COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — No. 1 South Carolina picked up where it left off last season, opening a 17-0 lead and blowing past Charleston 119-38 in the season opener Wednesday for its 27th straight victory.
Victaria Saxton had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Zia Cooke scored 18 points as the Gamecocks overwhelmed the Cougars for their 10th straight series win.
South Carolina ended last season at No. 1 as the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament champion. The Gamecocks were strong favorites for a national title when the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March.