MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina women's basketball handle Missouri without leading scorer

COLUMBIA − Freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley had 19 points and six steals and South Carolina women's basketball got a win without its leading scorer, beating Missouri 83-45 on Thursday in Colonial Life Arena.

Despite senior center Kamilla Cardoso's absence while she plays for Team Brazil in an Olympic qualifying tournament, the No. 1 Gamecocks (22-0, 10-0 SEC) had no issues getting baskets in the paint, outscoring the Tigers 44-8 in that category.

All nine available players scored for South Carolina and its four post players combined for 38 points.

Before the game, South Carolina announced freshman Sahnya Jah would be suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team.

South Carolina fell into a 6-0 hole early into the contest but brought aggressive defense to end the first quarter up 21-10 against Missouri (11-12, 2-8). South Carolina went on three consecutive 7-0 runs in the quarter, each of which was aided by defense.

After one quarter, the Gamecocks had five steals and three blocks. In one possession alone, sophomore forward Chloe Kitts blocked two shots, including a 3-point attempt that forced a shot clock violation from Missouri.

MiLaysia Fulwiley brings energy off the bench

While South Carolina wasn't in need of rejuvenation when Fulwiley made her first appearance five minutes into the game, she did bring scoring and energy that helped the Gamecocks put the game away early.

Fulwiley hit a 3-pointer immediately after entering the game to put South Carolina on top of Missouri for good and scored nine points in her first three minutes. Her first third quarter appearance was similar – with the Gamecocks being outscored by one point in the third quarter, Fulwiley returned and added a steal and a fast break layup.

Fulwiley finished with 19 points, four assists and six steals, and her court presence helped break multiple slumps for the Gamecocks. In the first half alone, Fulwiley was 5-of-8 from the field with two assists, including an impressive dish to Kitts under the basket.

Without Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina finds other options in the post

With Cardoso out for the first of two games while playing for Team Brazil, South Carolina wasn't left wanting for scorers in the post.

Two different forwards scored in double figures for the Gamecocks, led by Kitts' 12 points. Junior forward Sania Feagin scored 11, reaching double figures for the seventh time this year, and sophomore forward Ashlyn Watkins added nine points while starting in place of Cardoso.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina women's basketball handle Missouri