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South Carolina routed Clayton State 126-42 to wrap up its exhibition schedule.
The Gamecocks were a bit sluggish to start the game and led just 30-15 midway through the second quarter. They weren’t defending well and shots weren’t falling. But after a timeout, the Gamecocks flipped the switch and went on a 32-6 run to finish the half.
Tessa Johnson, who had missed her first four three-point attempts, hit three straight plus a transition layup. Freshman Adhel Tac did work inside, scoring six points all off putbacks. And the defense tightened.
“I’ve given her a nickname: ‘Three-ssa,’” Dawn Staley said. “So when she was going through the slump I said you’re back to Tessa. That made her smile.”
South Carolina held Clayton State to 26.5% shooting, forced 30 turnovers, got 42 points off turnovers, and blocked 10 shots. Staley acknowledged the defense had some issues, but wasn’t too worried.
“I think we’re at a pretty good spot defensively,” she said.
Johnson finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists. She was one of seven Gamecocks in double figures. Te-Hina Paopao added 13 and Maryam Dauda had 10 points and seven rebounds.
MiLaysia Fulwiley got off to a slow start, but scored 21 of her game-high 24 points in the second half. She also had seven steals, three assists, three blocks, and two rebounds.
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Freshman Joyce Edwards followed up her eye-popping debut with another huge game. Edwards had 19 points and 12 rebounds in 18 minutes against Memphis. Monday night she had another double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. She also blocked three shots and dished out six assists.
“Pretty comfortable,” Edwards said. “I’m always nervous coming into the game but my teammates and coaches prepared me for this. I’m playing against the best players in the country every day in practice.”
Edwards had 12 points in the first half alone, hitting all five of her shot attempts.
“She’s not a player that should blend in with others,” Staley said. “She’s a player that is a big-play maker. She’s a small-play maker. She’s super versatile. You can play her at any given position.”
Redshirt freshman Adhel Tac only played eight minutes against Memphis as South Carolina kept her on a minutes restriction. That was lifted for the Clayton State game, and Tac was highly productive, She played 13 minutes, scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked two shots. Tac also drew six fouls and went 7-10 from the line.
“I like this team. This team is a really together team,” Staley said. “They want their teammates to shine.”
Notes:
Senior post Sakima Walker did not play due to a minor injury. She is expected to be available against Michigan. … In the third quarter, Tessa Johnson tried to save an errant outlet pass but threw it straight into the side of official Ifeyinwa Seales. Even Seales had to laugh at the mishap. … South Carolina had 20 steals. … Dawn Staley’s outfit: Staley wore a garnet sweater over a garnet “Uncommon” t-shirt. The assistant coaches all wore the same t-shirt representing this season’s theme. … South Carolina’s next game is the season opener against Michigan in Las Vegas on November 4.
