Tessa Johnson stats today: How did South Carolina star fare vs Iowa State? (Nov 28)

Sophomore guard Tessa Johnson had modest stats off the bench against No. 15 Iowa State on Thursday. Still, her contribution was enough to help No. 4 South Carolina secure a decisive 76-36 win in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Island Division game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

The second-year guard from Albertville, MN, logged the most minutes among the Gamecocks’ bench players, playing 27 minutes. She tallied seven points, two assists, one rebound, and one block in her usual role as a steady contributor.

Known for her sharpshooting, Tessa Johnson is earning a spot in coach Dawn Staley’s trusted rotation, consistently delivering instant offense off the bench. Across five games this season, she is averaging 9.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 50.0% from the field and 58.3% from beyond the arc.

Tessa Johnson's performance this season has surpassed her stats from last year. During South Carolina’s undefeated championship run last season, Johnson appeared in 35 games, averaging 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field, 43.2% from 3-point range, and 86.3% from the free-throw line in 17.8 minutes per game.

The Gamecocks are set to wrap up their time on Florida’s west coast against Purdue at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Tessa Johnson and the Gamecocks deliver record-breaking performance vs ranked foe

South Carolina dominated early, putting together a staggering 32-0 run in the first half to take control of the game. Iowa State managed just three points in the first quarter, with only one made field goal, and totaled only nine points in the first half, trailing by 26 at halftime.

The Gamecocks (6-1) asserted their dominance with stifling defense, which fueled their transition offense. They held Iowa State (5-2) scoreless for over 14 minutes in the first half. While the Cyclones managed an 11-0 run in the third quarter, South Carolina quickly regained momentum and extended their lead.

South Carolina scored 21 points on fast breaks and saw nine players contribute to the scoreboard in the first half alone. Iowa State, by comparison, had only nine total points at halftime.

The 40-point victory marked the largest margin of victory against a ranked opponent in South Carolina’s program history, surpassing last season’s 38-point win over then-No. 14 Maryland on November 12, 2023.