Winthrop struck first on Wednesday night—but after that brief moment, it was all South Carolina. Three Gamecocks erupted for 20-plus points as No. 2 South Carolina steamrolled Winthrop in a 106–56 blowout.
From the opening tip, the matchup looked lopsided on paper and proved even more so on the court. Winthrop entered the night with only nine healthy players and very limited size—only two players reached 6-foot or taller: 6-3 Australian Naomi Wilson and 6-0 Tocarra Johnson. That was no match for a South Carolina roster that had just overwhelmed then-No. 8 USC with its length and athleticism.
So it wasn’t shocking that after Madison Ruff briefly put Winthrop ahead 2–0, South Carolina immediately answered with a 16–2 run. The first-quarter surge was followed by more of the same: a 12–0 run in the second, then a 9–0 burst, and even an 8–0 stretch.
What was surprising, however, was just how brutally efficient the Gamecocks were on offense.
South Carolina torched the nets for 77% shooting in the first half, cooling slightly to 54% in the second but still finishing an eye-popping 64% overall.
With Raven Johnson orchestrating the offense and handing out 10 assists, the Gamecocks racked up 25 assists on 43 made shots.
The team’s star trio—Ta’Nya Latson, Joyce Edwards, and Madina Okot—delivered in full force:
Ta’Nya Latson
Latson essentially decided the game by halftime, pouring in 20 first-half points on a perfect 7-for-7 start. She wrapped up the night with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, plus five rebounds and four assists.
Joyce Edwards
Edwards continued her impressive freshman campaign with 22 points and five boards, showcasing her usual blend of power and finesse.
Madina Okot
Okot may have been the biggest standout. She matched her career-high with 23 points, knocking down her first 10 field-goal attempts. She also grabbed 11 rebounds, collecting her third double-double of the season, along with three assists and three blocks—one of her most complete performances yet.
South Carolina’s dominance was total, expected, and still impressive—another statement outing for a team that continues to look every bit like a national championship contender.
