Dawn Staley Reflects on Oklahoma Loss, Insights for Gamecocks’ Future

South Carolina women’s basketball, led by head coach Dawn Staley, faced a challenging defeat against Oklahoma on January 21, 2026. The No. 2 ranked Gamecocks lost 94-82 in overtime to the No. 16 ranked Sooners. This marked only their second loss of the season, bringing their record to 19-2 with a 5-1 SEC standing.

Dawn Staley Reflects on the Loss

Following the game, Staley acknowledged that her team struggled under pressure. She stated, “Basketball is incredibly easy. If you can play to what people do naturally, you’re gonna be pretty successful.” However, the Gamecocks exhibited challenges that led to their downfall, particularly in the overtime period where Oklahoma surged ahead.

Critical Moments of the Game

• South Carolina rallied with an 8-0 run late in the game, taking a brief two-point lead.
• Oklahoma equalized at 75-75, forcing the game into overtime.
• Aaliyah Chavez from Oklahoma scored 15 points during the overtime period, securing the win.

Key players included Raven Johnson, who scored 16 points but struggled to make a final shot when given the opportunity. Staley expressed her desire for Johnson to “playmake” in crucial moments of the game.

Performance Analysis

The Gamecocks faced difficulties in rebounding, with Oklahoma dominating the boards 54-39. The Sooners effectively outscored South Carolina 50-38 in the paint. Raegan Beers led Oklahoma with a solid performance, contributing 18 points and 14 rebounds despite her foul trouble.

Staley pointed out several defensive shortcomings, stating, “We didn’t box out. We gave up too many transition baskets.” She noted that fatigue might have played a role in their performance decline, leading to uncontested layups and poor defensive habits.

Looking Ahead for the Gamecocks

In the wake of their recent loss, Staley and her coaching staff have engaged in candid discussions with the team about their performance. The focus will now shift to enhancing post play and improving decision-making among the guards.

The Gamecocks are set to face a formidable opponent next: the undefeated No. 5 ranked Vanderbilt, on January 23, 2026. Staley emphasized, “We need more from a lot of different people.” The team is committed to making the necessary adjustments to rebound from this loss and continue their pursuit of success.