“There were stretches where we fell off the wagon”: Dawn Staley says South Carolina working to identify phases when they haven't been 'locked in'

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley acknowledged her team's challenges on Thursday against Duke. The No. 5 Gamecocks secured an 81-70 victory over the visitors.

When asked about her thoughts on the game against the Blue Devils, Staley offered her observations on the win at the Colonial Life Arena:

"It was a good win. For long stretches, I thought we really were focused on the game plan, and then, there were stretches where we fell off the wagon. We're just learning – we’re really learning."

The Gamecocks opened the game strongly, shooting 60.6% from the field and building a 51-31 lead by halftime. They extended their advantage to 25 points in the second half. However, Duke narrowed the gap to 71-63 with 6:10 remaining. South Carolina responded with a 10-7 run down the stretch to secure the 11-point win.

Nevertheless, South Carolina grabbed just 28 rebounds, which was 19 below their season average of 46.8. This was their lowest rebounding performance of the season, five fewer than their previous low of 34 against UCLA. Duke also got 18 offensive boards, making the game the third instance this season where South Carolina was out-rebounded.

In addition, the Gamecocks committed 10 turnovers in the second half, totaling 16 for the game where the Blue Devils made 13 points off those miscues. Duke's defensive adjustments proved challenging for South Carolina, who had averaged fewer than 12 turnovers per game leading into the contest.

Team Effort helps maintain Gamecocks' Perfect Home Record

South Carolina improved to 3-0 at the Colonial Life Arena with a team-driven victory over Duke in the SEC-ACC Challenge.

All 10 Gamecocks played at least 15 minutes and scored at least three points. Chloe Kitts led with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two steals, shooting 9-of-14 and making all three free throws.

“My teammates kept finding me,” Kitts said in a post-game interview.

“(Head coach Dawn Staley) ran a play a couple of times for me, and they just kept telling me to keep attacking.”

Aside from Kitts, starters Sania Feagin and Te-Hina Paopao added 11 points each. The Gamecocks' bench contributed 30 points, with freshmen Joyce Edwards and Maddy McDaniel leading the charge. They combined for 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, six steals, three rebounds, and three assists.

The Gamecocks' defense shone, registering 13 steals and eight blocks, both season second-highs, despite Duke attempting 13 more field goals.

In the offensive end, South Carolina dominated the paint, outscoring Duke 48-34 and capitalizing on 15 turnovers for 23 points. They also made 14-of-19 free throws.

Next, South Carolina faces Hailey Van Lith and No. 9 TCU on Sunday in the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Classic in Fort Worth, Texas.