South Carolina Overpowers TCU in Top-10 Showdown, 85-52: Watkins’ Dunk and Fulwiley’s Spark Lead the Way

The hype around Sunday night’s top-10 women’s basketball clash between No. 3 South Carolina and No. 9 TCU was palpable. The reigning national champions traveled to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, to face a surging TCU team riding the momentum of its best start in program history. But what began as a promising battle for the Horned Frogs quickly turned into a showcase of South Carolina’s depth, discipline, and dominance, as the Gamecocks cruised to an emphatic 85-52 victory.

A Dunk That Stole the Show

Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins provided the game’s defining moment late in the first quarter, stealing the ball from Madison Conner near midcourt and finishing with a thunderous right-handed dunk. The 6-foot-3 Watkins, already a trailblazer in women’s basketball for her athleticism, notched her third career dunk and first against a ranked opponent. It was a statement not just for the game but for the sport, highlighting the evolution of physicality and showmanship in women’s basketball.

Watkins' dunk wasn’t just a highlight; it set the tone for the night. Her ability to transition from defense to offense seamlessly reflected the Gamecocks’ larger strategy of capitalizing on TCU’s mistakes.

Gamecocks’ Relentless Defense

South Carolina’s defensive dominance was the real story of the game. The Gamecocks forced 20 turnovers, converting those into 30 points. They held TCU to just nine points in the second and third quarters, effectively shutting down a Horned Frogs team that had averaged 84 points per game coming into the contest.

The Horned Frogs shot just 33% from the field (17-for-51) and made only five three-pointers. Conner, a key offensive contributor for TCU, struggled mightily, shooting 1-for-8 and committing seven turnovers. Even Sedona Prince, the Frogs’ 6-foot-7 center who averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, was limited to six points and two rebounds in 33 minutes.

South Carolina’s ability to neutralize TCU’s post play and disrupt their guards created a cascading effect. The Gamecocks dominated the paint, outscoring TCU 28-10 inside and outrebounding them 42-21. The rebounding disparity underscored South Carolina’s physical edge, with Chloe Kitts leading the way with 12 boards, many of which led to second-chance points.

Fulwiley Shines Off the Bench

MiLaysia Fulwiley came off the bench and delivered a game-high 20 points in just 21 minutes. Her efficiency—shooting 7-for-11 from the field—was matched by her impact on the defensive end, where she tallied three steals. Fulwiley’s contributions highlight one of South Carolina’s greatest strengths: depth. The Gamecocks’ bench accounted for 50 of their 85 points, outscoring TCU’s entire team.

Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson also stepped up, scoring 11 points apiece. Johnson knocked down three three-pointers, including a late-game dagger that extended South Carolina’s lead to a game-high 38 points.

Van Lith: A Lone Bright Spot for TCU

Hailey Van Lith was TCU’s lone consistent offensive threat, scoring a game-high 21 points while adding six assists. She accounted for nearly 40% of TCU’s offense, a testament to her skill and determination. Van Lith has now led the Frogs in scoring for six consecutive games, proving to be their most reliable weapon. She scored 10 points in the fourth quarter alone, showing resilience even as the game slipped away.

However, Van Lith’s brilliance couldn’t overcome the Horned Frogs’ collective struggles. TCU committed uncharacteristic mistakes, such as their 11 assists—well below their season average of 18—and a season-low 17 made field goals.

Pivotal Moments

The game shifted decisively in the second quarter. South Carolina opened with an 8-0 run, stretching a six-point first-quarter lead to double digits. TCU briefly fought back, cutting the deficit to 11 points midway through the period. But the Gamecocks closed the half on an 11-0 run, holding TCU scoreless for nearly five minutes and heading into halftime with a commanding 44-23 lead.

In the third quarter, South Carolina’s defense reached its peak. They allowed just three field goals and outscored TCU 21-9, pushing the lead to 65-32. By then, the game was all but decided.

Statistical Standouts

• South Carolina’s Efficiency: The Gamecocks shot 51% from the field (30-for-59) and 89% from the free-throw line (17-for-19).
• TCU’s Woes: The Horned Frogs’ 17 field goals were their second-lowest total in the past two seasons.
• Rebounding Margin: South Carolina outrebounded TCU 42-21, including a 12-4 edge in offensive boards.
• Turnover Battle: South Carolina forced 20 turnovers while committing only 10.

Takeaways

South Carolina: The Gamecocks reminded everyone why they’re perennial championship contenders. Since their 43-game winning streak was snapped by UCLA two weeks ago, they’ve responded with four consecutive double-digit victories, three against ranked teams. Their depth, defensive intensity, and ability to impose their will on both ends of the court make them one of the most complete teams in the country.

TCU: While the Horned Frogs were outclassed, their rise under Coach Mark Campbell remains remarkable. After going 8-23 two seasons ago, they’ve transformed into a top-10 program. Wins over Notre Dame and NC State prove they belong among the elite, but this game highlighted the gap they still need to close to compete with the sport’s true powerhouses.

What’s Next?

South Carolina will return home to face USF next Sunday, while TCU takes a week off for final exams before hosting Louisiana Tech at the Maggie Dixon Classic. The Horned Frogs will have an opportunity to regroup and show they can bounce back from adversity.

Final Thoughts

This game wasn’t just a win for South Carolina—it was a declaration. Ashlyn Watkins’ dunk epitomized the Gamecocks’ athleticism and swagger, while MiLaysia Fulwiley’s breakout performance underscored their depth. For TCU, the loss was a sobering reminder of the challenges that come with facing the best. As both teams move forward, this game will serve as a benchmark: one for sustained excellence, the other for a blueprint of what’s required to reach the next level.