South Carolina Looks to Clean Up Rebounding and Reignite Its Frontcourt as Bowling Green Comes to Town
The second-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks wrap up their opening week of the season with a Friday night showdown against Bowling Green at Colonial Life Arena. After a dominant win over Grand Canyon, head coach Dawn Staley wants to see sharper execution, more rebounding grit, and a stronger showing from her frontcourt. Here’s what to watch as the Gamecocks take on former assistant coach Fred Chmiel’s Falcons.
1. Time for the Frontcourt to Take Over
While Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot had solid outings in Monday’s win over Grand Canyon, neither player completely dominated. Edwards finished with 13 points and five rebounds, while Okot added 12 points and four boards, drawing an impressive seven fouls in the process.
Both played well, but Staley’s squad will want to see its frontcourt take the next step. Guards Ta’Niya Latson and Tessa Johnson carried most of the scoring load, combining for 39 of South Carolina’s 94 points.
“Whoever’s got the hot streak has got the hot streak,” Edwards said. “We aren’t trying to force anything too much. It’s a good sign.”
Still, with Clemson looming next week, the Gamecocks would love to see their post duo set the tone and show just how dominant they can be inside.
2. Rebounding Remains a Concern
Despite cruising past Grand Canyon, South Carolina’s rebounding numbers raised eyebrows. The Gamecocks held just a 38-31 edge on the boards, below their usual standard. Staley made it clear this week that rebounding and defensive effort have been key points of emphasis in practice.
“It looked good,” Staley said of their recent sessions. “There’s progress. We just have to be more intentional about what we want and what we don’t want. We have to make our players aware of what’s happening out there and then hold them accountable.”
Without Chloe Kitts, Edwards will need to rebound more aggressively, while Okot — who averaged 9.6 rebounds per game at Mississippi State — is expected to control the paint. Raven Johnson led the Gamecocks with eight rebounds in the opener, an impressive number for a point guard, while Adhel Tac contributed six in just 15 minutes.
One game isn’t enough to draw big conclusions, but Staley’s team will be eager to show its trademark dominance on the glass.
3. Let It Fly From Deep
South Carolina’s perimeter shooting was sharp in the opener — 9-for-19 from three-point range (47.4%) — but Staley wants even more.
Appearing on Carolina Calls Thursday night, she revealed a specific target: “We want to make 10 threes against Bowling Green.”
Fittingly, fans attending Friday’s game will receive three-point signs to help keep count as the Gamecocks aim to hit that goal.
4. No Maddy McDaniel
Sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel is not expected to suit up after injuring her knee against Grand Canyon. McDaniel went down late in the first half after colliding with a screen and was helped off the court by Staley and trainer Craig Oates.
“Maddy’s up and moving around,” Staley said Thursday. “I doubt (she’ll play). You’ve got to have some prep day.”
At practice, McDaniel was spotted riding the bike and shooting on the side but did not participate fully. Staley said several guards will share point guard duties in her absence.
“A little bit of Tessa, a little bit of Agot (Makeer), a little bit of Ta’Niya,” she said. “Probably just a lot of our guards being on the floor. They all have taken their turns playing the point.”
5. Familiar Face Returns with Bowling Green
Friday’s matchup marks a reunion for Fred Chmiel, who spent eight years on Staley’s staff before taking over at Bowling Green in 2023. Chmiel helped guide South Carolina to two national championships and four Final Fours before building a strong program of his own in the Mid-American Conference.
His Falcons return nine players from last season’s squad, including Paige Kohler, who averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds and earned Preseason All-MAC honors. In Bowling Green’s 82-67 win over Louisiana, Kohler scored 18 points and hit 12 of 14 free throws.
Staley expects a challenge from her former assistant. “Offensively, he’s going to drive it down our throats,” she said. “He’s going to force us to play good, disciplined defense, which is something that we need. They can shoot the ball, really balanced. I see his impact.”
Game Info
Who: No. 2 South Carolina (1–0) vs. Bowling Green (1–0)
When: Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
Watch: SEC Network+
As the Gamecocks chase another strong performance to close Week 1, all eyes will be on their frontcourt — and whether Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot can deliver the dominant showing Dawn Staley knows they’re capable of.
