South Carolina Basketball: 3 thumbs up, 3 thumbs down vs. Mississippi Valley State

Thumbs Up. Anytime you hold a team to 19 points, the conversation has to begin with the defense. Actually, the Gamecocks have never held a team to just 19 points as they set a record for the fewest points allowed with their smothering defensive effort. Potentially even more impressive than the point total, South Carolina held MVSU to ridiculous shooting splits. 11.9% from the field, 5.3% from 3-point land, and 25% from the free throw line are comically low and a testament to how intimidating the USC defense can be.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE

SCORING DISTRIBUTION . Thumbs Up. For the 4th time in 5 games, South Carolina basketball scored 100 points. The Gamecocks are averaging just over 100 points for the season, and most games have been well-rounded efforts. The same was true for Friday’s game. 7 Gamecocks were in double-figures, and 6 players had at least 3 assists. The offensive effort was wire-to-wire, as well, as Carolina never trailed and the only tie in the game was at 0-0.. . South Carolina Gamecocks

A lot of different things could be the final “thumbs up” from this game (there could have been 20), but one stood out. South Carolina basketball was missing Tessa Johnson in this game, so the team only had three true guards available (Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Te-Hina Paopao). When the game got out of hand, the Gamecocks showed that they still could operate without a bunch of perimeter players. Bree Hall (wing), Sahnya Jah (forward), Sania Feagin (forward), Ashlyn Watkins (forward/center), and Chloe Kitts (forward) all showed some ability to play on the perimeter if needed. Each one of those players can guard on the perimeter and on the block, and they have displayed enough ball-handling ability and passing chops to be part of the offense away from the basket. That versatility could become a factor if Johnson is out for a while or if another guard misses time later this season.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. VERSATILE FORWARDS . Thumbs Up