Smith Leads Hogs with 18 Points in Loss at No. 6 South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Arkansas women’s basketball (9-19, 2-11 SEC) dropped a road game at No. 6 South Carolina, 95-55, on Thursday night.

The Hogs had an answer for the Gamecocks in the early goings until an almost four minute scoring drought to close out the first quarter, giving the Gamecocks a 18-9 lead after the opening 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, sophomore guard Kiki Smith made her first appearance since Arkansas’ game at Kentucky on Jan. 26 and played 21 minutes. Smith led all scorers with 18 points in her return, including 13 first half points.

The Hogs scored a game high 19 points in the second thanks to Smith’s 5-5 performance from the field. South Carolina outpaced Arkansas with 26 points and led 44-28 at the half.

Senior guard Izzy Higginbottom, the SEC’s leading scorer, struggled from the field and went 2-10 from the field and 0-2 from three point land.

The Gamecocks put up another 26-point quarter and extended their lead to 30 points without attempting a three pointer. Smith went cold in the third quarter and shot 2-6 from the field. Arkansas only had 15 attempts compared to South Carolina’s 25.

South Carolina opened the fourth quarter on a 14-3 run that was interrupted by freshman Phoenix Stotijn’s second three of the game. Higginbottom finally converted from beyond the arc as well and entered double figures for the 25th time this season.

The Gamecocks finished with five players in double figures and Chloe Kitts picked up a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Up Next

Arkansas will return to Bud Walton Arena on Sunday, Feb. 23 and face No. 16 Oklahoma.

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