South Carolina edges out Maryland 71-67 in March Madness showdown

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup, No. 1 seed South Carolina emerged victorious over fourth-seeded Maryland, 71-67, thanks to a standout performance from MiLaysia Fulwiley, who scored 23 points, including a crucial go-ahead layup with 2:22 remaining. Chloe Kitts was also key, contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game, with the defending national champions facing off against the Terrapins. However, South Carolina found their rhythm in the final minutes, securing the victory. The Gamecocks will now face Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday after the Blue Devils defeated North Carolina 47-38 earlier that day.

South Carolina trailed 60-59 with 3:25 to go, but the Gamecocks held Maryland scoreless for the next three minutes. Fulwiley’s layup sparked a 7-0 run, and Kitts contributed three free throws while Fulwiley added a coast-to-coast score, giving South Carolina a 66-60 lead with just 25 seconds left. Although Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger hit a three-pointer to break the Terps’ scoring drought, South Carolina sealed the win by converting five of six free throws in the final moments, including two from Fulwiley with 10.9 seconds remaining, extending the lead to 71-65.

Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle led her team with 17 points before fouling out, but it wasn’t enough to overcome South Carolina’s strong finish.

Neither team could establish a consistent offensive flow through the first three quarters, with South Carolina trailing 43-39 late in the third. However, they closed out the period on a 13-7 run, capped by an incredible transition basket from Fulwiley, who made a behind-the-back move before hitting a pull-up jumper.

This was the second time the teams had met in the NCAA Tournament, with South Carolina having previously defeated Maryland 86-75 in last year’s Elite Eight.

Gamecock Highlights:

• South Carolina advances to its fifth consecutive Elite Eight, marking the eighth such appearance under Head Coach Dawn Staley and the ninth in program history.
• The Gamecocks’ bench continued to dominate, outscoring Maryland’s 40-14.
• South Carolina won the rebound battle 47-34 and played evenly with Maryland in the paint, 32-32. The Gamecocks are now 33-1 when tying or outscoring opponents in the paint.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley was just one point shy of her career high with 23, contributing 11 points in the decisive fourth quarter, pushing the Gamecocks’ lead to six with a minute remaining.
• Chloe Kitts had an explosive start, scoring 10 of her 15 points in the first five minutes and grabbing five of her 11 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season.
• Sania Feagin chipped in with seven points, including two crucial free throws in the fourth quarter, keeping South Carolina ahead by six in the closing seconds.

This victory sets up a rematch with Duke, whom the Gamecocks defeated 81-70 in Columbia on December 5.