Columbia, S.C.- The UNCG women's basketball team (1-1) traveled to No. 2 South Carolina (2-0) where it was dealt its first loss of the 2015-16 season. The Gamecocks outscored UNCG 92-44 but Lucy Mason (Stone Mountain, Ga./Chamblee Charter) led all scorers with a game-high 20 points.

The Spartans held their own in the first period. A three-pointer from Shanese Harris (Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch) ignited a spark in the Spartans brining the game within one, 13-12, with 4:09 to play in the opening frame. The Gamecocks slowing pulled away to lead 27-16 at the break.

UNCG was outscored 26-9 in the second half with USC scoring 16 of its points in the paint. The Gamecocks headed into the locker room with a 53-25 lead.

UNCG shot 34.6 percent from the field and was led by Mason with 11 points in the first half. South Carolina shot an impressive 54.1 percent from the field and outrebounded the Spartans 24-14.

The Spartans scored just nine points in the third frame and trailed 80-34 entering the fourth period. UNCG was slightly edged by USC 12-10 in the final ten minutes for a 92-44 final.

UNCG shot 25.8 percent from the field overall and pulled down 36 rebounds. India Timpton (Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park) and Harris paved the way with six a piece. Two Gamecocks had double-double performances as the team shot 52.2 percent from the floor. A'ja Wilson had 19 points and 10 rebounds while Sarah Imovbioh had 14 points and 11 boards. Two other Gamecocks scored in double figures.

Despite Sunday's loss, UNCG still leads the all-time series between the two teams. The Spartans are 4-3 all-time but 0-2 in the two most recent matchups.

Sunday's game was the first time UNCG had played a top-25 opponent since the Spartans went head-to-head with No. 23 Florida State December 22, 2013. Last time UNCG played a team ranked inside the top-5 was No. 3 Ohio State November 25, 2009.

UNCG returns to the hardwood Wednesday, November 18, when the Spartans host Francis Marion at 7 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.