Gamecocks Produce Record Win Over Bethune-Cookman, 87-26

Dec. 21, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s basketball team won its fifth straight game with an 87-26 triumph over Bethune-Cookman College on Thursday night at the Colonial Center. The Gamecocks played five games during a nine-day stretch and emerged unscathed, improving their season record to 7-3. Bethune-Cookman fell to 2-5.

Bethune-Cookman’s 26 points marked the fewest points ever for a South Carolina opponent. The previous low was 29 by Florida A&M on Dec. 30, 2001. The Wildcats shot just 14 percent from the field, which tied a USC record.

Four Gamecocks scored in double figures. Melanie Johnson led the charge with a career-high tying 19 points, including a 7-of-10 effort from the free throw line. She also pulled down six rebounds and picked up five steals. Ilona Burgrova had a career night as well with 13 points. She also grabbed six rebounds. Demetress Adams produced a double-double, scoring 12 points and adding 10 rebounds. Stacy Booker chipped in with 11 points.

South Carolina sprinted to a 10-0 lead in the first half before Bethune-Cookman scored its first points of the game on a three-pointer by Carla Winston. From there, USC reeled off 23 straight points before the Wildcats managed another basket to make it 31-5. The Gamecocks took a 42-7 lead into the locker room at the half.

Bethune-Cookman finished the first half 2-of-25 from the field. Including the second half against Savannah State on Monday night, the Gamecocks held their opponents to 4-of-42 (.095) shooting during that stretch. South Carolina connected on 16-of-31 (.516) attempts from the field. USC out-rebounded Bethune-Cookman, 29-11, pocketed seven steals and hit 9-of-12 free throws. Johnson and Adams both scored nine points to lead Carolina, while Booker chipped in with eight. Shannel Harris set a career high by grabbing six rebounds in the first nine minutes of the game.

South Carolina collected 25 assists in tonight’s win, the best effort of the season. Lea Fabbri led Carolina in that category with seven helpers. The final rebounding margin was 59-30 in the Gamecocks’ advantage. USC shot 49.3 percent in the game and out-scored the Wildcats 28-0 on the break.

Katie Clark paced Bethune-Cookman with 13 points.

The Gamecocks will break for Christmas before returning to the court on Thursday, Dec. 29, against Western Carolina at the Colonial Center. ing to the court on Thursday, Dec. 29, against Western Carolina at the Colonial Center.