Following an opening three-pointer from Hampton's Jephany Brown, South Carolina women's basketball responded with a 13-point run to build the foundation of a decisive 92-38 victory.
Despite the significant differential in the score, the Pirates were efficient behind the arc and competed with South Carolina on the boards, especially early on in the contest. Their game plan was ultimately undermined by multiple runs where the Gamecocks were able to find a string of uncontested shots in the paint.
Senior forward Alaina Coates paced all scorers with 28 points, one short of her career high.
Physical interior presence
South Carolina exploited Hampton's inability to match its physicality and length in the paint, with Coates and junior forward A'ja Wilson combining for 48 points.
Coates' strength allowed her to effectively position herself and set up high-percentage scoring opportunities, shooting 75 percent from the floor. The Irmo native bolstered her scoring numbers by following her shots and dominating the glass. Coates finished with 16 rebounds.
"It's just good to know that my guards are looking for me and they know that there is a huge mismatch in the paint," Coates said.
The Gamecocks' ability to feed Coates and Wilson is an on-going transition after unveiling a new backcourt this season. If today's game is any indicator, the chemistry between the two position groups is increasing with additional reps.
Efficient at the line
While Coates was drawing open shot opportunities, the Pirates' defenders targeted Wilson, sending her to the line seven times in the first half alone. Wilson went a perfect 14-14 at the line, and finished with a 1.000 free-throw percentage after not getting any additional opportunities in the second half.
Wilson's perfect free-throw total is the most in program history. Recently, Coates went 10-10 against North Carolina in 2015 and Tiffany Mitchell went 10-10 against Georgia in 2014.
Shutdown defense
After Hampton was able to create some open looks on the perimeter in the first two periods, the Gamecocks made significant defensive adjustments and held their opponent to just 12 points in the second half.
"I think we lost the first quarter rebounding to them — I just think that is disgraceful for the team we put on the floor," South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said.
The Gamecocks were able to alleviate some of Staley's disappointment with an increased rebounding effort later in the game, finishing with a 50-36 advantage.
Next Up
After being out of action for nearly a week, the Gamecocks will continue their stretch of three consecutive games by hosting Maine on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and Saint Peter's on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.