Kaela Davis, Allisha Gray steal the show in South Carolina’s win over Ohio State

Dawn Staley brought Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray into the fold of the South Carolina Gamecocks basketball team in hopes that they would help carry the squad towards their goal of a national championship, especially in the absence of Tiffany Mitchell. So far, so good.

The junior transfers were on top of their game on Monday night, combining for 61 points and 17 rebounds in the fourth-ranked Gamecocks’ 92-80 win over #7 Ohio State in Columbus. The former #2 and #7 recruits in the country took the reigns after an off night for A’ja Wilson (five points, three rebounds in 16 minutes, fouled out with 3:36 remaining). Alaina Coates was the only other Gamecock in double figures (10 points, 13 boards) as Carolina shook off 17 turnovers to grab a big road win in the season opener.

Kelsey Mitchell led the way for Ohio State with 27 points, but her big night was overshadowed by the Gamecocks’ newcomers. Davis was good for 37 points on 10-21 shooting (4-6 from behind the arc) and was 13-16 from the stripe. Gray dropped in 24 points on 10-18 shooting and added seven rebounds to the effort.

The Gamecocks are off until Sunday, when they face Hampton at 3pm in Colonial Life Arena.