No. 1 South Carolina avoids major upset in 68-62 win over Michigan [Video]

The defending national champions who went undefeated last season are starting off a new season with a “W”.

LAS VEGAS — Chloe Kitts had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Tessa Johnson scored 15 points as top-ranked South Carolina defeated scrappy Michigan 68-62 on Monday night in the Hall of Fame Series.

Joyce Edwards added 10 points for South Carolina, which won the national championship last season.

Syla Swords led Michigan with 27 points and 12 rebounds and Jordan Hobbs had 19 points.

South Carolina, which was favored by 21 1/2 points at BetMGM Sportsbook, was pushed in the season opener for both teams. Michigan tried to become the first team since Big Ten Conference rival Iowa in 2023 national semifinals to beat the Gamecocks.

Michigan got to within 64-62 with 22 seconds left, but South Carolina held on from there.

Though the Gamecocks return nine of 11 players, one …