The charges against suspended South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins were dismissed

On Aug. 31, Watkins was charged with assault and kidnapping.  Since then, she has been suspended from her college basketball team. She did not accompany her teammates to the White House in September to be honored by President Biden for their national championship.

The charges against Watkins were dismissed on Nov. 1.  There was no immediate word on whether her suspension would be lifted. In Las Vegas, the top-ranked Gamecocks beat Michigan 68-62 in a game that was closer than expected.  Their next test will be against No. 9 NC State in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday.

Watkins was a big factor in South Carolina's 38-0 national title season. The 6-foot-3 forward led the Southeastern Conference with 91 blocks. She averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds a game.

Without Watkins, South Carolina had to adjust their defensive strategy, particularly in the paint, where her shot-blocking ability was sorely missed. The team struggled to contain Michigan's inside game, which contributed to the closer-than-expected scoreline. Her absence also meant that other players had to step up to fill the gap in rebounding and scoring, altering the usual rotation and game plan.  Hopefully she will return soon for the repeat tour.