Maine Black Bears at South Carolina Gamecocks

No. 3 South Carolina blows past Main 79-42

"I pretty much feel like we're back to where we were," Coates said.

They'd get no arguments from Maine after the Gamecocks ran off to a 79-42 victory on Monday night in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Challenge.

The 6-foot-5 Wilson had 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting while 6-4 Coates had 12 points and 14 rebounds. The two did about whatever they wanted most of the way against the undersized, young Black Bears (2-3).

"They're good," Maine coach Richard Barron said. "What else can you say?"

The Gamecocks (3-0) used their defense to make quick work of Maine, starting on a 15-0 run, then outscoring their opponents 13-0 to open the third quarter. South Carolina eventually grew the lead to 41 points in the final period.

Freshman Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, at 6-2 the primary post backup for Wilson and Coates, added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting and picked up eight boards.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said when Coates and Wilson play with efficiency and speed, it helps in teaching Herbert Harrigan the right way to play.

"When she sees our two bigs clicking like that, it kind of becomes contagious," Staley said. "She had a pretty good basketball game."

The Gamecocks outrebounded Maine 42-27 while Wilson had four of their five blocked shots. Coates swatted away the other.

South Carolina's two high-profile transfers, Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray, also finished in double figures with 10 points each. Julie Brosseau had 11 points, including three 3-pointers, to lead the Black Bears.

BIG PICTURE

Maine: The Black Bears opened with a surprise win at Purdue, but lost for the third time in the past four games. They don't have the size to match up with teams like No. 7 Mississippi State (a 44-point loss on Nov. 12) or the third-ranked Gamecocks. But Maine, which starts four freshmen, showed off some shooting touch in a 59-43 win over St. Peter's on Sunday night. Laia Sole, who scored 16 points in the St. Peter's win, was named the American East rookie of the week for the second straight time this season.

What's it like starting four freshmen? "It's a little bit better than starting five," Maine's Barron said.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks won't go wrong going inside this season to Wilson and Coates. Coates had 10 points and 12 rebounds by halftime to collect her second double-double of the season and 44th of her career.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

South Carolina will have one more tune up on Tuesday night before things get serious when it faces No. 4 Louisville on Sunday. Lose that one and count on the Gamecocks to tumble from the top five.

YOUNG GAMECOCKS

After taking its big lead, South Carolina played several young players in the final quarter like Herbert Harrigan, Victoria Patrick, Araion Bradshaw and Tyasha Harris, all freshmen. Staley said the group has to get experience because the Gamecocks have only four juniors or seniors returning with significant experience Wilson, Coates, point guard Bianca Cuevas-Moore and guard Tiffany Davis.

"We may need the young players at some point this season," Staley said.

STREAK ENDER

Wilson set a school record on Sunday night, going 14 of 14 from the foul line in defeating Hampton 92-38. Could Wilson keep it going? No as she missed her first free throw against Maine and finished 0-2 at the line.

UP NEXT

Maine takes on Hampton here at the Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday night as part of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Challenge.

South Carolina finishes a three-game homestand on Tuesday, facing St. Peter's as part of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Challenge.

How can I watch Black Bears vs. Gamecocks?

• TV Channel: Black Bears vs Gamecocks 2021 College Basketball, week 3, is broadcasted on SECN+.
• Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.

Location: Columbia, SC
Attendance: 11,057 | Capacity: