MiLaysia Fulwiley Stats Tonight - How did South Carolina star fare vs UCLA? (Nov 24)
MiLaysia Fulwiley failed to score a point in South Carolina's 15-point loss to UCLA at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California on Sunday.
The 5-foot-10 sophomore couldn't buy a basket in two attempts and was called back by Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley after three minutes of action. She didn't return for the remainder of the game, as UCLA's tough defense visibly shackled the team.
Before the game against the Bruins, Fulwiley averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. The W.J. Keenan product is a major contributor for the team off the bench in the 2024-25 college basketball season, making 45.6% of her attempts from the field, including 33.3% from the 3-point line in 19.8 minutes of action.
MiLaysia Fulwiley was in a similar situation last season against North Carolina. The guard was inserted in the middle of the first period and missed her lone attempt of the game. She had a block and a turnover before Staley called her back to the bench.
Like the game against UCLA, Fulwiley's benching against the Tar Heels was her sixth of the 2023-24 season. After the game against North Carolina, the three-time champion coach explained that the guard failed to cover her defensive assignment, forcing Staley to replace her immediately.
Here are MiLaysia Fulwiley's stats in South Carolina's loss to UCLA.
Gamecocks vs Bruins Game Recap: MiLaysia Fulwiley-led South Carolina lose to UCLA
MiLaysia Fulwiley and South Carolina faced their first loss of the 2024-25 college basketball season, falling to UCLA, 77-62. Fulwiley's benching was a microcosm of the Gamecocks' issues against the Bruins.
The 5-foot-10 guard could not get her game going, nor could her teammates, who shot 36.4% as a unit. They failed to capitalize on their 8-of-12 shooting from the 3-point line as UCLA's defenders choked the passing lanes and closed in on their shooters.
The Gamecocks fell behind early, allowing the Bruins to surge to a 43-22 lead after two quarters. Although they tried to mount a comeback in the second half, the deficit was too difficult to overcome as the Cori Close-coached squad was also automatic from deep, making 10-of-21 attempts from the 3-point line.
Te-Hina Paopao and Tessa Johnson were the bright spots for South Carolina, scoring 18 and 14 points, respectively. The Gamecocks, which lost for the first time in 43 games dating back to last season, will seek to bounce back against Iowa State on Thursday at the Fort Myers Tip-off mini-tournament.
What can you say about MiLaysia Fulwiley's performance against UCLA? Let us know your views in the comments section.