Women’s Basketball Team Faces Coppin State This Sunday

South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, ranked No. 2/2, will compete against Coppin State this Sunday, January 18, at PEC Arena. The game is set for a noon tipoff and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Game Details and Statistics

Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has a remarkable record of 192-36 in non-conference regular-season games. Their performance includes a strong away record of 45-13. The Gamecocks have consistently excelled against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), boasting an unbeaten record of 27-0 since Staley took charge in the 2008-09 season. This matchup marks the 15th time South Carolina has faced an HBCU team in a season.

Offensive and Defensive Performance

• South Carolina ranks third nationally in offensive efficiency with a .515 field goal percentage.
• In non-conference play, the team has shot 54.3% from the field.
• The defense is equally impressive, ranking 12th in scoring defense, allowing 54.2 points per game.
• With 6.6 blocked shots per game, the Gamecocks are fourth in the nation in that category.

Player Highlights

Joyce Edwards, a National Player of the Year candidate, leads the Gamecocks. She averages 20.3 points per game, ranking 14th in the nation, and boasts a field goal percentage of .592. Notably, she is contributing significantly in rebounds, steals, and assists, establishing herself as a key player in multiple statistical categories.

Senior point guard Raven Johnson continues to be an integral part of the team. This season, she averages 10.2 points and ranks fifth in the SEC for shooting percentage during conference games. Johnson has recently entered fifth place in South Carolina’s career assists list with 510 assists.

By the Numbers

• 5 – Johnson’s ranking in career assists for South Carolina.
• 23.4 – Average fast break points per game, ranking second nationally.
• 127 – Consecutive weeks South Carolina has been ranked in the AP top 10, the longest active streak.

Previous Matchup and Series History

The Gamecocks previously faced Coppin State on November 14, 2024, securing a 92-60 victory. During that game, both Joyce Edwards and Maryam Dauda contributed 10 points in their debut season. South Carolina displayed offensive prowess, shooting 51.5% overall.

Paint Production Dominance

This season, South Carolina continues to dominate inside the paint. They score 55.5% of their points within this area, ranking second in the nation with an average of 49.2 paint points per game. Their superior efficiency, shooting 62.3% in the paint compared to opponents’ 40.6%, highlights their control of the game.

Emerging Talent

Sophomore point guard Maddy McDaniel, also known as “Mighty Mouse,” has emerged as a valuable contributor from the bench. She leads the SEC with a 5.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, averaging 3.0 assists in her outings this season.

As the Gamecocks prepare for their matchup against Coppin State, all eyes will be on their ability to extend their outstanding performance and maintain their impressive season record.