Tessa Johnson’s First South Carolina Double-Double Inspires Junior Guard

Tessa Johnson recorded her first career double-double for South Carolina on March 21. She finished with 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. The Gamecocks beat No. 16 seed Southern 103-34 at Colonial Life Arena.

Johnson is a junior guard. Her rebound total drew attention because she usually contributes as a perimeter scorer. The performance came in South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament opening game.

Game impact and next opponent

South Carolina improved to 32-3 with the win. The top-seeded Gamecocks advance to face No. 9 Southern Cal. That second-round game is scheduled for March 23 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

A deliberate shift in focus

Johnson said she had been working to improve rebounding this season. A mid-season shooting slump prompted her to help the team in other ways. She emphasized activity on the glass over pure scoring during the matchup.

She left the court briefly in the first quarter for taped fingers. Johnson returned minutes later. She then hit two 3-pointers in the third and two more in the fourth.

Context for the performance

Johnson leads the SEC in 3-point percentage at 44.1 percent. That mark ranks 10th nationally. Her spot-up shooting has been a defining trait for the junior guard.

Earlier in February, she started strong against LSU and drew public praise. Coach Kim Mulkey asked rhetorically, “Who can guard Tessa,” after a hot start. Johnson then struggled from long range, going 10-of-34 across six games.

Numbers and notes

By halftime against Southern she had seven rebounds. She grabbed four more in the third quarter to reach double-digit boards. Johnson is now averaging a career-high 3.3 rebounds.

Tessa Johnson’s first South Carolina double-double inspires teammates. The performance offered a reminder of her versatility. South Carolina will look for more balanced contributions as the tournament continues.

Report by Lulu Kesin for Filmogaz.com.