When South Carolina fell to UConn in a crushing 29-point loss, MiLaysia Fulwiley walked off the court with tears in her eyes at Colonial Life Arena. But by Thursday, she had turned that frustration into motivation, leading the No. 6 Gamecocks to a dominant 95-55 victory over Arkansas. With highlight-worthy plays and an aggressive approach, she made sure her team bounced back in a big way.
Dawn Staley Praises MiLaysia Fulwiley
After the game, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley spoke about Fulwiley’s impact.
“I don’t think she could help herself at times, but I thought today was just great,” Staley said during the post-game press conference. “They were timely, they were what she was supposed to do in that situation. She didn’t force the shot, she dumped it off a few times. She’s very, very unselfish.”
“I just thought she met the moment. I think the biggest thing that she’s doing is defending—she’s competing on the other side of the floor, so she puts herself in the position where she can do that,” the coach also shared.
“It worked out. I don’t think she had any turnovers in this particular game. Very efficient from the floor. She’s growing, like she really is growing,” Staley continued. “She’s learning, she’s more active in practice. She’s using her voice in practice, so it’s always a good thing when a young player starts to utilize their voice and they understand their power.”
“Some of the things that she’s doing are what she’s working on for herself, and that’s going to end up helping us this season,” Staley added later in the interview.
Midway through the third quarter, Joyce Edwards fed Fulwiley a pass as she crossed half-court. She dribbled, then went behind the back, leaned into her defender, and tossed up a one-handed scoop shot while falling back. The ball went in, the whistle blew for a foul, and Fulwiley smiled as her teammates celebrated with her under the basket.
Fulwiley’s Performance Shines on the Court
After the game, Fulwiley also spoke with the media.
“I just focused on this game, and it helped me go out there and do what I was able to do,” Fulwiley said. “I like when I make shots. It makes me happy, so I smile.”
Fulwiley finished with 15 points, four assists, one steal, and no turnovers, delivering a combination of flashy and smart plays. Even she was surprised at times by her execution.
“It kind of goes in, and I kind of smirk,” Fulwiley admitted.
South Carolina has shown resilience after every loss this season. Following a defeat to UCLA in November, the Gamecocks jumped to a 19-3 first-quarter lead against Iowa State in their next game.
After a February 6 loss to Texas, they responded by scoring a season-high 36 points in the first quarter against Florida. Thursday’s 40-point win over Arkansas continued that pattern, bringing their post-loss scoring margin to an impressive 39.3 points.
Fulwiley’s presence off the bench was a major factor in shifting the game’s momentum. Early on, the Gamecocks’ starters struggled to find the rhythm, settling for perimeter ball movement. Fulwiley’s energy and creativity forced Arkansas (9-19, 2-11 SEC) out of its comfort zone.
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Staley emphasized how Fulwiley’s understanding of the game has improved.
“(Fulwiley) has a real good understanding of what needs to happen. I thought (Thursday) was great—her shots were timely, they were what she was supposed to do in that situation. She didn’t force a shot, she dumped it off a few times. She’s very, very unselfish, and I just thought she met the moment.”
Whenever Fulwiley is sprinting down the court, Staley knows something creative is coming. While her improvisation can be unpredictable, it’s often a game-changing factor.
South Carolina will carry this momentum into their next game at Vanderbilt on Sunday, looking to maintain their dominance in the SEC.
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