The #1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks overcame a sluggish start to pull away from the #9 NC State Wolfpack, winning 71-57 in a hard-fought battle on Sunday. Led by standout performances from Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the Gamecocks showcased their depth and resilience, ultimately dominating the glass and stifling the Wolfpack's offense to secure the victory.

Gamecock Duo Shines as South Carolina Asserts Its Dominance

Slow Start Gives Way to Dominant Stretch

For the first 15 minutes of the game, the Gamecocks struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just over 30% from the floor and appearing disorganized on offense. However, a wake-up call came in the form of NC State's 11-0 run in the second quarter, which put the Wolfpack ahead 25-21 midway through the period. This sparked a remarkable turnaround for South Carolina, as they finished the half on an 18-5 run to take a 39-30 lead at the break.The Gamecocks continued their dominance in the third quarter, going on a 35-11 run to extend their advantage to 56-36 late in the period. This decisive stretch showcased the team's ability to make adjustments and capitalize on their opponent's mistakes, as they leveraged their superior size and athleticism to overwhelm the Wolfpack.

Paopao and Fulwiley Lead the Way

The standout performances of Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley were instrumental in South Carolina's victory. Paopao, the Gamecocks' floor general, poured in a career-high 23 points, showcasing her ability to get to the rim and knock down timely jumpers. Fulwiley, meanwhile, scored 15 of her 18 points in the second and third quarters, providing a much-needed scoring punch to complement Paopao's efforts."We're a team full of hoopers and everyone has their night, and me and Lay had our night tonight," Paopao said. "I appreciate my teammates looking for me and finding me."The duo's synergy and complementary skill sets proved too much for the Wolfpack to handle, as they combined for 41 points and set the tone for the Gamecocks' dominant performance.

Defensive Intensity and Rebounding Prowess

South Carolina's defensive intensity and rebounding prowess were also key factors in their victory. The Gamecocks held NC State to just 42% shooting from the field and forced 21 turnovers, showcasing their ability to disrupt the Wolfpack's offensive flow.Equally impressive was South Carolina's dominance on the glass, outrebounding NC State 40-25 and allowing just three offensive rebounds. This led to 12 second-chance points for the Gamecocks, further highlighting their physical and disciplined approach to the game."They are who we thought they were. They beat us really bad on the boards. We got outrebounded us by 15," Wolfpack head coach Wes Moore said. "You can't beat the #1 team in the country and not compete in those areas."The Gamecocks' defensive intensity and rebounding prowess were instrumental in their ability to weather the Wolfpack's comeback attempts and maintain control of the game.

Depth and Versatility on Display

South Carolina's depth and versatility were also on full display in this matchup. With the absence of leading scorer and rebounder Chloe Kitts due to an academic suspension, the Gamecocks seamlessly integrated freshman Joyce Edwards into the starting lineup, showcasing the team's ability to adapt to adversity.Additionally, the return of Ashlyn Watkins from suspension was met with a standing ovation, and she proceeded to contribute six points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block in 19 minutes of action. Watkins' presence further bolstered the Gamecocks' frontcourt and provided a much-needed boost off the bench."We're a team full of hoopers and everyone has their night," Paopao said, underscoring the Gamecocks' depth and the team-first mentality that has been a hallmark of their success.As the Gamecocks prepare for their home opener against Coppin State on Thursday, they can take pride in their ability to overcome a slow start and assert their dominance against a formidable opponent. With their depth, defensive intensity, and the dynamic duo of Paopao and Fulwiley leading the way, South Carolina has once again demonstrated why they are the top-ranked team in the nation.