If there were any doubts about how Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson would fit into the South Carolina lineup, she erased them instantly. The nation’s former scoring leader made a stunning debut, dropping 20 points in just 24 minutes to lead the No. 2 Gamecocks to a 94-54 blowout win over Grand Canyon on Monday night.
Latson didn’t just make a strong debut — she took control from the opening tip. She scored the first basket of the season, weaved through defenders for another early layup, and set the tone for a team that played like one with championship ambitions. Within five minutes, the Gamecocks had built a double-digit lead. By halftime, the scoreboard read 60-31, and the rout was on.
A Classic Dawn Staley Start
This victory marked South Carolina’s 15th straight season-opening win under head coach Dawn Staley, and it had her fingerprints all over it — relentless defense, unselfish ball movement, and balanced scoring.
Every starter reached double figures. Tessa Johnson added 19 points, Joyce Edwards contributed 13, Madina Okot tallied 12 in her debut, and Raven Johnson nearly notched a triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
The “Johnson & Johnson” duo was in full sync, as both Tessa and Raven connected on three three-pointers each, giving South Carolina another layer of offensive firepower.
The Future Is Bright in Columbia
Four Gamecocks made their debuts, and none looked out of place. Okot and Latson started, while freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell came off the bench and made immediate impacts. McDowell chipped in nine points and a steal, while Makeer added five points, two blocks, and her signature defensive energy in the paint.
South Carolina completely controlled the interior, outscoring Grand Canyon 40-18 in the paint while moving the ball crisply and efficiently. All 10 players saw action, and nine recorded at least one basket.
As the 2025-26 season tips off, one message is loud and clear — Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks aren’t rebuilding; they’re reloading. And with a dynamic scorer like Latson leading the charge, the rest of the country has officially been put on notice.
The Gamecocks return to the court Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m., when they host their home opener at Colonial Life Arena.
