Dec. 08, 2024 21:25 PM EST

Ashlyn Watkins Now Has A Dunk In Each Of Her 3 Seasons With South Carolina Women

TCU guard Agnes Emma-Nnopu looks to make a pass as South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley, center, and Ashlyn Watkins (2) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Tony Gutierrez, ASSOCIATED PRESS
TCU guard Agnes Emma-Nnopu looks to make a pass as South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley, center, and Ashlyn Watkins (2) defend in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
TCU center Sedona Prince, right, works for a shot as South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins defends in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
TCU center Sedona Prince (13) works to collect a rebound against South Carolina's Chloe Kitts (21) and Ashlyn Watkins (2) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Ashlyn Watkins now has a dunk in each of her three seasons with third-ranked South Carolina.

The 6-foot-3 junior forward got her latest on Sunday night in an 85-52 win over ninth-ranked TCU. After a steal from Madison Conner past midcourt, Watkins took the ball the other way and dunked with her right hand ahead of 6-7 forward Sedona Prince trying to catch up to defend the shot.

“She actually was at shootaround today dunking and missing, and then she makes a play like that,” coach Dawn Staley said. “She cleared her runway, she got to the left side of the floor, and I knew she was going to attempt it.”

There was quite a reaction from the crowd in the neutral-site game only about 3 1/2 miles from the TCU campus.

“The place exploded, our bench exploded,” Staley said. “And I think it’s great for our game.”

As a freshman two seasons ago, Watkins became the first player in program history with a dunk in a game against Clemson. She had the first in the Gamecocks home arena last season after a steal against Kentucky and going the length of the court.

Watkins arrived at South Carolina already known for her dunks. She won the dunk contest at the McDonald’s All-American competition.

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