South Carolina steamrolls Presbyterian without Kamilla Cardoso, Bree Hall in NCAA Tournament opener

COLUMBIA − Sophomore forward Chloe Kitts tied a career high with 21 points and went 9-for-9 from the field, leading South Carolina women's basketball to an easy 91-39 opening win over Presbyterian in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at Colonial Life Arena.

Despite missing senior center Kamilla Cardoso and junior guard Bree Hall, the shorthanded No. 1 Gamecocks (33-0) dispatched the No. 16 Blue Hose (21-15).

Hall did not play for precautionary reasons, according to the school. Cardoso was serving a one-game suspension for her role in a fight against LSU in the SEC Tournament championship.

Freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 17 points and made a career-high five 3-pointers to help the Gamecocks. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 and made four 3-pointers.

South Carolina will play No. 8 North Carolina (20-12) in the second round of March Madness on Sunday.

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Clean play helps South Carolina dispose of Presbyterian

With the Blue Hose looking to become just the second No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed in the women's NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks didn't provide any extra chances. South Carolina played a clean game to help eliminate any hopes of a Presbyterian upset.

The Gamecocks only committed two fouls in the first half, keeping the Blue Hose off the free-throw line. Presbyterian didn't shoot its first free throw until three minutes into the second half and ended the game just 2-for-4.

South Carolina also turned the ball over only nine times, limiting Presbyterian's possessions. The Gamecocks had no problem taking it away, with 11 steals, including four from sophomore guard Raven Johnson.

South Carolina steps in by committee with two absences

Despite missing both Cardoso and Hall, South Carolina had plenty of production from their teammates.

The Gamecocks had five players score in double figures, led by Kitts and Paopao.

Junior forward Sania Feagin earned the nod for her third start of the season and scored 12 points, her most since Feb. 25, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Kitts came off the bench, switching from her typical starting role, and responded with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Evan Gerike covers South Carolina women's basketball for the Greenville News. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanGerike.