South Carolina Basketball: 3 thumbs up, 3 thumbs down vs. Duke

This is becoming a theme. South Carolina basketball shot 16-23 from the charity stripe on Sunday, which isn’t a bad number. However, they made their last 6 to get to that point, meaning they started the game 10-17. Given the team’s struggles at the line for most of this season, a 16-23 shooting performance from the free throw line (just under 70%) is acceptable. However, shooting 10-17 during the most competitive parts of the game (just under 59%) is not. Free throw shooting must improve for the Gamecocks before it costs them a game. It is worth noting that Bree Hall, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Chloe Kitts all did their part in limited attempts, each going 2-2.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. FREE THROWS . Thumbs Down

The Gamecocks did not protect the basketball well on Sunday. Carolina finished the game with 20 giveaways (including 14 in the 1st half). Every Gamecock who played at least 7 minutes had multiple turnovers, and those turnovers turned into 15 points for the Blue Devils, over 25% of their scoring for the entire game. Because USC was the better team by a wide margin, they were able to overcome the turnovers, but that might not be the case against some of the better teams on the South Carolina basketball schedule. LSU, UConn, and Utah might blow out the Gamecocks if they hand the ball over 20 times.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. TURNOVERS . Thumbs Down

Thumbs Down. In an abnormal performance, the Gamecocks did not defend the perimeter well against Duke. The Blue Devils fired off tons of open looks from outside and knocked down 11-23 of those looks. The Gamecocks have good perimeter defenders on the roster, but that fact did not show itself on Sunday. The best part of USC’s guard defense in the game was their ability to force turnovers, but the shot defense and rotational effort were not good enough. South Carolina basketball fans can rest easily, however, because their favorite team is coached by Dawn Staley, a coach who will not tolerate poor defense from her perimeter players.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. PERIMETER DEFENSE

light. Related Story. South Carolina Basketball: Gamecock recruiting class ranked 2nd in the nation