,003, the largest crowd of the season. … South Carolina’s next game is Monday at Georgia.

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