New Lineup Sparks Gamecocks to 103-74 Victory
In a bold tactical move following their loss to Oklahoma, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley made a significant change to her starting lineup against No. 5 Vanderbilt—and the decision paid off spectacularly as the No. 2 Gamecocks cruised to a 103-74 victory, handing the Commodores their first loss of the season.
The most notable change saw freshman post player Madina Okot moved to the bench, with guard Agot Makeer inserted into the starting five. The adjustment created a smaller, quicker lineup that pressured Vanderbilt from the opening tip and never relented.
Here’s how South Carolina’s starting five performed in the statement victory:
Ta’Niya Latson: The Bounce-Back Leader
21 points | 5 assists | 5 rebounds
After a career-worst performance against Oklahoma (just six points on 1-of-10 shooting), Latson responded like the NCAA’s leading scorer from last season. She led all Gamecocks with 21 points while efficiently shooting 8-of-15 from the field. Latson’s five assists and five rebounds showcased her all-around impact, and her defensive intensity set the tone for South Carolina’s suffocating effort.
“I knew it wasn’t my best game,” Latson said of the Oklahoma loss. “I knew I had to bring more, especially going into a top five matchup and playing a team like Vandy.”
Tessa Johnson: The Sharpshooter
20 points | 7-of-12 FG | 4-of-7 from three-point range
Johnson provided the long-range firepower that stretched Vanderbilt’s defense to its breaking point. Her efficient shooting performance—including a blistering 57% from three-point range—forced the Commodores to respect the perimeter, creating driving lanes for her teammates. Johnson’s 20 points came in crucial stretches that helped South Carolina build and maintain their commanding lead.
Joyce Edwards: The Complete Performance
16 points | 7 rebounds | 6 assists
Edwards delivered perhaps the most well-rounded statistical performance of any starter. Her 16 points on efficient shooting combined with seven rebounds showed her ability to dominate inside. But her six assists demonstrated exceptional court vision and playmaking ability, helping orchestrate South Carolina’s fluid offense that scored over 100 points.
Raven Johnson: The Defensive Anchor
10 points | 6 assists | 4 rebounds | 3 blocks
Though Johnson played limited minutes in the first half, her impact was undeniable when on the court. Her six assists helped facilitate ball movement, while her three blocked shots anchored South Carolina’s interior defense. Johnson’s defensive presence and floor leadership were instrumental in executing Staley’s game plan.
Agot Makeer: The Strategic Insertion
While Makeer’s individual statistics weren’t eye-popping, her presence in the starting lineup achieved exactly what Staley intended—creating a smaller, more versatile group that could apply relentless defensive pressure and space the floor offensively. The freshman guard’s insertion allowed South Carolina to control tempo from the start.
The Sixth Starter: Madina Okot’s Impactful Reserve Role
17 points | 7 rebounds | 5 steals | 8-of-9 FG
Though not a starter, Okot’s performance off the bench deserves recognition alongside the starting five. Coming in fresh and without the pressure of starting responsibilities, Okot nearly recorded a double-double while shooting an incredible 89% from the field. Her five steals tied for the team high in rebounds at seven.
“I feel like it was a different presence for Madina out there,” Tessa Johnson said. “That’s the Madina that we’ve been missing.”
The Bigger Picture
Staley’s willingness to make difficult lineup decisions after a loss demonstrates the kind of coaching that separates good teams from championship contenders. Moving Okot to the bench wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for team success.
As one observer noted: “It’s one thing for Staley to say she’s going to play the right players. It’s another to actually do it, because it’s not easy.”
The result was South Carolina’s most complete performance of the season—ending Vanderbilt’s 20-game winning streak while showcasing the depth, versatility, and resilience that makes the Gamecocks a national championship threat.
With contributions across the board from both starters and reserves, South Carolina sent a clear message: they remain one of the nation’s elite teams, capable of making necessary adjustments and delivering dominant performances when it matters most.
