BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — MiLaysia Fulwiley seemed to make a conscious decision. With her teammates struggling and defending champion South Carolina being pushed to the brink, the sophomore simply took over.
Transition layup. Acrobatic finishes. A behind-the-back dribble leading to a drop-off assist. Another behind-the-back dribble before a soft floater. On an afternoon when Maryland had most of the answers for the advanced test South Carolina presents, the Terrapins couldn’t find one to slow Fulwiley.
The 5-foot-10 guard scored a game-high 23 points, one shy of her career high, and dragged the Gamecocks to the Elite Eight in a goosebump-inducing, 71-67 victory over Maryland inside Legacy Arena on Friday.