"She's cold blooded and doesn't get talked about enough": Fans hail Tessa Johnson after leading Dawn Staley's South Carolina in win over MS State

Sophomore guard Tessa Johnson changed the course of results as the No. 2 Gamecocks secured a commanding 95-68 victory. South Carolina found themselves in a tough spot on Sunday against Mississippi State as the Bulldogs took the lead from the first whistle.

Johnson hit four three-pointers in the second quarter, which helped South Carolina close the half with an 8-point lead. She finished with 22 points on an 8-of11 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-6 from the 3-point range.

Fans took to the comments to praise Johnson's poise and clutch shooting.

"She’s cold blooded and doesn’t get talked about enough," one fan wrote.

"The Tessa Johnson show," one comment read.

"she's fantastic. As a fan, I will never be satisfied with this coming off the bench thing," another commented.

"Tessa is a pure shooter. Her 3 and mid-range is automatic like Durant’s," one fan wrote.

"When South Carolina needs it the most, Tessa steps up in massive ways. She is the best player that comes off the bench and no one can change my mind," another fan wrote.

"Most underrated player in college basketball, " one fan said.

"She’s very efficient, love it! " another comment read.

South Carolina’s struggles in the opening minutes of the game were compounded by an injury to starting forward Ashlyn Watkins. However, her replacement, Chloe Kitts, stepped up immediately, scoring five quick points to trim the deficit. Kitts’ contribution set the stage for Johnson to take over.

How Tessa Johnson changed the game in the second quarter

The Gamecocks had a slow start to the game but quickly caught up. They opened the second quarter, trailing 22-13. However, Tessa Johnson's three-pointers, along with Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts' efforts, helped South Carolina close the first half 42-34. This included a 16-0 run.

South Carolina’s defense also tightened up, forcing 20 turnovers and converting them into 23 points. Mississippi State struggled to respond, shooting just 25% in the second quarter and turning the ball over six times.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley also praised Tessa Johnson after the game, saying:

"Tessa was just lights out. Tessa was locked, loaded, and ready to shoot the ball. Her focus goes to another level when we’re down. She seems to hit big shots when we’re down."

South Carolina's next game will be at home against the Texas A&M Aggies on Thursday.