South Carolina Basketball: 3 thumbs up, 3 thumbs down from domination of Kentucky

South Carolina Basketball vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Thumbs Down 1: Turnovers

Turnovers remain a bit of a problem for the Gamecocks. While the giveaway numbers are not drastic compared to other teams in the country (turnovers are high across women's college basketball), they still turned the ball over once every five possessions and did so 9 times in the 1st half.

Several of the turnovers were unforced offensive fouls in which Carolina ballhandlers were out of control on their drives to the basket. That was a major issue for the Gamecocks early in the season (especially against Utah), and fans hope that doesn't become a trend again.

South Carolina Basketball vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Thumbs Down 2: Offensive Rebounding

In a 103-55 win in the SEC, finding three "thumbs down" is difficult, so this one is grasping at straws a bit. However, the Gamecocks only pulled down 6 offensive rebounds.

To be fair, Carolina only missed 21 shots for the entire game (plus one live free throw), so in 22 opportunities, they secured 6 misses. That's not as good as South Carolina basketball typically rebounds, but it isn't a terrible number.

South Carolina Basketball vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Thumbs Down 3: Fouls

South Carolina fouled Kentucky too much on Sunday, especially in free throw opportunities. The Gamecocks allowed UK to shoot 18 free throws in a game in which they were far superior athletically. It didn't hurt Dawn Staley's team at all, however, as the 'Cats shot 39% from the foul line for the game.

Offensive fouls were not a major theme in the game but were more prevalent than one would like. Out-of-control drives resulted in whistles on multiple occasions, and those charges doubled as turnovers, as well.

Frankly, the 18 fouls weren't an awful number, but in a game with such a disparity in physical ability and skill, the Gamecocks didn't have to foul Kentucky at all.