COLUMBIA, SC – The No. 4/4 University of South Carolina Gamecocks are set to face the Southern California Trojans Monday night at Colonial Life Arena in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The Gamecocks (32-6), fresh off a dominant first-round victory, will look to continue their tournament run against a Southern Cal team (20-13) that presents a familiar challenge.
South Carolina’s success this season has been built on a foundation of efficiency and defensive pressure, hallmarks of head coach Dawn Staley’s tenure. The team has scored over 3,000 points this season, becoming just the third in program history to reach that milestone, and currently leads the nation in offensive points per possession (1.222). But it’s on the defensive end where the Gamecocks truly shine, allowing just 0.718 points per possession – second best in the country – and holding opponents to a stingy 34.5% shooting from the field.
A History of Rematches Under Staley
The Gamecocks have a strong track record in NCAA Tournament rematches. Under Coach Staley, South Carolina has faced a regular-season opponent again in the tournament 14 times across nine tournaments. Remarkably, in all 14 of those instances, the tournament result mirrored the outcome of the previous meeting(s). This bodes well for the Gamecocks, who defeated Southern Cal 69-52 in Los Angeles on November 15, 2023, during a neutral site game as part of “The Real SC” series. The Gamecocks overcame early hot shooting from the Trojans, taking a lead into halftime and extending it with a 48.6% shooting percentage in the second half. Joyce Edwards led all scorers with 17 points in that contest.
Edwards and Johnson Leading the Charge
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards has been a consistent force for South Carolina throughout the postseason, averaging 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists – all at or above her season averages. Her shooting efficiency has also increased, connecting on 61.5% of her field goal attempts in SEC and NCAA Tournament games. Junior guard Tessa Johnson has also found her rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting 47.6% from three-point range over the last four games. Her ability to stretch the floor will be crucial against a Southern Cal defense looking to contain the Gamecocks’ inside presence.
Bench Production and Senior Sendoff
South Carolina’s depth has been a key factor in their postseason success. The Gamecocks’ bench is contributing an average of 19.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Agot Makeer leads the bench in scoring with 7.8 points per game on an impressive 59.1% shooting, even as Alicia Tournebize is grabbing 6.7 rebounds per game. Monday’s game carries added significance as it marks the final home appearance for seniors Maryam Dauda, Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, and Madina Okot. Raven Johnson, in particular, has had a remarkable career at Colonial Life Arena, leading the Gamecocks to a 65-1 record in her four seasons.
Statistical Milestones Within Reach
Beyond the team’s overall success, several individual Gamecocks are on the verge of reaching significant milestones. Senior Raven Johnson needs just seven points to reach 1,000 career points. Saturday’s first-round game also saw several players climb the program’s single-season record lists: Edwards now ranks fifth in 20-point games (20) and field goals made (278), while Johnson is fifth in assists (188) and third in career assists (598). Tessa Johnson is fifth in made three-pointers (83), and Madina Okot is fourth in single-season defensive rebounds (242).
Defensive Prowess of Raven Johnson
A significant component of South Carolina’s defensive success is the play of senior point guard Raven Johnson. Named the 2026 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Johnson is a disruptive force, consistently impacting opponents’ offensive flow. According to Synergy Sports, she ranks second nationally in defensive impact, lowering the Gamecocks’ points allowed to just 10.9 per 100 possessions. Opponents score 0.764 points per possession when Johnson is on the court, compared to 0.842 when she’s on the bench. Her ability to limit opponents’ shooting percentages – holding teams to 39.7% overall and 28.8% from three-point range when she’s in the game – is a testament to her defensive acumen. As the primary defender against 13 All-SEC selections this season, Johnson allowed just 0.663 points per possession and 32.4% shooting.
The Gamecocks will need to maintain this defensive intensity against a Southern Cal team looking to advance in the tournament. The winner of Monday’s game will move on to the Sweet Sixteen. Further tournament information, including bracket updates and schedules, can be found on the official NCAA website.
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