South Carolina moved to 3-0 in the SEC with another rout, this time shutting down Texas A&M 90-49. Here’s what stood out to me from the game.

– With Ashlyn Watkins out for the season with a torn ACL, South Carolina needs the other three forwards from the frontcourt rotation to pick up some of the slack. Message received for Chloe Kitts, Sania Feagin, and Joyce Edwards. 

Kitts had 11 points and seven rebounds, Feagin had 12 points and four rebounds, and Edwards starred with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Dawn Staley has emphasized that everyone needs to keep playing their game and doing what they do. Again, message received. Those three didn’t do anything they haven’t done all season. Kitts continued to hit the midrange, crash the boards, and find open spots on offense. Feagin scored in the paint )and stepped out for a three). Edwards ran the floor and posted up. 

[USC-Texas WBB: Win tickets, parking]

But they did it more often and more effectively than they had. That’s what South Carolina needs.

– Edwards’ 10 rebounds were the second-most of her career, and that is the one thing Staley is going to ask her to do that she hasn’t before. Edwards didn’t have a single rebound against Mississippi State, and going forward South Carolina is going to win too many games if she doesn’t grab a single board.

Edwards was a great rebounder in high school and FIBA, so it’s been a little surprising she hasn’t been more effective this season. Hopefully, this was a sign of things to come. 

“Joyce is someone I coached with USA Basketball, so fortunately and unfortunately I knew exactly what she was capable of. She’s someone that can score at all three levels, she doesn’t get rushed, she’s got great pace,” Joni Taylor said. “Her future is really bright.”

– MiLaysia Fulwiley got off to another slow start, going 1-6. But her first two misses were layups that South Carolina rebounded and scored off of. Those are good misses. 

But Fulwiley continued to grind, and once again ended up with 17 points, six rebounds, and one breathtaking highlight play. Fulwiley isn’t going to replace what Watkins does (although she blocked two shots), but when she is this productive it makes up for it in a different way.