Nov. 14, 2005
Columbia, S.C. – – Facing a team with a roster loaded with professional players that had previously knocked off the likes of Texas, Texas Tech and Texas A&M among others this exhibition season, the South Carolina women’s basketball team lost a 69-53 decision to Everyone’s Internet in an exhibition game played at the Colonial Center Monday.
Junior forward Melanie Johnson led the way for Carolina with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Junior Lauren Simms added 14 points. Everyone’s Internet featured a more balanced attack with three players in double figures led by former Temple guard Cynthia Jordan, who scored 13 points and former Vanderbilt All-American Chantelle Anderson, who finished with 12 points.
The Gamecocks got out to a fast start by combining a running offense with stingy defense and found themselves with a 11-3 lead at the 15:08 mark of the first half after Melanie Johnson converted on a three-point play. Strong rebounding was also a factor in Carolina’s early surge, as the Gamecocks held a 15-4 advantage on the glass midway through the first half. Rebounding was a favorable stat for Carolina all game long, as the Gamecocks finished with a 37-30 advantage on the boards.
Everyone’s Internet did its damage from the free throw line in the first half, attempting more free throws (19) than field goals (17) in the first 20 minutes. Leading the way for Carolina going into the half was Melanie Johnson, who had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in the opening stanza. Lauren Simms added eight points and Carolina held a 28-24 lead at intermission.
Everyone’s Internet capitalized on its open looks from the field in the second half stormed back to the tune of a 12-0 run at the beginning of the second half to take a 48-37 advantage with 14 minutes remaining in the game. The visitors kept South Carolina at arm’s length the rest of the way by forcing turnovers and knocking down shots from the perimeter to seal the win.
The Gamecocks open the regular season when they host High Point at 7 p.m. Friday at the Colonial Center. The game will be broadcast live on 1320 AM radio with Andy Demetra handling play-by-play and Robin Muller providing analysis.
