Gamecocks Dominate Anderson 112–31 in Exhibition as Newcomers Shine and Veterans Impress
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina women’s basketball team looked every bit like a title contender again as they rolled past Division II Anderson, 112–31, in an exhibition matchup — their first taste of live competition since falling to UConn in last April’s national championship game.
With an infusion of fresh talent and familiar faces returning, Coach Dawn Staley’s squad showed depth, speed, and cohesion in the blowout victory at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks shot 53% from the field and 22.2% from three, led by Joyce Edwards’ 27 points, Madina Okot’s 17-point double-double, and freshman Agot Makeer’s 16-point debut.
Here are three key takeaways from the exhibition opener for the 2025–26 Gamecocks.
1. Madina Okot Adds a New Dimension to South Carolina’s Frontcourt
At 6-foot-6, transfer center Madina Okot showcased the athleticism and versatility that Coach Staley had been hinting at all offseason. Unlike traditional post players, Okot demonstrated rare mobility for her size — handling the ball, running the floor, and finishing through contact.
On one highlight play, Okot grabbed a rebound, dribbled coast-to-coast, and powered through a defender for a layup — a glimpse of how dynamic she can be.
“I’m glad we have her,” Staley said after the game. “Truly glad to work with her and hopefully help take her to the next level.”
Okot scored seven quick points to open the game and proved she’ll be a focal point of South Carolina’s offense moving forward.
2. Joyce Edwards Expands Her Offensive Arsenal
After leading the Gamecocks in scoring as a freshman with 12.7 points per game, Joyce Edwards entered this season with an emphasis on evolving her offensive game — and it showed.
Where defenses once keyed in on her signature spin move, Edwards now looks far more versatile. She confidently stepped into two three-pointers, surpassing her total attempts from last season, and flashed creative finishes in transition, including a reverse scoop layup after contact.
“We have different players, a different team, and a new style of play,” Edwards said. “My three-pointers — I just took what the game gave me and had fun with it.”
Her 27-point performance set the tone for a Gamecocks offense that appears deeper and more unpredictable than last year’s national runner-up squad.
3. Agot Makeer Makes an Instant Impact on Both Ends
Freshman guard Agot Makeer lived up to the preseason buzz — and then some. Known for her offensive flair, Makeer impressed equally with her defense, using her 6-foot-1 frame to disrupt passing lanes and pressure ball handlers.
She finished with 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, plus five steals and four assists, both team highs. Her court vision and connection with Edwards stood out, including a perfect feed to Maryam Dauda for an easy bucket inside.
The combination of defensive tenacity and offensive poise suggests Makeer will be a key contributor early in her college career.
What’s Next for South Carolina
The Gamecocks will face a tougher test next week in their second exhibition game against North Carolina on Oct. 30 in Atlanta (6 p.m. ET) before officially tipping off the 2025–26 season on Nov. 3 against Grand Canyon at Colonial Life Arena.
If Friday’s performance is any indication, Dawn Staley’s new-look Gamecocks are already in midseason form — and may be even more dangerous than before.
