Women’s Basketball Team Heads to Coppin State on Sunday
On Sunday, January 18, the No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team will travel to Coppin State for a noon tipoff at PEC Arena. The matchup will be available for streaming on ESPN.
Gamecocks’ Performance Overview
South Carolina boasts a strong record of 192 wins and 36 losses in non-conference regular-season games under coach Dawn Staley. The team has achieved an impressive 45-13 record on the road. Notably, the Gamecocks are undefeated, 27-0, against historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) since Staley’s tenure began in the 2008-09 season.
This marks the 15th season South Carolina has played at least one HBCU, and the 14th year in which it hosted a regular-season game against such opponents. Previous encounters include three NCAA Tournament games and several road matchups against teams like Hampton and Savannah State.
Offensive and Defensive Strengths
- South Carolina ranks third nationally with a .515 field goal percentage.
- The Gamecocks average 54.3 percent shooting in non-conference play.
- The team excels defensively, ranking 12th in scoring defense, allowing only 54.2 points per game.
- South Carolina also ranks fourth in the nation in blocked shots, averaging 6.6 per game.
Key Players to Watch
Joyce Edwards is a standout player, currently a candidate for National Player of the Year. She averages 20.3 points per game, ranking 14th nationally. In addition, her rebounding has improved, making her one of the top performers in the SEC with 6.4 rebounds per game.
Senior point guard Raven Johnson continues to be instrumental for the Gamecocks, contributing 10.2 points and 6 assists per game. She ranks fifth all-time in program history for career assists.
By the Numbers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Fast Break Points Per Game | 23.4 |
| Consecutive AP Top 10 Rankings | 127 |
Coppin State Series History
The Gamecocks opened their series with Coppin State with a convincing 92-60 victory on November 14, 2024. In that game, both Edwards and Maryam Dauda scored 10 points in their Gamecock debuts.
Paint Dominance
South Carolina continues to excel in scoring in the paint, with 55.5 percent of their total points coming from that area. The team averages 49.2 points inside, showcasing their strength in this crucial segment of play. Their current +27.2 points advantage in the paint over opponents highlights their dominance.
Looking Ahead
As the team prepares to face Coppin State, they aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their standing in this season’s campaign. The Gamecocks’ performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, particularly in their pursuit of additional wins against HBCUs.
