The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks are set to kick off SEC play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in one of the most anticipated early conference matchups of the 2025–26 women’s basketball season. This game marks a key moment as South Carolina looks to extend its impressive form against a rising Tide lineup. (Facebook)
Game Time & Location
- Date: January 1, 2026
- Tip-off Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina — a hostile environment for visiting SEC foes and a perfect stage for the Gamecocks to start league play. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
- Conference: SEC Opener for both teams
How to Watch
Fans across the country can tune in and follow the action through various broadcast options:
- TV Broadcast: SEC Network or SEC Network+ — depending on local listings and provider. (AOL)
- Streaming: Available on the ESPN app, FuboTV, or via SEC Network+ for those outside traditional cable packages. (AOL)
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV (with appropriate package)
- DirecTV Stream
- Radio: South Carolina Radio Network
- Fans can follow the game through the Gamecocks’ official radio network, which provides comprehensive coverage throughout South Carolina and surrounding areas.
- Flagship Station: 107.5 FM in Columbia (The Game)Radio Broadcast Team:The South Carolina radio crew typically includes veteran play-by-play announcers familiar with the program, along with color commentators who provide detailed analysis and insider perspective on Gamecock basketball.Radio coverage often begins 30-60 minutes before tip-off with pregame programming that includes:
- Alabama broadcast via Crimson Tide Sports Network (Tide 100.9 FM and online streaming), featuring live play-by-play coverage. On3+1
- South Carolina radio (typically on local affiliates and apps), offering full game coverage for fans on the go. (Historical coverage patterns suggest this is standard, although specifics for this game may vary.) On3
Announcers & Broadcast Team
While official broadcast assignments for this specific SEC matchup can vary by outlet, past ESPN/SEC Network coverage typically includes experienced commentators. For example, CBS/ESPN announcers were named for previous SC vs. Alabama games (2024-25), underscoring the high-profile nature of this rivalry. (Yahoo Sports)
Expect a seasoned play-by-play commentator paired with an analyst familiar with SEC women’s basketball, ensuring fans get in-depth insight throughout the broadcast.
Starters & Key Contributors to Watch
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina enters the season as one of the nation’s elite teams with a balanced roster and deep bench. The Gamecocks have compiled an impressive run of wins through non-conference play. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Key names typically featured in the starting lineup include
Expected Starting Lineups
South Carolina Projected Starters
Point Guard: Raven Johnson
The senior floor general will shoulder increased playmaking responsibilities with Ta’Niya Latson out. Johnson’s 10 points and six assists against Providence demonstrated her ability to orchestrate the offense while contributing as a scorer.
Shooting Guard: Tessa Johnson
The versatile guard who graduated in 2.5 years provides scoring punch from the perimeter. Her 18-point performance against Providence showed her capability as a primary scoring option. Expect her role to expand with Latson sidelined.
Small Forward: Agot Makeer (Probable)
Makeer entered the second half against Providence in Latson’s starting spot, suggesting Dawn Staley’s initial thinking on filling the void. Her recent double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) in her return from concussion protocol provides encouraging evidence she’s ready for expanded responsibilities.
Power Forward: Joyce Edwards
The talented forward brings versatility and scoring ability from multiple areas. Her 14 points against Providence, with 10 coming in the second half, demonstrated her ability to take over games when needed.
Center: Madina Okot
The dominant starting center has been South Carolina’s most consistent interior presence with 10 double-doubles this season. Her 18 points and 13 rebounds against Providence showcased her ability to control the paint on both ends.
Alternative Lineup Possibility:
Staley could opt to start Ayla McDowell instead of Makeer if she values McDowell’s 37.1% three-point shooting to provide floor spacing, or Maddy McDaniel if she prefers additional ball-handling and experience, though that would deplete backup point guard depth.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama has shown steady improvement heading into SEC play. While not nationally elite, the Crimson Tide boast a roster with increasing confidence and balanced scoring. Alabama’s starters typically include their top scorers and defensive anchors — a combination that keeps them competitive in conference matchups. (Alabama Athletics)
Injury Notes & Latest Updates
Critical Injury Notes
South Carolina
OUT – Ta’Niya Latson (Ankle):
The most significant roster news is the confirmed absence of senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, who will not play against Alabama due to the ankle sprain suffered against Providence.
Dawn Staley confirmed Latson’s unavailability Wednesday, stating: “No practice today, won’t play tomorrow.”
When asked about potential availability for Sunday’s game at Florida, Staley said: “We’ll take it day-by-day. I’m hoping, I’m praying. If not, we’ve got to keep going.”
Impact: Latson’s absence removes 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game from South Carolina’s production. More significantly, it eliminates the team’s second-leading scorer and a crucial component of their transition attack.
OUT – Chloe Kitts (ACL – Season):
The forward continues recovering from ACL surgery and will not play this season. She has remained engaged with the team, providing mentorship from the bench.
OUT – Ashlyn Watkins (Season-Ending Injury):
The athletic forward is unavailable for the remainder of the season, further depleting South Carolina’s frontcourt depth.
QUESTIONABLE/UNAVAILABLE – Alicia Tournebize:
The 6-7 French forward who signed December 22 has not yet joined the team due to documentation processing delays. When asked Wednesday if Tournebize might be available Sunday at Florida, Staley responded: “I don’t know, maybe.”
Status: All other scholarship players are expected to be available and healthy for the Alabama game.
Her potential absence would shift offensive responsibilities toward other scorers and test depth — a storyline fans and analysts will be closely watching.
Alabama’s injury status typically comes from weekly SEC reports; as of now there are no widely reported major injuries impacting their core rotation, though SEC injury releases on gameday will give the official word.
Final Thoughts
This South Carolina vs. Alabama matchup is more than just a regular season opener — it’s a litmus test for both programs as they begin the grueling conference slate. With extensive broadcast coverage, strong performers on each side, and injury intrigue surrounding South Carolina’s star guard, this game has all the makings of an entertaining and influential early SEC clash.
