The No. 1-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks sent a strong message ahead of the 2026-27 season, overwhelming Benedict College 113-34 in their final exhibition game on Friday, October 23, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. With standout performances from Tessa Johnson and freshman Jerzy Robinson, coach Dawn Staley’s squad showed its scoring depth and defensive intensity just days before opening the regular season against Maryland in Paris.
Gamecocks Dominate From the Opening Tip
South Carolina wasted little time establishing control. The Gamecocks raced to a 25-4 lead in the first quarter, then extended their advantage to 58-11 by halftime.
Benedict struggled to find room against South Carolina’s defensive pressure, while turnovers repeatedly gave the Gamecocks opportunities to score in transition. The result was a one-sided contest that allowed Staley to evaluate her roster before the challenges of regular-season competition begin.
According to Benedict’s official game recap, the Lady Tigers shot just 23.1% from the field and committed 39 turnovers. South Carolina converted those mistakes into 57 points, highlighting the impact of its defensive pressure.
The Gamecocks also controlled the rebounding battle, collecting 70 rebounds compared with Benedict’s 24. That advantage created additional possessions and made an already difficult evening even tougher for the visiting team.
Tessa Johnson and Jerzy Robinson Lead the Scoring
Senior guard Tessa Johnson continued her impressive preseason form, finishing with 17 points to share game-high honors.
Freshman Jerzy Robinson matched Johnson’s scoring total and delivered an all-around performance that could attract attention as South Carolina develops its backcourt rotation.
Robinson recorded 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals, finishing with a double-double in her college debut. Her contribution extended beyond scoring, demonstrating her ability to rebound, create opportunities for teammates and contribute defensively.
Junior forward Joyce Edwards also made her presence felt, adding 15 points while shooting efficiently from the field.
The balanced production offered another encouraging sign for Staley. Rather than depending on one scorer, South Carolina generated offense through multiple players and maintained pressure throughout the game.
Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts Make Their Returns
The exhibition also marked an important milestone for forwards Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts, who returned to game action after missing the previous season with ACL injuries.
Watkins recorded eight points and 10 rebounds in 16 minutes, while Kitts finished with eight points and seven rebounds in 12 minutes. Their return provides South Carolina with additional frontcourt options as the team prepares for a demanding schedule.
Staley acknowledged that both players looked rusty after their extended absences but expressed optimism that their timing and confidence would improve with more court time.
Their performances against Benedict were an encouraging first step, although their workload and contributions will be worth monitoring as the regular season progresses.
South Carolina Turns Its Attention to Maryland
With the exhibition schedule complete, South Carolina now prepares for its regular-season opener against Maryland on November 2 in Paris, France.
The matchup will provide a more demanding test for the defending national runner-up as the Gamecocks begin a schedule featuring several highly ranked opponents.
Friday’s blowout does not guarantee success against tougher competition, but it gave Staley valuable opportunities to evaluate her players, welcome back key contributors and assess the team’s offensive combinations.
The biggest storylines heading into the opener include Watkins and Kitts regaining their form, Robinson adjusting to college basketball, and Johnson continuing to provide leadership in the backcourt.
South Carolina has completed its final preseason test with a decisive victory. Now, the focus shifts to Paris, where the Gamecocks will discover how their preparation translates against regular-season opposition.
Bottom line: South Carolina women’s basketball beats Benedict 113-34, showcasing its depth, defensive pressure and returning talent as Dawn Staley’s team prepares for its November 2 season opener against Maryland.
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