MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- 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.

South Carolina led 37-24 at the half. The team shot 51 percent from the field to 31 percent for the Chippewas.

The win lifts the Gamecocks to their best start in program history at 11-0, one win from tying the school record for consecutive victories in a season.

UNDEFEATED

No. 3 Texas (9-0) and No. 4 Texas A&M (11-0) join the Gamecocks as the only undefeated top-10 teams. If South Carolina wins on Sunday, they'll be one of two as the Longhorns and Aggies tipoff in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

TIP-INS

South Carolina: Despite turning the ball over 12 times in the first half, the Gamecocks took a 37-22 lead by scoring all but six of the first 30 points in the paint. Mitchell led a flurry of fastbreak layups, while 6-foot-5-inch A'ja Wilson used her height to score 12 points off the bench.

Central Michigan: Bradford made as many field goals (5) as the rest of her teammates heading into intermission.

UP NEXT

South Carolina: Faces Liberty on Sunday in final of tournament.

Central Michigan: Faces host Minnesota on Sunday.