“South Carolina Secures SEC Title & No. 1 Seed – Gamecocks Dominant in Win Over Kentucky!”
Markeshia Grant, a former player under Dawn Staley, delivers exclusive insights on South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her expert analysis…
Gamecocks Handle Business, Lock Up SEC Title
The South Carolina Gamecocks proved their dominance once again, defeating Kentucky 78-66 on Sunday to clinch a share of the SEC regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament. The top seed was decided by Commissioner Greg Sankey’s now-infamous coin toss, but the Gamecocks made sure there was no doubt about their standing on the court.
Game Highlights: Defense Sets the Tone
- Defense? Locked in. Pressure? Relentless. South Carolina controlled the game from start to finish.
- 10 steals, 14 forced turnovers, and holding Kentucky to just 26% from three-point range.
- Tessa Johnson led all scorers with 16 points, while Te-Hina Paopao added 13, and Chloe Kitts delivered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
This marks four straight SEC regular-season titles and nine total conference championships for Dawn Staley’s squad. The standard is the standard.
Standout Performances
Chloe Kitts – Dominating the Paint
Once again, Chloe Kitts was a force inside, recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Sania Feagin chipped in with 8 points, 4 boards, and 2 blocks, maintaining the frontcourt’s momentum from their previous win over Ole Miss.
Te-Hina Paopao – All-Around Excellence
Paopao filled the stat sheet, finishing with 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. She dictated the tempo, played with confidence, and provided the defensive spark that ignited South Carolina’s first-half dominance.
Bench Production – “Seatbelt Gang” Steps Up
The Gamecocks’ depth was on full display, as the bench delivered 32 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, keeping Kentucky on its heels.
- Tessa Johnson – 16 points, 4 rebounds
- MiLaysia Fulwiley – 10 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds
- Joyce Edwards – 6 points, 3 rebounds
Next Stop: SEC Tournament – The Mission Continues
With another SEC championship secured and the No. 1 seed locked in, the Gamecocks have once again proven why they are the gold standard in women’s college basketball. This team is battle-tested, deep, and laser-focused as they head into the postseason.
The road to March Madness starts now. The job isn’t finished. It’s just getting started
