Kitts’ double-double leads No. 1 South Carolina to dominant 84-39 win over North Carolina

Chloe Kitts contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 1 South Carolina to a 84-39 victory over No. 12 North Carolina during Sunday night's game at the Ally Tipoff in Charlotte, N.C. Joyce Edwards added 15 points for the Gamecocks, who started the season with a 2-0 record. Kitts had returned from a knee injury that sidelined her for the entire previous season but appeared lively in the win.

South Carolina dominated the second and third quarters, outscoring North Carolina 51-16, forcing 17 turnovers, and allowing only six baskets during those periods. Ashlyn Watkins added 10 rebounds for the Gamecocks, returning to action after recovering from an ACL injury earlier in the year. Tessa Johnson scored 12 points for North Carolina, while freshman Jerzy Robinson contributed 10 points.

Nyla Brooks led the Tar Heels with 13 points off four three-pointers, but North Carolina struggled offensively, going just 25% (15 of 60) from the field as South Carolina opened a two-season home series against the Tar Heels, facing them at the Charlotte Hornets home court in 2027 and then playing North Carolina State in 2028. North Carolina begins their home season against North Carolina Central on Wednesday, while South Carolina plays at their state rival Clemson on Thursday.