“`html
No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball asserted their dominance early in the NCAA season with a commanding 84-39 victory over No. 23 North Carolina on Sunday. This decisive win marked their fifth consecutive triumph against the Tar Heels, underscoring South Carolina’s defensive prowess and offensive depth.
From the opening tip, the Gamecocks controlled the pace, building a substantial lead that only grew as the game progressed. North Carolina struggled to find rhythm, managing just 25% shooting overall. Despite the team’s struggles, Nyla Brooks stood out with a team-high 13 points, including four three-pointers, providing a rare offensive spark for the Tar Heels, who fell to 0-2 on the season.
2nd-Half Surge Boosts South Carolina Rout of UNC
The turning point came in the second and third quarters, where South Carolina outscored North Carolina 51-16. During this dominant stretch, the Gamecocks limited the Tar Heels to only six field goals and forced 17 turnovers, showcasing a stifling defense that overwhelmed their rivals.
Leading the charge, Chloe Kitts delivered a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She was efficiently supported by Joyce Edwards who contributed 15 points, Tessa Johnson with 12, and Jerzy Robinson adding 10 points. Remarkably, Kitts, Edwards, and Johnson each shot at least 50% from the floor, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack.
Notably, Ashlyn Watkins made a strong return after missing the entire 2025/26 season due to a torn ACL, grabbing 10 rebounds and reinforcing South Carolina’s presence on the boards.
What’s Next for South Carolina Women’s Basketball
This victory improved South Carolina’s record to 2-0 for the season, following a thrilling 101-93 win against No. 20 Maryland in Paris. With these early successes, the Gamecocks have sent a clear message to the NCAA women’s basketball landscape, reinforcing their status as the top-ranked team to watch.
“`