South Carolina women’s basketball dunks Kentucky, 98-36, to move to 16-0 and 4-0 in SEC

COLUMBIA − South Carolina women’s basketball outscored Kentucky by 43 points in the middle two quarters to run away with a 98-36 win Monday at Colonial Life Arena.

The No. 1 Gamecocks (16-0, 4-0 SEC) entered the second quarter with a four-point advantage but turned on the jets to pull away from the Wildcats (8-10, 1-3).

The Gamecocks entered the second quarter with additional momentum following a dunk by sophomore forward Ashlyn Watkins at the end of the first period.

Six Gamecocks finished in double-digit scoring. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao and freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who each scored 14 points to lead the Gamecocks.

South Carolina dominates turnover battle

South Carolina dominated the turnover battle, converting 24 Kentucky turnovers into 34 points. The Wildcats didn’t have a single point off the Gamecocks’ 14 turnovers.

South Carolina’s ability to earn extra possessions was pivotal for its early run. The Gamecocks had 14 steals and earned 24 of their points off turnovers in the second and third quarters.

Kamilla Cardoso earns ninth double-double

Senior center Kamilla Cardoso recorded her ninth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. She also added five blocks.

The double-double was Cardoso’s fourth in her last five games. Cardoso almost earned the double-double in the first half alone after finishing with 8 points.

Cardoso’s presence altered Kentucky’s ability to drive to the basket. The Wildcats had 14 points in the paint.

Second quarter run propels South Carolina

South Carolina outscored Kentucky 29-8 in the second quarter, turning a four-point advantage into a 25-point lead as the Gamecocks headed into the break. South Carolina scored the first 14 points of the quarter.

Fulwiley and freshman guard Tessa Johnson combined for 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc in the second quarter alone, leading the run for South Carolina.