Chloe Kitts came through with a strong performance for the South Carolina Gamecocks in their quarterfinal matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores. This drew high praise from head coach Dawn Staley.

In 29 minutes of action, Kitts finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She shot 12-of-14 from the field, leading one-seed South Carolina to an 84-63 win over eight-seed Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament.

Staley reflected on Kitts' display after the game. She expressed confidence in the fellow player, knowing she had the capability to deliver for the Gamecocks.

“This is really who Chole is… We called her number and she delivered for us,” Staley said.

What's next for Dawn Staley, South Carolina

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
SEC Commissioner pushes for 76 team NCAA Tournament expansionRussell Steinberg ·
Whitnall's Myles Herro (2) battles to get past La Crosse Central's Bennett Fried (12) during the WIAA Division 2 state boys basketball semifinal at the Kohl Center in Madison on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Tyler Herro’s brother commits to Ohio State men’s basketballRussell Steinberg ·
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden.
UConn, Illinois basketball finalizing Black Friday showdown at MSGRexwell Villas ·
North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) plays the ball defended by San Diego State Aztecs guard Nick Boyd (2) in the second half at UD Arena.
Will Wade, NC State add North Carolina starter to boost big man roomTroy Finnegan ·
University of South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley answers a question by moderator Dan Hughes during the University of Mount Union's Schooler Lecture speaker series on April 23, 2025, in Alliance, Ohio Mandatory Credit: © Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dawn Staley jokes about un-retiring after getting A’ja Wilson’s shoesZachary Draves ·
Montana State Bobcats forward Brandon Walker (2) shoots the ball defended by Grambling State Tigers guard Jourdan Smith (11) in the second half at UD Arena.
Mississippi State basketball gets 14.7-PPG transfer from NCAA Tournament teamScotty White ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Having gotten the top-seed after a coin flip between them and two-seed Texas, it was a big win to begin the SEC Tournament for Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

South Carolina is on a mission to return to the national championship game, having won the title in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Should they lose in the conference tournament, they would secure an at-large bid to the tourney.

The win over Vanderbilt improved South Carolina's overall record to 28-3, extending their win streak to five. They average 80.6 points on 46.6% shooting from the field and 33.5% from beyond the arc. As a result, they blow out opponents by a margin of 23 points per game.

The Gamecocks now prepare for their next matchup in the SEC semifinals. They face the five-seed Oklahoma Sooners on March 8 at 4:30 p.m. ET.