Ashlyn Watkins' dunk highlights No. 1 South Carolina's rout of Kentucky

Field Level Media|published: Mon 15th January, 21:57 2024

Jan 15, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) dunks against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. credits: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Ashlyn Watkins dunked and Kamilla Cardoso notched a double-double as No. 1 South Carolina raced past Kentucky 98-36 on Monday night in Columbia, S.C.

Watkins' dunk came late in the first quarter when she stole the ball and had nothing but daylight between her and the basket. That rare play gave South Carolina a 17-11 lead, and the Gamecocks romped out to a 46-21 halftime advantage before pouring it on with a 33-point third quarter.

Six players scored in double figures for the Gamecocks (16-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference). Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 14, Cardoso had 12 with 11 rebounds, Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson each had 11 points and Watkins finished with 10 plus eight boards.

South Carolina shot 58.8 percent from both the field (40-for-68) and the 3-point arc (10-for-17).

Saniah Tyler scored 13 points off the bench to pace Kentucky (8-10, 1-3), which lost its third game in a row. The Wildcats committed 24 turnovers that South Carolina converted into 34 points.

—Field Level Media