South Carolina Women's Basketball: The 3-2-1 - Positives, Negatives, and a Burning

South Carolina women’s basketball finished its first full week of the season showcasing a dominant defense alongside some offensive areas that remain a work in progress, according to a report looking at the team’s positives, negatives, and burning questions.

In three of four halves against Power 4 opponents expected to contend for conference titles, the Gamecocks surrendered just 33, 17, and 22 points. Maryland managed 60 points in a single second-half surge, but North Carolina was held in check as long athletic guards Tessa Johnson, Jordan Lee, Agot Makeer, and Jerzy Robinson clogged passing lanes.

South Carolina vs. North Carolina Game Highlights | 2026-27 ACC Women's Basketball

Ashlyn Watkins delivered a scoreless defensive masterclass against the Tar Heels, pulling down 10 rebounds while adding a block and a steal. It was vintage play reminiscent of her 2023-24 campaign, supported by interior defensive presences like Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards.

Freshman Jerzy Robinson followed her 15-point debut by hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc against North Carolina to finish with 10 points. She has started her career 5-for-7 on three-pointers while logging minutes across multiple guard and forward positions.

Columbia south carolina ashlyn watkins of the south carolina gamecocks grabs a rebound during

Offensively, however, the point guard position remains a work in progress. South Carolina tallied just 13 assists against North Carolina, relying heavily on tough one-on-one makes rather than fluid half-court ball movement.

Perimeter shooting also flickered inconsistently, dropping to a 37.5 percent clip against North Carolina after a scorching start against Maryland. The Gamecocks now turn their attention toward a rivalry matchup against Clemson before meeting Southern Cal in Greenville on Sunday.