South Carolina women’s basketball gets off to a hot start, blowing out East Carolina 95-44

Now it is more the norm.

No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball finally looked like its ranking, getting off to a fast start and never looking back in a 95-44 victory over East Carolina. It was the Gamecocks’ 42nd straight win dating back to 2023, tying the program record and setting up a chance to break it in a road rivalry game at Clemson on Wednesday night.

Performances in general before Sunday measured out to three wins, two by double figures. But the start for South Carolina (4-0) had been less than ideal, or championship caliber. After falling behind 16-13 late in the first quarter against Coppin State three days ago, the Gamecocks ripped off a 13-0 run right from the opening tip.

Bree Hall found a soft spot in East Carolina’s (2-2) 2-3 zone to get herself a much-needed 3-pointer after a sluggish personal shooting start to her senior season, and the Gamecocks forced five turnovers before the first media timeout with an aggressive defense that clogs up passing lanes and forces hard inside. That led to transition, a theme of the day, as South Carolina forced 27 turnovers, leading to 40 points.

When the Pirates finally scored, the game was pretty much decided. South Carolina found another storm late in the quarter, taking a 20-5 advantage out of the opening frame. The result was never in doubt, but the manner of the victory was an encouraging sign.

Especially for Hall and Feagin, who both needed to see the ball go a little bit through the basket. Hall entered the game 7-for-19 from the floor and with just three made 3-pointers, and Feagin’s first three games totaled just four field goals.

Hall hit two triples, both players scored in double figures, and not surprisingly, the offense was significantly better around them as two of the starters found some form. Chloe Kitts dropped in another 14 points, her third double-figure game of the season and second of the week.

In fact, all 12 Gamecocks who hit the floor scored, a benchmark confirmed when Sakima Walker checked in late and scored on back-to-back possessions. However, the number is still only a dozen, as a sophomore guard Tessa Johnson missed his second straight game with an ankle injury.

Johnson’s injury opened the door for true freshmen Maddy McDaniel to get her first extended action of the year, and she led the team with five assists and four steals.

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