A dominant performance by the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks led to a decisive 74-42 victory against the Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday at Stegeman Coliseum. The Gamecocks (22-1, 10-0 SEC) demonstrated their stronghold on the SEC with this win, which marked their 19th consecutive triumph over the Bulldogs and extended their impressive streak to 57 consecutive wins within the conference.
Right from the start, the Gamecocks showed no signs of allowing Georgia (9-15, 1-9 SEC) to control the game. Coach Dawn Staley’s squad put its focus on tight defense, holding the Bulldogs to fewer than ten points during each of the first two quarters. Georgia managed just nine points in the first quarter and six points in the second, shooting only 11% during the latter period. The effectiveness of South Carolina’s defense did not relent, as Georgia went on to score only 16 and 11 points in the third and fourth quarters respectively.
The Gamecocks showcased their defensive might by limiting Georgia to just 30% shooting from the field. They forced the Bulldogs to cough up the ball 17 times, making it hard for the hosts to gain any momentum. Staley expressed satisfaction with her team’s rebounding performance as they out-rebounded Georgia 47-28. “I thought we did a great, a much-better job of boxing out,” she remarked after the game.
Statistically, the victory highlighted several key players for South Carolina. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the scoring for the Gamecocks with 13 points, followed closely by Tessa Johnson with 12 points and Chloe Kitts contributing 11 points. It was also significant to note Sania Feagin's contribution, who made her mark on the game with nine rebounds and career-high five assists, complimenting the consistent effort by the Gamecock offense.
Staley had stressed before the game the importance of rebounding, as South Carolina had struggled on the glass recently. “If you couldn’t get it, hit it out,” Staley added, praising players like Kitts and Feagin for their scrappiness, which contributed to South Carolina's overall improvement on rebounding.
On the offensive end, the Gamecocks saw contributions from many players as 12 different athletes touched the floor during the game, with all but one scoring at least once. The Gamecocks shot effectively from beyond the arc, hitting eight three-pointers at a commendable 42% clip. Kitts remarked on the game plan execution, stating, “I just feel like we were patient. Got the ball in the middle and then we just relaxed and then hit it out. We had really good ball movement.”
Looking forward, South Carolina prepares for their next five games as they aim to maintain their perfect record within the SEC. They face Texas on February 9, followed by matchups against Florida, UConn, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs continue to search for answers; they have lost their last six games. This season, Georgia's lone win came against Missouri back on January 17, and they now find themselves searching for momentum against tough conference competition.
The steep decline of the Bulldogs compared to their former status as perennial SEC contenders brings to light the shifting dynamics of these programs. Historically, Georgia has led the rivalry with South Carolina, holding the series edge at 33 to 25, but the tides have turned since the Gamecocks became a powerhouse under Coach Staley.
This latest victory not only reinforces South Carolina’s position as championship contenders but also highlights their strong foundation built on defense and collective scoring, making them one of the most formidable teams to face.
Fans will be eager to tune in as South Carolina gears up for future matchups and Georgia tries to regroup and find their footing as the season progresses.