South Carolina Women’s Basketball: The 3-2-1 – Key Players, Key Questions, and a Go-To Play After the Texas Loss

In a weekend split for South Carolina, the Gamecocks faced both Georgia and Texas, and we’re breaking down the clutch players, burning questions, and a standout play from their performances.

Three Clutch Players:

MiLaysia Fulwiley
Against Georgia: 25 minutes, 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Against Texas: 21 minutes, 13 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds

Fulwiley led the Gamecocks in scoring in both games. In the Texas matchup, she showed why she earned SEC Tournament MVP last season, showcasing her speed and athleticism on both ends of the court. If not for missing four minutes in the fourth quarter due to arm pain, I believe South Carolina might have secured a win.

Chloe Kitts
Against Georgia: 22 minutes, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
Against Texas: 24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Kitts continues to prove herself as one of South Carolina’s most dependable players. Her relentless hustle was on full display against Texas, where she faced a significant size disadvantage but still delivered.

Tessa Johnson
Against Georgia: 23 minutes, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Against Texas: 18 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

After a brief slump, Johnson bounced back against Georgia. While she missed a crucial game-tying layup against Texas, she made key plays that allowed the Gamecocks to even be in that position.

Two Burning Questions:

1. Who is South Carolina’s crunch-time lineup?
When the game is on the line, who do you want on the floor? Coach Dawn Staley turned to Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, and Sania Feagin against Texas. She explained the decision as trying to provide Texas with a different look, and it did result in a good layup attempt for Tessa. But this left out MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards, and Chloe Kitts. With such a talented and deep roster, every player brings something unique to the court, which raises the question: who do you leave out in those high-stakes moments? While Staley and her staff have been working on end-game situations in practice, it’s clear a more defined crunch-time lineup would be beneficial.

2. How badly is South Carolina going to beat Florida on Thursday?
For a Florida team already struggling, the last thing they want to face is a motivated South Carolina squad. If the Gamecocks are feeling motivated after this weekend, this could turn into a lopsided affair.

One Favorite Play:

Chloe Kitts’ subtle tapped pass to a cutting Joyce Edwards for a smooth layup was a highlight-worthy moment that would’ve likely earned the top spot.