COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Aleighsa Welch scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as No. 22 South Carolina beat Louisiana Tech 68-45 on Sunday.
Alaina Coates also had 10 rebounds and added 12 points for South Carolina (2-0), which outrebounded Louisiana Tech 47-29. South Carolina shot over 45 percent from the field despite going 4 of 18 from beyond the 3-point arc.
The Gamecocks jumped to an early 16-4 lead in the first eight minutes of the game, forcing five Louisiana Tech turnovers during the span. The Gamecocks never trailed and led by as many as 27 in the second half.
Louisiana Tech (0-1) shot just 18 of 50 from the field. JaQuan Jackson led Louisiana Tech with 13 points.
South Carolina lost in the second round of last season’s NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks beat Charleston Southern 99-29 in their season opener on Friday.
