Raven Johnson stats: How did South Carolina star fare vs Missouri? (Jan. 2)

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson delivered a steady performance as No. 2 South Carolina cruised past Missouri 83-52 to open SEC play at Mizzou Arena on Thursday.

Johnson, starting once again, contributed seven points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes. She shot 2-of-3 from the field and made both of her free throw attempts.

In the first quarter, Johnson scored five points by hitting a 3-pointer and a jumper, helping the Gamecocks build a 21-13 lead. In the second quarter, she grabbed two rebounds but also committed a foul and a turnover. During the fourth quarter, she recorded a steal, an assist to MiLaysia Fulwiley and sank two free throws after drawing a foul from Averi Kroenke.

Coming into the game, Raven Johnson was South Carolina's steals leader, averaging 1.5 per game. Through 12 games this season, she averages 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 34.1% from the field.

This win marked the Gamecocks' first victory in SEC play, a conference they were favored to win before the season began. South Carolina remains focused on becoming the first team since UConn in the mid-2010s to secure three consecutive National Championships.

Gamecocks Extend Dominance in Convincing Victory

The Tigers (11-5) kept it competitive with an 8-0 run shortly before halftime, but the No. 2 Gamecocks (13-1) pulled away, outscoring Missouri 40-17 after the game was within two points with four minutes remaining in the first half.

Despite the commanding win, South Carolina faced some challenges, recording only eight assists while Missouri held a 7-5 edge in steals. Dawn Staley's team was not at full strength, missing standout freshman Maddy McDaniel, who sat out due to a concussion, and senior center Sakima Walker, sidelined by an ankle injury.

MiLaysia Fulwiley led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Ashlyn Watkins posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Adhel Tac recorded a career-high nine points.

South Carolina's bench was pivotal, outscoring Missouri's reserves 57-16. Te-Hina Paopao was the only Gamecock starter to reach double figures with 11 points. The team's depth shone as all 11 players who saw action scored at least one point for the fourth time this season and in consecutive games.

The foul disparity contributed to South Carolina's dominance at the free-throw line, where they went 25-32 compared to Missouri's 11-17. The Gamecocks also finished with a +21 advantage in rebounding and a +16 edge in points in the paint.

The victory marked South Carolina's eighth consecutive win and coach Dawn Staley's 200th SEC triumph. The Gamecocks now prepare for a second straight conference road game against Mississippi State on Sunday.