No. 1 South Carolina tops Central Michigan 80-45

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tiffany Mitchell scored 18 points despite a bloody nose as No. 1 South Carolina cruised past Central Michigan 80-45 on Saturday.

The reigning Southeastern Conference player of year took a hit to the nose with about six minutes left in the first half. After a brief delay, she returned to finish with five steals and four rebounds.

Crystal Bradford, the reigning Mid-American Conference Player of the year, scored 20 points for Central Michigan (4-4).

Alaina Coates had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for South Carolina. Aleighsa Welch added 12 points.

The Gamecocks will face Liberty in the tournament final on Sunday.