Women’s Hoops Prepares for Top-20 Road Trip Challenge

The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, is set for a challenging road game against No. 16 Oklahoma. The highly anticipated matchup will take place on January 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN.

Gamecock Highlights and Statistics

South Carolina has demonstrated impressive performance against ranked opponents in recent seasons. The Gamecocks hold an 8-2 record on the road against ranked teams over the past five years and have secured 22 wins in the last decade under similar conditions.

In conference play, they lead the SEC in scoring defense, limiting opponents to just 57.2 points per game. They also rank second in field goal percentage defense, with a shooting percentage allowed of 34.6, placing them closely behind Oklahoma’s 33.9 percent.

Rebounding and Defensive Strength

• The Gamecocks are first in the SEC for rebounding margin at +11.2.
• They average 45.2 rebounds per game, trailing only Oklahoma.
• South Carolina excels defensively, leading the conference with 6.8 blocks per game.

All players have contributed defensively, with guards averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Joyce Edwards, a candidate for national player of the year, stands out with an average of 20.6 points per game, ranking 14th nationally.

Key Players and Performance Metrics

Several Gamecocks have showcased standout statistics this season:

• Joyce Edwards: 20.6 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game.
• Raven Johnson: 9.9 points per game, 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking fifth nationally.
• Madina Okot: Averages a double-double with 12.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Additionally, reserve players such as Maddy McDaniel and Agot Makeer have made significant contributions. McDaniel leads the SEC with a 5.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, while Makeer averages 7.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in SEC play.

Historical Context and Recent Meetings

Historically, South Carolina has faced Oklahoma five times, holding a 2-3 record. The Gamecocks are 2-1 against the Sooners since the onset of the Dawn Staley era. Their latest victory against Oklahoma came during the 2025 SEC Tournament, where South Carolina won 93-75.

The most recent regular-season encounter occurred on January 19, 2025, where the Gamecocks dominated, winning 101-60. Despite their historical challenges, these recent performances show a shift in dominance.

Player Development and Growth

Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, who previously led the nation in scoring, joined South Carolina to enhance her game. Latson’s ability to contribute effectively has allowed her to post a career-best .610 effective field goal percentage.

Freshman guard Agot Makeer has also shown promise. Ranked sixth in her class, Makeer averages 6.5 points and 4.7 rebounds, improving her performance in SEC games.

As the Gamecocks prepare for this top-20 road trip challenge against Oklahoma, they aim to maintain their strong start and continue their pursuit of excellence in the SEC.