Gamecocks Face Top-25 Showdown in SEC Opener

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No. 3 nationally, are gearing up for their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener against the 24th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The game is set for January 1 at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Life Arena.

Game Day Details

• Doors Open: 1 p.m. (12:30 p.m. for Fast Break Pass holders)
• Promotion: Rally Towels

Current Season Overview

The Gamecocks hold an impressive 13-1 record this season, guided by Head Coach Dawn Staley. Joyce Edwards leads the team with an average of 21.4 points per game, while Madina Okot tops the rebounds with 11.2 per game.

Alabama Crimson Tide Insights

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kristy Curry, Alabama features Jessica Timmons as their top scorer, averaging 15.5 points per game, and Karly Weathers, who averages 6.1 rebounds.

Gamecock Historical Performance

In the Staley era, South Carolina has a 12-5 record in SEC openers. The team has won their last three league debuts. Staley’s 214 SEC regular-season victories rank third in the conference’s history, only behind Pat Summitt and Andy Landers.

Notable Statistics

• South Carolina’s bench has averaged 22.0 points per game over the last five outings, an increase from 15.9 earlier in the season.
• The Gamecocks are ranked second nationally with a .543 field goal percentage.
• All five starters average double figures against ranked teams this season, with Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson leading at 15.0 points each.
• Madina Okot has recorded 10 double-doubles, the highest in the SEC, ranking fifth nationally for field goal percentage at .645.

Series History Against Alabama

South Carolina leads the all-time series against Alabama 33-15, including a strong 16-5 record at home. Under Staley’s reign since 2008-09, the Gamecocks are a perfect 23-0 against the Crimson Tide. Last season, they won decisively, 76-58.

Performance Against Ranked Teams

South Carolina’s record against ranked opponents stands at 134-72 since the 2008-09 season, with a notable 79-33 mark post-2014-15. This season they have a 2-1 record against ranked foes.

Upcoming Schedule Challenges

The Gamecocks face a rigorous schedule featuring 12 games against current top-25 teams, aiming to solidify their standing in the NET rankings, where they currently sit at second place.

Dominance in the Paint

South Carolina excels in scoring from the paint, contributing to 57.4 percent of their total points. They are second in the nation in paint points per game and have achieved a record of 74 paint points in two consecutive matchups.