Dawn Staley Addresses Tessa Johnson’s Injury Departure in Latest Game
The South Carolina Gamecocks faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a significant women’s basketball matchup on February 5, 2026. During the game, junior guard Tessa Johnson experienced an injury and did not return for the second half. Despite being crucial in the first half with three points and three rebounds in 15 minutes, Johnson’s health took precedence given the team’s commanding lead.
Dawn Staley Comments on Tessa Johnson’s Departure
Head coach Dawn Staley addressed Johnson’s situation post-game. She described Johnson as “banged up” and confirmed that the coaching staff decided to rest her to prevent aggravating the injury. Staley said, “We afforded ourselves to get a big lead and not putting her in a situation where she could hurt herself more. She’s just a little sore.” The Gamecocks led 38-22 at halftime and eventually won by 43 points.
Upcoming Challenges and Player Health
South Carolina is preparing for an upcoming game against the Tennessee Volunteers, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8. Staley expressed hope for Johnson’s return, indicating the importance of keeping her healthy for future games.
- Tessa Johnson’s statistics this season highlight her strong performance:
- Average points per game: 14.1
- Field goal percentage: 48.3%
- 3-point percentage: 45.9%
- Effective field goal percentage: 61.2%
In addition to Johnson’s injury, South Carolina was also missing players Ta’Niya Latson and Agot Makeer due to lower leg injuries. Their absence has posed challenges for the team, as both players have missed consecutive games. When asked about their potential return for the game against Tennessee, Staley humorously noted that Latson remains questionable, having been listed as out prior to the Mississippi State matchup.
The Gamecocks, despite the setbacks, continue to demonstrate resilience and aim to maintain their strong performance heading into the next game.
