COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Lady Tigers were no match for one of the best women's basketball teams in the country, as the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks cruised to a 120-49 victory on Sunday afternoon in an exhibition game.

The Lady Gamecocks, ranked in the top five in multiple preseason polls and ranked as high as No. 2 in one poll, forced 31 Benedict turnovers and blocked 12 shots.

"We knew talent-wise, we couldn't match them, but I expected us to compete," Benedict coach James Rice said. "What I took away from it was we have to step up our game. You have to play with a sense of urgency. You have to work to get open. You have to do the little things."

South Carolina jumped to a 35-13 lead after the first quarter and had a 72-23 lead at the half.

Michala Robinson led Benedict with nine points. Zairra Harris and Destiny Betts each had eight points. Betts led Benedict with eight rebounds.

Mikiah Herbert Harrigan led USC with 23 points. A'ja Wilson, a candidate for the national player of the year, scored 22 points, hitting 10-of-11 shots. Kaela Davis added 20 points.

"They're a great team," Rice said about the Lady Gamecocks. "I'm trying to get our young ladies to that level. It's going to take a whole lot. As long as they stay positive, I think they can do that."

The Lady Tigers, ranked 15^th nationally in the Division II preseason poll, open the season on Saturday at Virginia Union University.