Women’s Basketball Team Travels to Florida
The No. 3-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team is set to face off against Florida this Sunday, January 4, at 2 p.m. This matchup will be broadcasted on the SEC Network, marking the Gamecocks’ first SEC road game of the season.
Gamecock Performance Highlights
Under head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks boast a 101-34 record in SEC road games. This success is attributed to their defensive strategy and offensive efficiency. The team ranks highly in several national statistics:
- Shot-blocking rate: 15.8% of opponents’ 2-point attempts
- Field goal percentage allowed: .320, ranking fifth in the nation
- Steals: 9.4 steals per game, the highest average in Staley’s era
- Field goal percentage: .540, second in the nation
All five of the Gamecocks’ regular starters are hitting over 50% in shooting this season. Madina Okot at .623 and Joyce Edwards at .618 lead the SEC, ranking 10th and 12th nationally.
Key Player Performances
Raven Johnson, the senior point guard, is enjoying a standout season. She averages 9.5 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 51.9%, and a notable 39.5% from beyond the arc. In her recent game against SEC rivals, she scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
Joyce Edwards is making a significant impact in her sophomore season. The forward ranks 10th in the nation in scoring with 21.7 points per game and holds a field goal percentage of .618. Her defensive contributions include 1.5 blocks and 2.0 steals per game.
Madina Okot continues to excel as a center, ranking second in double-doubles (10), eighth in rebounds per game (11.1), and tenth in field goal percentage. She has scored double figures in 13 of 14 games this season.
Recent Trends and Statistics
In the last two games, freshman Agot Makeer has shown improvement, averaging 9.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. She made her first career start recently and performed commendably.
Key statistics revealing South Carolina’s efficiency include:
- 1.05 points per possession (second nationally)
- 26.4 fast break points per game (second nationally)
- 60.8% of shots taken from the paint
Historical Context Against Florida
The Gamecocks maintain a dominant lead in the all-time series against Florida, holding a 25-10 record. Under Staley, the team has won 17 consecutive meetings and possesses a 13-8 record in Gainesville. In their previous clash, South Carolina secured a 101-63 victory, with Edwards scoring a career-high 28 points in just under 20 minutes.
Looking Ahead
The Gamecocks have demonstrated resilience and strong performance on the road, with a 321-263 overall record and a 147-48 mark under Staley’s leadership. As they prepare for the game in Florida, the team seeks to extend their winning streak and demonstrate their prowess in SEC play.
