South Carolina finished on a 12-2 run to take care of #19 Alabama. Here’s what stood out from the big road win.

– Joyce Edwards was at her best when South Carolina needed her to be, scoring 11 of her career-high 21 in the fourth quarter. She’s learning how to play within the offense and get open, while her teammates are learning where and when to get her the ball. 

Let’s also acknowledge MiLaysia Fulwiley. She had 16 points and four rebounds and shot a decent 5-11. I mentioned a few times that although Fulwiley can’t replace Ashlyn Watkins, she can pick up the lost production in other ways.

Fulwiley is doing that. Since SEC play began, Fulwiley has been doing all the things Dawn Staley expects of her. She plays strong defense, attacks the rim, runs in transition, and creates for her teammates. If she keeps this up, Fulwiley will be a contender for All-SEC.

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– Once again, South Carolina’s offense was inconsistent, but its defense was elite. The Gamecocks held Alabama 22 points below their scoring average, 14 percentage points below their normal shooting percentage, and 20 percentage points below their three-point average.

You can win a lot of games doing that.

– Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin stepped up again. Kitts had 10 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Feagin had eight points, eight rebounds, a couple of steals, and a block. 

But Staley has to be concerned that for the second game in a row, she got nothing from Maryam Dauda. Dauda played seven minutes, missed both her shot attempts, committed two offensive fouls,  and only grabbed one rebound. When you perform like that, you make yourself unplayable.

Adhel Tac and Sakima Walker did not get in the game, which was understandable. They would have struggled to chase Alabama around the perimeter. It will be interesting to see if Staley gives one of them the first look on Sunday against the more stationary Raegan Beers.

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