COLUMBIA, South Carolina – The South Carolina women’s basketball team picked up right where it left off, defeating Clayton State 126-42 in an exhibition Monday night at Colonial Life Arena. The defending national champions were led by MiLaysia Fulwiley, who scored 24 points, had three assists and added seven steals. She led a team performance in which every player saw the court and scored at least six points.

In the first quarter, the Gamecocks outscored Clayton State 28-9. Freshman Joyce Edwards continued to establish herself on the team early on as she scored nine points on 100% shooting and grabbed two rebounds.

Tessa Johnson led the way in the second quarter scoring 11 points, while dishing out two assists, as the Gamecocks scored another 34 points in the period. South Carolina entered the locker room with a 62-21 lead while shooting 53.3% from the field (24 of 45) and 31.6% from behind the arc (6 of 19).

South Carolina’s defense shined in the third quarter, allowing just 11 points and recording five steals and four blocks. Edwards and Fulwiley had a steal and two blocks in the fourth. The Gamecocks were able to score 32 points on 52.2% shooting.

Fulwiley exploded for 15 points in the fourth quarter, raising his game total to 24, leading the Gamecocks to a comfortable victory. She was followed by four other Gamecocks, Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, Adhel Tac and Te-Hina Paopao, who managed to score in double figures in the game. Edwards led the team in rebounds (11) and assists (6). His 20 points and 11 rebounds marked his second double-double in as many games.

A dominant performance from South Carolina saw them finish the night shooting 54.5% (48 of 88) from the field and 73.1% (19 of 26) from behind the line. South Carolina outrebounded Clayton State 60-31.

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South Carolina will face the Michigan Wolverines in Las Vegas on Monday, November 4 at 7:30 pm to kick off the start of their regular season as part of the Naismith Hall of Fame Series.

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