Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team closes out its regular season Sunday afternoon with a road matchup against the No. 16/18 Kentucky Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET and the game will be streamed on SECN+, offering fans a chance to watch the No. 3/3 Gamecocks in action as they prepare for postseason play. This contest marks the final regular-season game for a South Carolina team that has consistently dominated in the paint and disrupted opponents with its tenacious defense.
South Carolina enters the game with a strong offensive identity, averaging 47.3 points in the paint per game, the second-highest total in the nation. That figure jumps to 42.1 points per game within SEC contests and 42.0 against ranked opponents, demonstrating their ability to consistently score inside. The Gamecocks are remarkably efficient in the paint, shooting 62.0 percent while limiting opponents to just 42.1 percent accuracy. This interior dominance has been a hallmark of their success throughout the season.
Individually, the Gamecocks boast three players among the SEC’s top 10 in field goal percentage: Joyce Edwards (.599), who ranks ninth nationally, Madina Okot (.594), who is 14th in the country, and Ta’Niya Latson (49.8 percent), seventh in the SEC. This shooting prowess is complemented by a disruptive defense that ranks second in the NCAA in field goal percentage defense (.337). Opponents struggle to identify their rhythm against South Carolina, hitting just 39.1 percent of their shots and averaging only 64.7 points per game.
Gamecocks’ Efficient Offense and Ball Movement
The Gamecocks’ offensive efficiency extends beyond scoring in the paint. Point guards Raven Johnson and Maddy McDaniel have proven to be exceptional facilitators, holding the top two spots in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio during conference play. McDaniel leads the league with a ratio of 3.2, while Johnson is close behind at 3.1. Johnson’s season-long assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.5 is second in the SEC and fourth nationally, highlighting her ability to distribute the ball effectively while minimizing mistakes.
South Carolina’s starting guards – Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, and Ta’Niya Latson – are all experiencing career seasons in terms of shooting efficiency. Tessa Johnson leads the team with 1.1 points per possession, fueled by her SEC-best 45.5 percent shooting from three-point range, which ranks ninth in the nation. Raven Johnson’s senior year has been particularly productive, with career-highs of 10.0 points and 5.4 assists per game. These numbers account for 25.4 percent of the Gamecocks’ total offense, a figure that rises to 31.3 percent against ranked opponents.
Freshmen Stepping Up
The Gamecocks’ freshman class has similarly begun to make a significant impact, particularly during the challenging SEC schedule. Over the last five games, four of which were against ranked opponents, the trio of freshmen have averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, each playing at least 12.4 minutes. This increased contribution from the younger players bodes well for the team’s depth and potential for continued success.
Series History and Road Success
South Carolina holds a commanding 42-35 lead in the all-time series against Kentucky, including a 26-11 record during the Dawn Staley era, which began in the 2008-09 season. The Gamecocks have won the last five meetings and 11 of the last 12 contests. Last season, on March 2, 2025, then-No. 6 South Carolina defeated then-No. 15 Kentucky 78-66 in Columbia, led by 16 points from Tessa Johnson. The Gamecocks built a nine-point halftime lead by shooting 55.9 percent in the first half and maintained control in the second.
The Gamecocks are historically strong on the road, boasting an all-time record of 328-264 (.554). Under head coach Dawn Staley, they have been even more dominant away from home, with a record of 154-49 (.759), giving her the best road winning percentage in program history. In SEC road games specifically, the Gamecocks are 107-35 (.754) during Staley’s tenure.
Efficiency and Key Stats
Efficiency is a key focus for South Carolina on both ends of the court. They rank third in the NCAA in field goal percentage (.512) and second in field goal percentage defense (.337). The Gamecocks lead the nation in offensive points per possession (1.218) and are second in defensive points per possession (0.709), per Synergy. Individually, Joyce Edwards is tied for the program record with nine 20-point games against SEC teams this season. The Gamecocks also boast a +15.4 scoring margin against ranked opponents. Madina Okot currently ranks third in the nation with 19 double-doubles, including an NCAA-best six against ranked opponents.
The Gamecocks have also found success pushing the pace, scoring at least 100 points in a program-record eight games this season, surpassing the six 100-point games from the 2023-24 season. Two of those games came in SEC play, including a program-record 112 points against Missouri on February 26, which was the third-most points scored in a conference game in SEC history.
Following Sunday’s game at Kentucky, the Gamecocks will await their seeding and opponent for the upcoming SEC Tournament, scheduled to begin March 6 in Greenville, South Carolina. The tournament will provide a crucial test as the team prepares for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can find the latest updates and bracket information on the official South Carolina Athletics website.
The team’s success this season has been built on a combination of strong individual performances, efficient offense, and disruptive defense. As they head into the postseason, the Gamecocks will look to continue their winning ways and make a strong push for a national championship.
