Nov. 4, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina women’s basketball team collected a 84-53 win over Limestone College in exhibition play at Colonial Life Arena Friday evening. Senior Markeshia Grant started the night with a 3-pointer on the Gamecocks’ second possession of the game and didn’t look back. Her 16 points led four Gamecocks in double figures, as did her perfect shooting night, 6-of-6 from the field, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range. Fellow senior Charenee Stephens also went 4-4 from the field and finished with nine points and five boards.
“[Markeshia] has been committed to playing better and being more efficient. I’m happy for her. She’s worked at it. She’s put in the hard work, and she’s come back a better player,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley of Grant’s performance.
The Gamecock offense was clicking early behind Grant’s hot start. Six different players got in the action en route to a 19-5 opening run. From there, however, the shots stalled, helping the Saints to a 7-0 run that lasted nearly five minutes and was punctuated by a Maria Young 3-pointer. The South Carolina drought allowed Limestone to pull within six points at 24-18. It was the closest the Gamecocks would allow Limestone to get for the rest of the matchup. South Carolina ended the first half with 22-8 run to take a 47-26 lead into the locker room at the break.
Each of the five Gamecocks making their debut contributed to the winning effort. The South Carolina newcomers finished with a combined 24 points – Tina Roy had five points, Aleighsa Welch scored 10, Pamela Decheva netted six and Elem Ibiam added five. Junior college transfer Sancheon White also recorded eight points and six rebounds, tying her for the team lead.
La’Keisha Sutton dished out seven of the Gamecocks’ 14 assists. South Carolina out-rebounded the Saints 48- 32 as three Gamecocks reeled in six boards – White, Ieasia Walker and Ashley Bruner. The Gamecocks converted 22 Limestone turnovers into 32 points.
Limestone’s Tia Williams and Stephanie Hayes each scored 13 points to lead the Saints. The two were also the Saints’ leading rebounders with six each.
South Carolina officially opens its season on Fri. Nov. 11 at Illinois. Tipoff in Champaign, Ill., is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
