Chloe Kitts Dominates SEC Tournament, Secures MVP as Gamecocks Claim Another Title
Chloe Kitts couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The South Carolina forward exploded in the Gamecocks’ opener against Vanderbilt, scoring a career-high 25 points on an incredible 12-14 shooting. By securing her 10th rebound late in the fourth quarter, she recorded her third consecutive double-double.
But Kitts wasn’t the only Gamecock shining on the big stage. MiLaysia Fulwiley delivered a thrilling performance, scoring a team-high 15 points, grabbing six rebounds, and racking up four steals while showcasing her signature highlight-reel plays.
After the win, Fulwiley emphasized how Kitts’ energy elevates the team:
“I feel like when Chloe is doing good, it motivates all of us to want to do good,” Fulwiley said. “When Chloe is playing like that, we’re a hard team to beat.”
That same energy carried over into the SEC Tournament Championship against Texas on Sunday. While the Gamecocks took some time to find their rhythm, Kitts’ early dominance paved the way for South Carolina to secure its second consecutive conference title.
Her stellar performances throughout the tournament earned her SEC Tournament MVP honors, along with a spot on the All-SEC Tournament Team.
“Chloe is a dog. I mean, inside, outside, whatever you give her, you tell her to go, she’s going to go and get that bucket,” said Sania Feagin. “Total props to her, MVP. Well-deserved.”
Kitts Sparks Gamecocks’ Dominance Over Texas
Kitts wasted no time making an impact in the SEC title game, knocking down the first basket just 18 seconds after tipoff. However, the opening quarter proved to be a defensive battle, with South Carolina shooting just 31.3% and leading 12-10 after the first 10 minutes.
Once again, Kitts set the tone in the second quarter, opening with a layup to push her point total to seven. At that moment, she had matched the entire Gamecocks roster’s scoring output, but on significantly fewer shot attempts.
That’s when South Carolina flipped the switch.
Kitts’ bucket ignited a 13-0 run over the next five minutes, ballooning the lead to 27-10 and effectively taking control of the game. Texas never truly recovered, only closing the gap to 13 points early in the third quarter before the Gamecocks pulled away again.
“Basketball is a game of runs. When you have runs and hear our fans screaming, it helps a lot,” said Raven Johnson. “We kept our foot on the gas at all times.”
While Kitts set the tone, Fulwiley took over in the second quarter. After a slow start, she showcased her athleticism by grabbing a defensive rebound, sprinting the length of the floor, and finishing through contact for an and-one layup. She calmly sank the free throw, extending the lead further.
Moments later, Fulwiley grabbed another rebound and launched a perfect full-court pass to Tessa Johnson, who converted a fast-break layup. Johnson contributed 14 points in the win, including two key three-pointers.
Feagin and Joyce Edwards each scored 11 points, adding to the balanced Gamecocks attack.
Kitts’ MVP Moment and the Ultimate Statement
Kitts finished the championship game with a team-high 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal, capping off a dominant tournament run.
Her performances made it clear that she deserved more recognition this season—something Raven Johnson made sure to point out.
“They left her off the SEC teams – she should’ve definitely been on one of those SEC teams,” Johnson said. “She wants to win. That’s the biggest thing about her, and I love that about her game.”
Despite her MVP performance, Kitts remained humble, crediting her success to her teammates and coaches.
“I feel like I played fine. I can always play better, of course,” Kitts said. “But I wouldn’t have been in this situation without all my teammates and all my coaches.”
With another SEC title in hand and Chloe Kitts leading the charge, the Gamecocks have made it clear—they’re not done yet.
