COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – What a finish! The South Carolina Gamecocks bounced back from a rough first half to take down the Maryland Terrapins and advance to the Elite Eight.
1st Quarter
The Gamecocks got off to a strong start, led by Chloe Kitts. The junior started the game, scoring the first 10 points for the team.
Fouls were a crucial part of this game. Te-hina Paopao was forced to go to the bench after receiving two fouls early, while two of Maryland’s key pieces fouled out late.
After the first 10 minutes, the Gamecocks were leading the Maryland Terrapins by 1 after strong quarters for Kitts and MiLaysia Fulwiley.
2nd Quarter
While the Terrapins went 0-4 early in the second due to good defense from SC, a big three by Sarah Te-Biasu gave Maryland a 21-20 lead midway.
South Carolina struggled to score the entire first half, going 0-6 over the last four minutes of the half, a big reason why Maryland quickly got back into the game.
SC trailed Maryland 33-31 after a rough shooting performance. Maryland’s leading scorer Kaylene Smikle kept the Gamecocks at bay.
3rd Quarter
The Terrapins started the 3rd quarter where they left off, going on a 6-0 run! Bree Hall ended it with a big three.
Midway through the third, Milaysia Fulwiley took over. The star guard hit an impressive and-one to open a 7-0 to give the Gamecocks the lead midway through the quarter.
After a back-and-forth bout, Fulwiley hit a tough shot to give the Gamecocks a 52-50 lead going into the fourth.
4th Quarter
The fourth quarter was a trading of blows up until the final stretch.
One of Maryland’s elite guards, Sarah Te-Biasu, hit a clutch jumper to give Maryland the lead with five minutes left.
After Chloe Kitts responded with a layup gain the advantage, Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger scored an inside basket to give the Terrapins their last lead of the game.
Fulwiley took over once again. The sophomore scored back-to-back layups to extend the lead for South Carolina, who began to pull away late. Fulwiley finished with a game-high 23 points, elevating her play throughout the game.
A number of missed shots and miscues for the Terrapins sealed the deal, and South Carolina proceeded to take the close victory 71-67.
The Gamecocks will look to continue their 19-1 record in the NCAA tournament Sunday as they face the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight.
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