Dec. 14, 2004
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team returned to the court after an 11-day break and captured a decisive victory over Florida A&M, 88-55, Tuesday night at the Colonial Center. Redshirt freshman Melanie Johnson produced a career-night to lead the way with a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina moved its record to 2-4 on the season while FAMU slipped to 2-5 overall.
USC turned in a stellar offensive performance, shooting better than 53 percent from the field for the game, including 65 percent in the second half. Ten of USC’s 11 players scored and for the first time this season, four Gamecocks reached double figures.
Carolina dominated the glass and in the paint. The Gamecocks drastically out-rebounded the Lady Rattlers, 49-18, and scored 44 points in the paint.
It was an even game for the opening 10 minutes, but USC built its lead and began to pull away in the duration, ending the half on a 19-9 run. The Gamecocks went into the locker room with a 35-24 advantage.
Johnson sparked Carolina off the bench with seven points in the opening stanza, including a 5-of-7 effort from the charity stripe, and five rebounds. The Barnwell, S.C., product also had four steals and a pair of blocks in 10 minutes of play. Johnson continued her outstanding play the rest of the way, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. She also pocketed seven steals and dished out four assists to finish with career highs in all four categories.
Redshirt sophomore Angela Hunter netted a career-best 14 points and also led the team with a career-high five assists. Lauren Simms finished with 11 points. The sophomore captain has scored in double-figures in every game this season.
Sophomore Stacy Booker followed up her 28-point performance in USC’s last outing by reaching double-figures again. Booker had 10 points and added four assists.
With today’s win, Carolina improved to 15-2 in non-conference games at the Colonial Center and 6-0 all-time against Florida A&M.
Tuesday’s game marked the first of five over the next nine days for the Gamecocks. USC will be back in action at the Colonial Center on Thursday, Dec. 16, against North Carolina State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
South Carolina vs. Florida A&M
December 14, 2004 at The Colonial Center
Post-Game Quotes
South Carolina Head Coach Susan Walvius
Opening Statement
“One of the things we were looking to do in this game was rebound well, and we ended up with a 49-18 advantage on the boards. We are very young, but we are growing with each game and getting different looks from each player. We got great performances from a couple of our local South Carolina players in Melanie Johnson and Angela Hunter. They were two of the keys to a great running game today. I’m pleased how well the team played in the second half.”
Regarding the improved play of the post players:
“They were better today, but their play is not where it can be. We have great size on our team and I like our post skills. We have got to get the ball in the hole, though.”
Regarding the depth of her team:
“We are rotating different players in different games. We are still looking for some big games. Ilona Burgrova is impressive and has been throughout her time with the Czech Republic team. We really need a breakthrough performance form some of our players with good size.”
Melanie Johnson
Regarding her performance Tuesday:
“I just want to go out there and bring emotion and give the team a boost. I want to help this team go to a different level.”
Angela Hunter
Regarding her performance Tuesday:
“I just wanted to contribute as much as I can and get my teammates involved. Everyone played well today.”
