The No. 1 South Carolina women's basketball team extended its streak of consecutive home wins to 60 on Thursday night, defeating Coppin State 92-60 in its regular-season home opener at Colonial Life Arena.
The matchup between the Gamecocks and Eagles was the first ever between the two programs.
South Carolina and Coppin State started slow offensively, as both teams combined for seven turnovers collectively in the game’s opening four minutes.
Junior forward Chloe Kitts made an immediate impact, scoring the Gamecocks 8 of its first 10 points. The Eagles would remain in striking distance by the end of the first quarter, scoring 7 points off of five early South Carolina turnovers.
Both offenses would struggle to find rhythm, as the Gamecocks at one point would go on a scoring drought midway through the second quarter, missing six shots in a row. In the middle of that drought, the Gamecocks missed four consecutive shots in one possession next to the basket, ultimately concluding with a turnover.
However, South Carolina’s defense affected any opportunities for the Eagles offensively, only shooting 20% from the 3-point line in the first half.
Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao’s scoring ability would come alive throughout the second quarter. Paopao capitalized on late shot contests defensively from Coppin State, scoring 7 of her 13 points in the second quarter.
The Gamecocks also garnered production from sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, as her shot-making would be a catalyst for the Gamecocks to find a groove offensively and have some fun on the court.
“Sometimes I add a little spice to it,” Fulwiley said. “But really, I’m just trying to get a bucket."
Head coach Dawn Staley wants her to find a balance of discipline and finesse that can bode well for the rest of the offense.
“If she can play as lean as she played today, I can eat some of the stuff that she tries to do,” Staley said.
South Carolina remained consistent offensively, out-scoring the Eagles 25 to 12 in the third quarter. Carolina recorded at least 20 points in every quarter of the game. A total of five players notched double figures in points: Fulwiley (23), Kitts (19), Paopao (13), freshman forward Joyce Edwards (10) and junior forward Maryam Dauda (10) .
The unveiling of the championship banner
South Carolina and its fans were cheering before tip-off, and for good reason: the South Carolina women's basketball team unveiled their newest addition to the rafters at Colonial Life Arena, the banner acknowledging the 2024 women's basketball national championship.
“Just to see it with our own eyes, it was a surreal moment,” Fulwiley said. “Them giving us our flowers meant a lot to us.”
The 2023-24 women's basketball national championship marks the Gamecocks' third title, with the others in 2017 and 2022. The 2024 championship was historic, as the Gamecocks went 38-0, making South Carolina one of only 10 undefeated Division I women's basketball national champions.
Head coach Dawn Staley, who’s no stranger to winning, said she is grateful for her time with the program and their third title in the last seven years.
“It’s always a beautiful ceremony,” Staley said. “Anytime you're able to be a part of the very people who have covered us, the very people that traveled with us, the very people who always seem to make this a home-court advantage for us … It’s always a great thing.”
Kitts picks up where she left off
Kitts returned to the lineup after missing last Sunday’s matchup against NC State due to an academic policy issue. The forward’s previous absence didn’t hinder her confidence to impact the game on both ends of the floor, putting up 19 points and 10 rebounds on 80% shooting from the field.
“I feel really confident,” Kitts said. “I lift every game day, that’s the biggest thing that’s helped me.”
Kitts also isn’t letting her missed game time affect her role and leadership in the locker room. Freshman guard Maddy McDaniel made her season debut tonight, recording her first collegiate points in the fourth quarter. Kitts said she knows McDaniel can contribute to Gamecocks squad this season.
“We’ve seen so much progression from her,” Kitts said. “She’s a great point guard … She looks for other people before herself ... She works so hard. She really wants to be out there.”
Slow starts for the veterans
The Gamecocks are only in the team's third game of the season, but a few upperclassmen are experiencing some early season struggles. Namely, junior guard Raven Johnson, senior guard Bree Hall and senior forward Sania Feagin.
The trio combined for only 12 points tonight, including zero from Johnson. Johnson is averaging 2 points per game so far while shooting 12.5% from the field, while Hall is averaging 6.3 points on just a fairly average 33% clip from behind the 3-point line.
Staley said she thinks that when players become WNBA eligible, it can make them pressed and impact their mentality.
“It gets you out of your normal routine of focusing on the game,” Staley said. “Your focus becomes something else, and then the things that you do well aren’t up to par ... They understand it, but you really can’t control it.”
What’s next?
The Gamecocks will look to improve to 4-0 on the season when the team squares off against the East Carolina Pirates on Nov. 17 at Colonial Life Arena. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.