Markeshia's Corner: FAMS, breathe, it’s okay!

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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South Carolina lost its first SEC game since the 2021 season Sunday afternoon at Texas, snapping its 57 SEC game win streak. FAMS, breathe—it’s okay!

This just speaks to how dominant the Gamecocks have been in one of the toughest conferences in the country. They also have only lost three games in three seasons.

Let me repeat that again: they have ONLY lost three games in three seasons. Think about that. Greatness is hard, and sometimes losses are a part of the journey.

Game Notables

There were a total of 22 fouls called in the first half of play between the two teams, which I think set the tone for the outcome of the game. However, two things can be true, and there’s nuance to consider.

On the other hand, the Gamecocks did not have their best day offensively, shooting just 36.8% from the field, 26.3% from three, and 65.2% (15-23) from the free-throw line. Also, South Carolina was outrebounded 42-35 on the glass.

In addition, the Gamecocks had several opportunities to take the lead after tying the game multiple times, but they just could not shift the momentum of the game.

Bench Production – Seatbelt Gang 

The Gamecocks’ Seatbelt Gang added 30 bench points and 9 rebounds against Texas.

• MiLaysia Fulwiley added 13 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists
• Joyce Edwards added 9 points.
• Tessa Johnson had 7 points and 3 rebounds.

Although this loss to Texas wasn’t the desired outcome, the Gamecocks still control their destiny in the SEC regular season title race. They remain in a four-way tie for first place, with several crucial games left to determine a champion. That speaks to the talent and competitiveness of the SEC.

Up Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 22-2 (10-1) vs. Florida Gators (12-12, 3-7 SEC)

Key Matchups to Watch

Guards vs. Liv McGill

• The Gators talented freshman and leading scorer at 16.4 points per game has the ability to take over games, so South Carolina has to make her think about something other than scoring.
• Also, The Gamecocks will need to limit her production, as she averages 5.4 assists per game. However, she averages 4 TO’s per game.
• She’s known for crafty finishes around the basket and trying to draw fouls, so the Gamecock guards have to play her honest and defend without fouling. She’s a 73% FT shooter.
• Box her out because she will crash the offensive boards for putbacks or extra possessions for her team.
• Attack her feet on defense as she is foul-prone (2.1 fouls per game)

Guards vs. Laila Reynolds

• Sophomore guard Reynolds does all the dirty work for the Florida Gators. The Gamecocks have to be intentional about keeping her off the glass and taking contested shots.
• She is turnover-prone and foul-prone at 3.3 TO’s per game and 2.3 fouls per game.

Guards vs. Jeriah Warren

• Senior Guard Warren has big-game capabilities. She’s the Gator’s third-leading scorer at 12.5 points PPG. She shoots 48% from the floor and 57.9% from the 3-point line.
• She is very foul-prone at 2.6 fouls per game, so the Gamecock guards will need to attack her offense to draw fouls. 

Post vs. Ra Shayla Kyle

• Kyle is 6’6” and is Florida’s most skilled big and second-leading scorer at 15 PPG. She also leads the team in rebounding at 9.3 rebounds per game. She can finish well around the basket and through contact. It’s imperative for South Carolina not allow her to get deep post, she will finish. 
• The Gamecocks bigs will need to box out because she is active around the glass, working to get her team extra possessions or putbacks.
• On offense, give her two moves because she will foul you (2.3 fouls per game).

Game Notables 

• Junior Forward Chloe Kitts’ sister is Kylee Kitts, a redshirt freshman for the University of Florida’s women’s basketball team
• Florida’s Assistant Coach Cynthia Jordan played at Temple University and worked at the University of South Carolina for Coach Staley 
• Me’Arah O’Neal is the daughter of NBA legend Shaq O’Neal

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 Florida’s man and zone defenses.

Keys to the Win

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

2. Set the tone early – Establish dominance from the start, coming off of a tough loss.

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 second unit continues to be the best in the country and is getting more and more confident each game.

5. Win the rebounding battle – When the Gamecocks win the rebounding battle, they usually win the game. 

6. Take care of the ball – Averaging 16.5 assists per game, ball movement will be key. 

7. Force turnovers – South Carolina forces 17 TOs per game, while Florida averages 16.8 TOs per game.

8. Convert at the free-throw line – Florida is foul-prone, averaging 17.3 fouls per game, so the Gamecocks must capitalize at the stripe.

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

10. Have fun!

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The Gamecocks will look to bounce back with their goal of an SEC Regular season championship still in front of them! Go cocks!

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!