South Carolina Honors Seniors, Secures 78-66 Win Over No. 15 Kentucky
Just 20 minutes before tip-off, South Carolina celebrated its senior class, recognizing Raven Johnson, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall for their contributions to the program.
While this group may not have the same star power as past senior classes—most notably “The Freshies” featuring Aliyah Boston, Laeticia Amihere, and Zia Cooke, who are now in the WNBA—they hold a distinction that sets them apart. The class of 2025 is officially the winningest four-year group in program history.
On Sunday, the Gamecocks added another victory to that record, closing out their 2024-25 regular season with a 78-66 win over No. 15 Kentucky.
The win also secured at least a share of the SEC regular season title, a feat South Carolina has now accomplished in four consecutive seasons.
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Strong Start Fuels Gamecocks’ Victory
South Carolina’s offense clicked from the start. Sania Feagin opened the scoring with a layup and quickly added another, giving the team its first four points. The Gamecocks then hit five of their first six shots, building an early 10-4 lead.
However, it wasn’t just the offense that set the tone—the defense played a key role, turning stops into points. Te-Hina Paopao stole the ball and converted a fast-break layup, followed by Raven Johnson, who did the same on the very next play. MiLaysia Fulwiley also made her presence felt, delivering a highlight-reel block later in the quarter.
By the end of the first quarter, South Carolina led 21-14, holding Kentucky to just 6-of-20 shooting.
Kentucky Fights Back, But Gamecocks Stay in Control
The Wildcats found their rhythm in the second quarter, led by Georgia Amoore, and knocked down 9-of-14 field goal attempts (64.3%). Despite the improved shooting, South Carolina maintained control, taking a 41-33 lead into halftime.
Another promising sign for Kentucky was its rebounding dominance in the first half. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Gamecocks 18-15, including an edge on the offensive glass (9-5), creating valuable second-chance opportunities.
Kentucky Rallies But Falls Short in the Fourth Quarter
Momentum continued to shift in the third quarter as Clara Strack took charge, scoring 10 of Kentucky’s 20 points, helping them outscore South Carolina 20-17.
After Strack sank two free throws early in the fourth quarter, Kentucky pulled within one point, bringing the score to its closest margin of the game.
But just when it seemed the Wildcats might complete the comeback, South Carolina delivered the knockout punch.
Between the 5:42 and 2:59 marks, the Gamecocks erupted for a 10-0 run, shutting down Kentucky’s offense and forcing five turnovers in the process.
A late layup by Clara Strack ended the scoring drought, but it was too little, too late. South Carolina had slammed the door shut, securing a 78-66 victory and further solidifying its place atop the SEC standings.
