Gamecocks Pull Away Late to Crush Clemson 65–37 in Defensive Showdown
No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball extended its dominance over in-state rival Clemson on Tuesday night, using a massive 10–0 fourth-quarter run to seal a 65–37 victory and move to 3–0 on the season.
The Gamecocks came into the matchup averaging over 100 points per game and shooting an impressive 61% from the field, but Clemson wasn’t interested in trading baskets. With an undersized roster — only one starter listed above 5-foot-10 — the Tigers slowed the pace, forcing South Carolina to grind out possessions in the half court.
Clemson’s plan worked for much of the night. The Tigers drained the shot clock on nearly every possession, using crisp ball movement and quick perimeter screens to open up three-point looks. Defensively, they sent few players to the glass, focusing instead on getting back to stifle South Carolina’s trademark transition attack. After averaging 34.5 fast-break points in its first two games, South Carolina managed just seven in this one.
The Gamecocks didn’t help themselves, either. Their half-court execution was sloppy at times — poor spacing, rushed shots, and careless passes kept Clemson within striking distance. For nearly seven minutes between the third and fourth quarters, Dawn Staley’s team went without a single made basket.
That’s when freshman forward Agot Makeer stepped up. Standing at the left elbow, Makeer took advantage of a defender sagging off her and calmly knocked down a spot-up three-pointer. The shot ignited the decisive 10–0 South Carolina run that put the game away and preserved the Gamecocks’ long-standing winning streak over Clemson.
“She’s fearless,” head coach Dawn Staley said postgame of Makeer’s timely three. “That’s what you want to see from your young players — someone who can settle us down and make a big play.”
Palmetto State native Joyce Edwards was the star from start to finish. The freshman phenom scored the opening basket of both halves and erupted for nine points in the first quarter alone, outscoring the entire Clemson team (9–7) during that stretch. Edwards finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, continuing to prove why she’s one of the most exciting young players in the country.
Supporting her effort, Tessa Johnson poured in 13 points, while Madina Okot delivered a strong 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Ta’Niya Latson also chipped in 12 points as South Carolina’s offense finally found its rhythm in the closing minutes.
Though Clemson deserves credit for keeping things close early, the Gamecocks’ size, depth, and defensive pressure ultimately overwhelmed the Tigers — as it has in nearly every meeting for more than a decade.
South Carolina’s win marks its 15th straight victory over Clemson, dating back to 2009, and further cements its place among the nation’s elite as the team gears up for SEC play.
