In a commanding performance, No. 2 South Carolina maintained its stronghold over the Southeastern Conference, triumphing over Georgia with a score of 74-42 on Thursday night. This victory marked the Gamecocks’ 17th consecutive win and limited the Lady Bulldogs to their lowest scoring output of the season.
MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout for South Carolina, contributing 13 points as the team led for most of the game. The defending national champions wasted no time establishing their dominance, quickly extending their advantage to double digits early on, taking control of the game with their prowess in the paint.
The Gamecocks thoroughly outperformed the Lady Bulldogs in terms of points scored near the basket, with a 40-22 advantage, and also excelled on the boards, out-rebounding Georgia 47-28. Meanwhile, Mia Woolfolk managed to put up nine points alongside seven rebounds for Georgia, who faced their seventh consecutive defeat. This latest matchup extends South Carolina’s winning streak against Georgia to 19 games.
In terms of team dynamics, South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, effectively utilized her squad’s depth, seeing contributions from all corners of the team. Eleven players scored during the contest, with no individual exceeding 25 minutes of play. Tessa Johnson netted 12 points, while Chloe Kitts added 11.
On the other hand, Georgia struggled significantly during the game. Missing their last six shots of the first half, they found themselves trailing 33-15 at halftime. The Lady Bulldogs managed only one field goal in the second quarter, resulting in a 15-6 deficit for that period. Their inability to surpass 60 points has haunted them through four consecutive losses, with their previous low being a 67-47 defeat against Penn State on November 23.
The game’s decisive moment came after Georgia opened the scoring with a jumper from Mia Woolfolk, marking their only lead for the evening. South Carolina quickly responded with a series of successful plays, including a 12-0 run that featured two pivotal three-pointers from Bree Hall and Raven Johnson.
Looking ahead, South Carolina is set to face a significant challenge as they travel to meet No. 4 Texas on Sunday for another crucial SEC matchup. The Gamecocks previously defeated the Longhorns 67-50 at home on January 12. For Georgia, their next encounter will be another home game against Arkansas on Sunday.
