COLUMBIA, S.C. — There’s always noise on game days. On a windy Sunday afternoon in January outside Colonial Life Arena, traffic snarls in all directions, fans dressed in garnet and black form long lines, and laughter seems ever present.
Inside, closer to tipoff, 18,000 Gamecock faithful — known as the G-Hive — bring nonstop energy, treating game day like a cross between a holiday party and a concert for their favorite band.
Welcome to South Carolina women’s basketball.
For the opponent, the atmosphere — not to mention the Gamecocks — can be overwhelming. On this day, Oklahoma, one of eight ranked teams in the SEC, can’t find any answers. The Sooners, used to running their opponents into the ground with their fast pace, lose by 41 points. Gamecocks sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley and freshman Joyce Edwards make highlight reel plays; five SC players score in double figures.
It was the 18th win of the season for South Carolina, which hosts UConn on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC). After a 38-0 national championship season last year, the Gamecocks are looking…
