South Carolina is gearing up for back-to-back home matchups against in-state opponent Winthrop this week, starting Wednesday night. Here are the key storylines heading into the midweek showdown.
1. A Defense Taking Major Strides
Just 10 days ago, Dawn Staley voiced frustration about her team’s defensive lapses. Now, those issues feel like a distant memory.
The Gamecocks locked down Clemson in the fourth quarter and then smothered No. 8 Southern Cal, holding the Trojans to 33% shooting and just 1-for-14 from three-point range. When asked what sparked the defensive turnaround, Staley pointed to improved cohesion.
“We’re gaining chemistry,” Staley said. “We’re trusting each other. We created layers to our defense. It wasn’t like you could just drive by and not see anybody. So, less of that, more of connectivity, more of our bigs being active in there. It’s just getting better, more game experiences under us. And we’ll definitely continue to get better.”
2. Joyce Edwards Becoming a Two-Way Force
Joyce Edwards took center stage last week, leading the team in scoring in wins over Clemson and Southern Cal. Her performance earned her SEC Player of the Week, and she continues to validate Staley’s high expectations.
Staley has consistently pushed Edwards to elevate her game, and the sophomore is answering that challenge.
“Joyce is finding her footing, and she’s very comfortable with what she’s doing out there on both sides of the ball,” Staley said. “Just like her activity on both sides of the ball, I like her competitiveness and her will to win.”
Edwards acknowledged that her defensive improvement has been intentional.
“It was more of a focus thing, putting my mind on something,” Edwards said. “I’m a really competitive person. I want to really meet my goals. She’s just challenging me so I can be a better overall player.”
3. Still Waiting for Ta’Niya Latson’s Big Breakout
Ta’Niya Latson never quite got settled against Southern Cal, battling early foul trouble and finishing with 12 points on 6-of-14 shooting. She didn’t attempt a three or get to the free-throw line.
While she contributed across the box score, South Carolina hasn’t yet seen the explosive Florida State version of Latson. Staley, however, remains confident.
“We’ve got a few players who can score the basketball, like, really score the basketball, and they’re in that mode,” she said, referencing Edwards, Latson, and Tessa Johnson. “We don’t want them gun-shy, but we certainly want us to reach a place where we’re taking the best shot on the floor. So, I think we’ve got players who can bet on themselves.”
4. Can the Bench Earn Staley’s Trust?
In the USC win, Staley leaned heavily on her starting five. Four starters played at least 35 minutes, with Raven Johnson logging 37. Agot Makeer played 17 minutes, but other reserves saw extremely limited time.
Part of that was situational—Okot’s efficiency made her nearly impossible to take off the floor. But the upcoming schedule will force Staley to expand the rotation, especially with a two-game stretch in Las Vegas next week.
With Maddy McDaniel still suspended, Makeer, Maryam Dauda, and Ayla McDowell are expected to see major minutes this week. They’ll need to prove they’re reliable options when the competition stiffens.
“The people coming off the bench are playing better,” Staley said. “In the (Southern Cal) game, it’s all about units. Like, who’s playing well together? I thought our starters were playing well together, and I didn’t want to rock the boat… But, slowly, we’re getting there.”
5. Breaking Down Winthrop
Winthrop enters Wednesday with a 2-2 record, coming off wins over Newberry and Queens after early losses to Marquette and Chicago State. The Eagles were picked fourth in the Big South preseason poll.
Their biggest weapon is Amourie Porter, a 5-10 guard averaging 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The Eagles have size on the interior with 6-3 Naomi Wilson, who is grabbing 6.5 rebounds in limited minutes.
In their biggest test so far—Marquette—Winthrop struggled, shooting 32.3% and committing 18 turnovers while being dominated on the boards. Their ability to force turnovers (21 vs. Marquette) means South Carolina must take care of the ball.
Game Details
Who: No. 2 South Carolina vs. Winthrop (2-2)
When: Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 PM ET
Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
Watch: SEC Network
