No. 1 Gamecocks top Hampton as star Aliyah Boston injures ankle

Nov. 27—COLUMBIA — Top-ranked South Carolina won its first home game after a four-game road trip on Sunday, but is staring into an uncertain future.

Reigning national player of the year Aliyah Boston suffered an injury to her right ankle during the second quarter of an 85-38 win over Hampton and did not return to the game.

Boston, who won nearly every individual award there was to win last year, including MVP of the Final Four when she helped lead the Gamecocks to their second national championship, shot two free throws after the injury and ran back down the court. But at the next timeout, she left the court and went directly to the locker room.

She returned to the bench during the second half with her right foot in a walking boot. If there were good signs, she didn't need crutches, and she didn't immediately leave Colonial Life Arena after the injury and head to the hospital.

Coach Dawn Staley said that Boston is questionable for the next game. Boston will get a checkup on Monday and the team will proceed from there, but Staley said the team doctor didn't seem concerned.

Assistant coach Jolette Law said on the post-game radio show that Boston told her that her ankle got twisted and she was scared a bit, but she was good.

Boston was smiling and taking pictures with fans on the court after the game.

It was a sour start to a four-game homestand.

The Gamecocks (6-0) made quick work of Hampton (2-3) with a 20-0 run in the first quarter and were on cruise control for the duration. Bree Hall and Ashlyn Watkins led the team with 14 points each and Kamilla Cardoso had 11. Cardoso also had 14 rebounds.

Laeticia Amihere started in place of Boston in the second half. She finished with seven points, two rebounds and three assists.

The Gamecocks host No. 20 UCLA on Tuesday.

Follow David Cloninger on Twitter at @DCPandC

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