South Carolina Women's Basketball Beats Maryland 101-93 in Paris Opener: Nearly Blows 31-Point Lead as Kitts Returns
The No. 1-ranked South Carolina women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in Paris, France, on November 2 with a 101-93 win over Maryland. South Carolina led by as many as 31 points before Maryland stormed back in the second half, but the Gamecocks held on. The team is based in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
The spotlight fell on two returning players. Chloe Kitts started and posted 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and a block in 19 minutes; she missed all of last season after tearing the ACL in her right knee during an October 2025 practice. Ashlyn Watkins came off the bench for 7 points and a team-high 10 rebounds in 21 minutes, adding 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks; she also missed last season.
South Carolina was voted No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll. Head coach Dawn Staley said Kitts works relentlessly and wants to be back at the top level now. The Gamecocks next play on November 8 in Charlotte against North Carolina.
(Source: USA Today)
Source: USA Today
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：巴黎沙佩勒门体育馆外观。Chabe01 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris. By Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
