Markeshia's Corner: Gamecocks bounce back, prepare for annual UConn showdown

This story first appeared in GamecockCentral’s GamecocksW newsletter!

Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, is back to provide fans with South Carolina women’s basketball analysis.

You can get her unique insights from the FREE GamecocksW newsletter here.

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The Gamecocks bounced back in a dominant way against Florida—hitting the century mark with 101 points for the second time in SEC play. Freshman Joyce Edwards went off for a career-high 28 in just 20 minutes of play, setting the tone early as South Carolina took control and never looked back. After a tough loss to Texas, this was the exact response Dawn Staley’s squad needed—a statement win that reminded everyone they’re still a powerhouse.

Gamecock game highlights:

South Carolina did it all:

• 36 points in the first quarter (most this season and second most in program history)
• 101 total points scored (tied for second most in SEC play)
• Four players in double figures (Feagin, Paopao, Edwards, and Fulwiley)
• 60 bench points (second most this season)
• Dominated the boards 51-37
• 21-22 (95.5%) from the free throw line (huge improvement from last time out vs. Texas)
• 12 steals
• 23 assists on 36 made baskets
• ONLY 6 turnovers 

Pure dominance. 

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Standout Performances

Setting the Tone Inside

Sania Feagin

In just 17 minutes, Feagin was poised, efficient, and highly effective. She finished with 10 points on 4-5 shooting (80%), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists—continuing to set the the tone and be the steady presence the Gamecocks need inside.

Chloe Kitts

Coach Staley challenged Kitts, and she delivered—grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, and adding 5 points. She made her presence felt by dominating the boards and playing within the flow of the offense, continuing to settle into her role as a reliable point forward.

Stuffing the Stat Sheet

Te-Hina PaoPao

Paopao showed exactly why she’s on the Naismith Trophy midseason list, dropping 14 points on an efficient 5-6 shooting (83%), including 4-5 (80%) from deep in just 20 mins of play. She also had 7 rebounds, 7 assists and NO TURNOVERS. This is just the game Paopao needed to prepare her for UConn. 

Things that do not Show up on the Stat Sheet

Raven Johnson 

Hollywood was a steady presence at the point on both ends of the floor, finishing with 7 points and 6 rebounds. But her impact went beyond the stat sheet—knocking down timely shots, disrupting Florida’s Liv McGill defensively, and grabbing key rebounds when it mattered most. That’s exactly the kind of point guard you need. Traditional floor generals are rare, which is why she stands out.

Breezy Hall 

Breezy has fully embraced her role as the go-to defender on the opponent’s best wing, and she’s been disruptive. Her deflections, ability to speed up opponents, and forcing tough, contested shots don’t always show up on the stat sheet, but they’re impossible to miss. Her defensive mindset is evident every time she steps on the floor. 

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang

The Gamecocks’ Seatbelt Gang came up big with 60 points off the bench—their second-highest output this season, just behind the 64 they dropped on Purdue.

• Joyce Edwards – Edwards set a career high with 28 points and added 5 rebounds, becoming the first South Carolina freshman to drop 28 in an SEC game. She continues to make her case for SEC Freshman of the Year and definitely the SEC All-Freshman team. Edwards is on pace to be one of the best post players to ever play at the University of South Carolina.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley – added 13 points and 5 steals with her signature highlight.
• Tessa Johnson, Sakima Walker, and Maddy McDaniel – added 5 points a piece respectively.
• Adel Tac – Added 4 points and 2 rebounds.

Win tickets to Senior Day, South Carolina-Kentucky women’s basketball game

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 23-2 vs. UConn Huskies 23-3

Setting the Scene

Every year Coach Staley strategically schedules this game against Geno and the UConn Huskies right in the heart of SEC play, knowing it’s the perfect test to prepare the team for a strong postseason run.

So there you have it #4 vs. #7. College GameDay takes over Columbia, SC, with 18,000 screaming FAMs packing a sold-out arena. South Carolina looks to keep its streak alive against UConn, having won the last four matchups. 

Key matchups to watch:

Guard defense vs. Paige Bueckers

• Paige is a highly efficient combo guard who thrives on creating opportunities for her teammates. South Carolina’s defense will need to disrupt her rhythm, force her to think about something other than scoring, and keep her uncomfortable. The Gamecocks must play her with active hands, apply consistent pressure, and speed her up to disrupt UConn’s offense.

Post Play vs. Sarah Strong

• Freshman phenom Sarah Strong is UConn’s best decision-maker, so South Carolina’s bigs have to make her uncomfortable—apply pressure, speed her up, and keep her from getting into a rhythm. The Gamecocks need to do their work early, make every touch tough, defend her at the three (she’s knocking down 36%), and keep her off the offensive glass. Box out and make her work on defense. Attack her feet on offense as she will foul.
• Strong vs. Edwards—this is the matchup to watch. Both were top players in their class and have made major impacts for their teams. Strong is UConn’s second-leading scorer, while Edwards leads the way for South Carolina. Expect a fun and exciting battle between the two.

Post advantages

• There are layers to the Gamecocks post presence, they have the depth, the athleticism, and the foot speed to make an impact on both ends. They’ll need to use their depth to keep constant pressure on UConn—providing multiple looks on offense and staying active defensively.

Gamecocks Advantage

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 UConn’s full court man defense.

Keys to the Win

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

2. Set the tone early – HIT FIRST. Although basketball is a game of runs, do not let up. 

3. Lock in on defense – The Gamecocks’ stifling man-to-man defense holds teams more than 20+ points below their season average so they will need to continue to lock into their scouts. 

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, so sharing the ball and ball movement will be key.

7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces 17 TOs per game, while UConn averages 10 TOs per game.

8. Convert at the free-throw line – Last game, the Gamecocks shot better at the free-throw line, so they’ll need to keep that same focus going into the UConn matchup.

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

10. Have fun!

Let’s Go Gamecocks!

This story first appeared in GamecockCentral’s GamecocksW newsletter!

Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, is back to provide fans with South Carolina women’s basketball analysis.

You can get her unique insights from the FREE GamecocksW newsletter here.

Discuss South Carolina women’s basketball on The Insiders Forum!