South Carolina vs. Maryland: Three Major Takeaways From the Gamecocks’ 101-93 Victory in Paris

The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks opened their season with a 101-93 victory over No. 10 Maryland in Paris on Monday. Although Dawn Staley’s team built a commanding advantage early, the Terrapins’ second-half adjustments exposed areas South Carolina will need to improve.

The performance offered plenty of positives, including the Gamecocks’ transition offense and Chloe Kitts’ successful return following her ACL injury. It also raised questions about the team’s rotation and how it handles aggressive defensive pressure.

Here are three important takeaways from South Carolina’s season-opening win.

1. South Carolina Must Make Beating the Press a Priority

One of Maryland’s biggest weapons was its full-court press. However, South Carolina demonstrated in the first half that the most effective way to defeat that defensive strategy is to prevent opponents from establishing it in the first place.

The Gamecocks accomplished this by immediately pushing the basketball up the floor whenever they gained possession. Players from different positions took responsibility for advancing the ball, allowing South Carolina to attack before Maryland could organize its defense.

The results were impressive. South Carolina recorded 27 fast-break points and 13 assists from eight different players in the first half, creating consistent scoring opportunities through its transition game.

Maryland made important adjustments after halftime. The Terrapins improved their shot selection, giving them more opportunities to set up their press following made baskets. They also introduced different defensive looks, including several zone formations designed to disrupt South Carolina’s offensive rhythm.

The Gamecocks became less aggressive about running the floor in the second half, making their half-court offense more vulnerable to Maryland’s pressure. The absence of a traditional point guard also became more noticeable when South Carolina had to organize its offense against a set defense.

Still, the overall offensive numbers were encouraging. South Carolina finished with 24 assists on 36 made field goals, showing that the offense continued to generate opportunities despite the defensive adjustments.

The biggest lesson is straightforward: South Carolina is at its most dangerous when it plays quickly. With its collection of long, athletic and versatile players, the Gamecocks should make transition basketball a major part of their identity throughout the season.

2. Chloe Kitts’ Return Could Be a Major Boost

Three years ago, Paris became an important location in Chloe Kitts’ South Carolina journey. She unexpectedly earned a starting opportunity after Sania Feagin, a highly regarded former recruit, had started at forward during the exhibition game.

Staley instead selected Kitts, who had enrolled the previous December. The decision proved successful as Kitts contributed seven points, two assists and two blocks, eventually establishing herself as a regular starter.

Her return to Paris on Monday carried a different significance.

Kitts was no longer an inexperienced player trying to earn a place in the starting lineup. She returned as a former All-American, making her first appearance since missing the previous season because of a torn ACL.

Her impact was immediate.

Within her first 33 seconds, Kitts won the opening tip, received the ball in the post, drew a foul and converted both free throws. She then forced a turnover, providing an early reminder of how much she can contribute beyond scoring.

Kitts finished with eight points, seven rebounds and five assists in 19 minutes, tying for the team lead in assists.

Her individual production was encouraging, but her greatest value may come from the way she improves the players around her. Kitts has previously demonstrated an ability to make smart decisions, create opportunities for teammates and contribute in multiple areas.

Those qualities helped her earn SEC Tournament MVP honors two seasons ago.

South Carolina has plenty of offensive talent, but Kitts brings another dimension through her versatility and basketball intelligence. Her return could become one of the most important developments for the Gamecocks as the season progresses.

3. Dawn Staley May Need to Use Her Bench More Consistently

South Carolina used 12 players during the game, but the rotation became considerably shorter after halftime, with only seven players seeing second-half action.

Staley explained after the contest that Maryland’s increased use of full-court pressure influenced her decision. She preferred to rely on the players she trusted most in a difficult situation.

That reasoning is understandable, particularly when protecting a lead against a team capable of creating turnovers. However, there is also a strong argument for giving the bench more opportunities.

One of South Carolina’s biggest advantages is its depth. Keeping more players involved could help the Gamecocks maintain their energy, especially against opponents that rely heavily on pressing defenses.

Even brief appearances from Brooke Quarles-Daniels or Justine Loubens could have provided valuable rest for the regular rotation. Allowing key players to catch their breath before returning to the floor might have helped South Carolina maintain its pace and defensive intensity.

It is possible Staley was hoping to extend the advantage during the third quarter, enter the final period comfortably ahead and then give the reserves more playing time.

That strategy did not fully unfold as Maryland mounted its comeback.

With another challenging matchup against North Carolina approaching, a more balanced rotation could become important. South Carolina has enough talent to distribute minutes without necessarily sacrificing its competitiveness.

What These Takeaways Mean for the Gamecocks

The 101-93 victory gave South Carolina a positive start, but it also provided valuable information about the team’s strengths and areas requiring attention.

The transition offense needs to remain a priority, Chloe Kitts’ return gives the roster an important boost, and the bench could play a larger role in keeping the team fresh.

Maryland exposed some vulnerabilities with its pressure and second-half adjustments, but South Carolina ultimately made the plays necessary to secure the win.

The Gamecocks now have an opportunity to build on those lessons as they prepare for North Carolina. If they maintain their aggressive transition style, continue developing their chemistry and make better use of their depth, this team has the potential to become even more difficult to defend.

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