Dec. 31, 2002

South Carolina recorded their 14th consecutive home win Tuesday with a 85-42 victory over South Carolina State in front of 1,943 fans. The win gave USC a perfect 8-0 mark at the Carolina Center in 2002.

Carolina started the game with a 28-8 run and ended the first half with a 39-13 lead. The 13 points in the first half is tied for the 4th lowest scoring total against the Gamecocks. The Gamecocks took advantage of 18 Bulldog turnovers in the first half and turned them into 20 Carolina points. USC also took advantage of the size advantage by holding a 24-6 edge in the paint. In the second half, the Gamecock offense opened up as they shot 48% from the field. Kelly Morrone was the reason for the high percentage as she went 5 of 5 from the field, 3 of 3 from three point range. The Gamecocks cruised to a 85-42 win over the 3-5 South Carolina State Bulldogs.

“We still have areas to improve on,” said USC Head Coach Susan Walvius. “Our rebounding is one aspect we need to do a better job with. Taking care of the ball and to continue working defensively.”

South Carolina, 11-1, was led by Naismith Candidate Jocelyn Penn, who had 19. Penn also recorded four steals which places her first all-time in USC history with 299 career steals. Petra Ujhelyi tabbed a season high with 18 points and tied her career high of bringing down 15 rebounds. Kelly Morrone also posted a season high with 18 points. Cristina Ciocan, Sarah Burgess, and Tonisha Reese added 8 while Koretha Johnson had 4 and Olga Gritsaeva, and Kasia Roszak chipped in 1. All nine South Carolina players who participated in the game scored at least one point.

“This is the way we should be playing. I just have to keep working on it for the SEC season,” said Petra Ujhelyi. “We have great guards who get the ball to me and I have the easy part of making the layup.”

The Gamecocks return to action on Saturday, January 4th at 7pm when they take on Stetson at the Carolina Center.