Cardoso’s Offense, Team Defense Power Win over South Dakota State

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Kamilla Cardoso had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks as No. 1 South Carolina shook off some poor shooting to rout South Dakota State 78-38 on Monday night.

The Gamecocks played without their most reliable outside shooter in Oregon transfer Te-Hina Paopao, who was out with an ankle injury, and her absence showed.

South Carolina (4-0) shot 33% (15 of 45) in the opening half, but took control with relentless rebounding and defense. The Gamecocks had 16 blocks, 15 steals and led the Jackrabbits 21-10 in offensive rebounds.

South Carolina outscored its opponent 31-0 on the fast break.

Raven Johnson had a career-high 18 points, plus six assists and five steals. The 6-foot-7 Cardoso had her third double-double of the season and 19th of her career.

SDSU went up 13-11 after Meyer’s basket late in the first quarter. But South Carolina set off on a 19-7 surge to move in front for good.

The Gamecocks missed all 12 of their 3-pointers, their first time they didn’t make a 3 since a 76-62 win over Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference tournament title game on March 8, 2020, when they were 0-for-8 from behind the arc.