Sunday’s 106–42 blowout win over NC Central delivered plenty of highlights for No. 3 South Carolina, but nothing topped the viral moment that sent social media into a frenzy: Dawn Staley’s face after Ayla McDowell’s bold alley-oop attempt to Ta’Niya Latson.
It was, as fans joked online, “Dawn Staley gasted of the flabber, part two.”
A Wild Alley-Oop Attempt in a Not-So-Wild Situation
Midway through the second quarter, the Gamecocks—already operating with only seven available players—were in full control of the game. Freshman guard Ayla McDowell, who has been steadily earning Staley’s trust, decided to push the envelope.
Seeing senior star Ta’Niya Latson streaking toward the rim, McDowell tossed up a daring alley-oop lob. It was ambitious. It was flashy. It was unexpected. And… it didn’t quite land.
The Colonial Life Arena reacted with a collective gasp, but nothing topped Dawn Staley’s instant face of disbelief, a mix between “What are we doing?” and “Lord, give me strength.”
Fans immediately clipped the moment, joking that Staley had unlocked a brand-new expression in her coaching catalog.
Staley’s Reaction Goes Viral — Again
If it looked familiar, that’s because Staley has become unintentionally iconic for these sideline reactions. Earlier in the season, she went viral for her stunned expression during another chaotic play—now dubbed “Part 1.” Sunday’s alley-oop attempt was instantly crowned “Part 2.”
The moment spread fast, with fans posting:
- “Dawn Staley’s face said EVERYTHING 💀😂”
- “Ayla is lucky Staley loves her.”
- “This team… they keep Coach Staley young AND stressed.”
Even former players chimed in, joking that they’d seen that look many times before.
Behind the Humor: A Team Running on Courage and Chemistry
What made the moment even more meaningful is how it reflected the spirit of this year’s team.
South Carolina is battling through major roster shortages—Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins are out for the season, Agot Makeer is in concussion protocol, and Tessa Johnson missed the NC Central game with illness. With only seven players available in the second half, Staley has stressed discipline, tempo, and smart decision-making.
That’s why McDowell’s alley-oop attempt was both hilarious and shocking.
Yet the play also showcased the team’s confidence and freedom to create, even under pressure.
Staley herself has said repeatedly, “I only see who’s available. Whoever we have, we play them hard.” Despite the turnover issues and the thin roster, South Carolina continues to play loose, aggressive, and fearless.
Ayla McDowell Continues to Impress
While the alley-oop didn’t convert, McDowell’s overall performance did much more than draw laughs. The freshman logged a career-high 27 minutes, scored 16 points, and knocked down five 3-pointers—a breakout showing.
She even addressed the team’s approach postgame:
“Just continuing to work together… it’s the main thing we preach. Coach always says it’s fun when we’re all playing together.”
The alley-oop attempt may have been a bit too “fun” for Staley’s liking in that moment, but it highlighted McDowell’s confidence and growing comfort in a larger role.
Ta’Niya Latson: The Steady Star Amid Chaos
Latson finished with 32 points, her best game as a Gamecock. While she didn’t finish McDowell’s lob, she did everything else—from scoring to commanding the offense with only seven players available.
Her chemistry with McDowell continues to grow, and their connection shows promise for future highlight plays… with Staley’s cautious approval.
The Bottom Line
The Gamecocks may be battered, exhausted, and short-handed, but they remain one of the most entertaining—and resilient—teams in the country.
Sunday’s game had:
- A dominant win
- Record performances
- A freshman breakout
- A viral coaching face
- And an alley-oop that will live forever in Gamecock comedy history
If Part 1 was good, Staley’s “gasted of the flabber” reaction to Part 2 might be even better.
And something tells us… there will definitely be a Part 3.
