Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the latest South Carolina women’s basketball game, you're missing the most dominant show in sports right now. It's not just that they win. It's how they do it. Dawn Staley has built a machine in Columbia that feels less like a college team and more like a professional developmental program.
On January 11, 2026, the Gamecocks took care of business against Georgia with a 65-43 win. It wasn't the highest-scoring affair we've seen from this group, but it moved them to a staggering 17-1 on the season. That lone blemish? A two-point heartbreaker against Texas back in November. But the revenge tour is already scheduled. In fact, by the time you're reading this, the massive rematch against No. 2 Texas at Colonial Life Arena might already be the talk of the town.
The Joyce Edwards Era is Officially Here
We need to talk about Joyce Edwards.
She’s a sophomore now, but she plays like a ten-year vet.
Basically, she’s a cheat code.
Currently averaging 21.1 points and over 6 rebounds per game, Edwards has become the focal point of an offense that averages over 90 points a night. Most people thought the departure of Kamilla Cardoso and the 2024 class would create a "rebuilding" year.
Wrong.
Staley doesn't rebuild; she reloads. Watching a South Carolina women’s basketball game in 2026 means watching a faster, more perimeter-oriented attack than in years past. While the "Freshies" era was defined by bruising post play, this current squad relies on the lightning-fast backcourt of Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson. Raven is still the "Point Gawd," dishing out 5.5 assists per game, while Tessa has turned into one of the most lethal shooters in the country, knocking down nearly 2.5 threes per contest.
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New Faces, Same Dominance
One of the biggest surprises of this season has been the immediate impact of the transfers and freshmen.
Ta'Niya Latson, who came over from Florida State, has been a revelation.
She brings a scoring punch that makes it impossible for defenses to double-team Edwards.
Then there’s Madina Okot.
The 6-foot-5 senior has filled the rim-protector role beautifully, averaging a double-double with 15.1 points and 11.4 rebounds. When you watch a South Carolina women’s basketball game, notice how the opponent's guards stop dead in their tracks when they see Okot in the paint. It’s a psychological advantage that few teams in the SEC can match.
Why the SEC Schedule is a Gauntlet This Year
The SEC isn't what it used to be—it's deeper. With Texas and Oklahoma now fully integrated into the conference, the path to a regular-season title is much steeper. Every single South Carolina women’s basketball game in conference play feels like a heavyweight fight.
Just look at the upcoming slate:
- Texas (Jan 15): The rematch everyone has circled.
- Oklahoma (Jan 22): A dangerous road test in Norman.
- LSU (Feb 14): A Valentine’s Day massacre in Baton Rouge? Maybe.
- Tennessee (Feb 8): The Lady Vols are always a tough out, regardless of the records.
The loss to Texas earlier in the year was a wake-up call. It broke a massive winning streak, but in a weird way, it might have been the best thing for them. It proved they are human. It gave Dawn Staley the "teaching moments" she always talks about. Since that loss, the Gamecocks have been winning by an average margin of 37 points. That is pure, unadulterated dominance.
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The Alicia Tournebize Factor
There’s a name you might not know yet: Alicia Tournebize.
She’s a 6-foot-7 freshman from France who joined the team mid-season.
Think about that.
The best team in the country just added a 6-foot-7 FIBA star in January.
She hasn't logged massive minutes yet, but her presence at practice and her potential to stretch the floor changes the geometry of the game. Most teams struggle to find one reliable post player. South Carolina has a stable of them. When you go to a South Carolina women’s basketball game at Colonial Life Arena, the energy changes the moment she checks in. It’s a glimpse into the future of the program.
Defensive Masterclass
We talk a lot about the scoring, but the defense is where the rings are won.
Opponents are shooting a miserable 31.9% from the field against the Gamecocks this year.
That's not just "good defense."
That is "get that shot out of here" defense.
Between Okot’s shot-blocking and Raven Johnson’s ability to pick-pocket guards at half-court, the Gamecocks turn defense into offense faster than anyone in the NCAA. They are currently leading the nation in fast-break points. If you turn the ball over against them, the ball is through the hoop before you can even get back on defense.
How to Follow the Rest of the Season
If you're looking to catch a South Carolina women’s basketball game, you've got to be quick with tickets. Colonial Life Arena is averaging over 15,000 fans per game, leading the nation once again. The "FAMS" (as Staley calls the fans) are a legitimate factor. They make the arena a literal fortress.
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For those watching from home, the schedule is mostly on ESPN and the SEC Network. The February 14th clash at LSU is expected to be one of the most-watched regular-season games in the history of the sport. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural event.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to attend or follow the team closely, here’s how to get the most out of the experience:
- Arrive Early for Warmups: Dawn Staley’s pre-game routine and the team’s energy during warmups tell you everything you need to know about their mindset for the day.
- Watch the Bench: The Gamecocks' bench is often as talented as most teams' starters. Keep an eye on Maddy McDaniel and Agot Makeer; their development is the key to a deep March run.
- Track the NET Rankings: As of mid-January, South Carolina is neck-and-neck with UConn and Texas for the top spot. Every blowout win helps solidify that #1 overall seed for the tournament.
- Check the Availability Report: With players like Ashlyn Watkins coming back from injury and mid-season additions like Tournebize, the rotation is constantly shifting.
The road to the 2026 Final Four clearly runs through Columbia. Whether they can finish the job this time—after the 2025 title game loss to UConn—is the only question left. But based on the way they’ve handled the SEC so far, I wouldn't bet against Dawn Staley.
Check the local broadcast listings for the Texas game tonight at 7:00 PM EST. It’s going to be a loud one at the Colonial Life Arena. Be sure to follow the live stats on the official Gamecocks Athletics website if you can't get to a TV, as the scoring runs happen in the blink of an eye.
The hunt for a fourth national title is officially in high gear.