South Carolina routs Alabama women's basketball, 93-45

The Alabama women's basketball team dropped its Southeastern Conference opener at No. 6/6 South Carolina, 93-45, Sunday afternoon at Colonial Life Arena.
“All the credit goes to South Carolina,” Alabama Head Basketball Coach Kristy Curry said in a news release. “There are four pros in that starting lineup. Hats off to them.”
Freshman Jordan Lewis was Alabama's leading scorer with 10 points in addition to a team-best four assists. Juniors Meoshonti Knight and Ashley Williams finished as the Tide's leader in rebounds with six apiece.
Knight, a Central Catholic alum, scored eight points.
South Carolina was led by senior Alaina Coates and junior A'ja Wilson, who combined for 42 points, 20 rebounds, four blocks and five steals.
South Carolina (11-1) opened the game on a 12-2 run and eventually led by 20 following a three-point play from Wilson with 1:12 remaining.
Knight scored the quarter‘s final basket to cut Alabama’s deficit to 27-9 after the first 10 minutes of play.
After a big first quarter, the Gamecocks outscored Alabama (12-2) by only one point in the second, 14-13.
Junior Quanetria Bolton provided a boost for the Tide off the bench scoring five of Alabama's 13 points.
Knight, once again, scored the period’s last bucket, and Alabama trailed 41-22 at halftime.
South Carolina had its most productive scoring quarter in the third, putting up 31 points. The Gamecocks ended the frame on a 10-0 run for a 72-33 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Gamecocks outscored the Tide, 21-12, in the fourth for the 48-point win.
Alabama shot 27.1 percent (16-59), while South Carolina went 53.1 percent (34-64) from the floor. The Gamecocks outrebounded the Tide, 44-27, and scored 54 points in the paint compared to Alabama's 14.
“The thing for us is that we have to realize we have 15 opportunities ahead of us," Curry said. “It's a marathon and not a sprint. We need to turn the page quickly on this one and get prepared for Ole Miss.”
Alabama will host the Rebels in the Tide's SEC home opener Thursday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network +.