No. 3 South Carolina travels to College Station on Monday, Feb. 2, for an 8 p.m. ET matchup against Texas A&M (ESPN2), as the Gamecocks look to maintain their position atop the SEC standings while navigating significant health concerns in their backcourt.
HISTORICAL CLASH: SERIES DOMINANCE AND COMPETITIVE CONTEXT
South Carolina holds a commanding advantage in the all-time series against Texas A&M, reflecting the Gamecocks’ sustained excellence since Dawn Staley’s arrival in Columbia. The programs have met regularly since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2011-12, with South Carolina winning the vast majority of encounters during the past decade.
The recent history has been particularly lopsided, with South Carolina often winning by comfortable margins both in Columbia and College Station. However, Texas A&M has occasionally provided competitive tests, particularly at home where Reed Arena can create a challenging environment for visiting teams.
Historical Significance: This matchup represents a clash between one of the SEC’s traditional powers (South Carolina) and a program working to establish itself among the conference elite under head coach Joni Taylor, who arrived from Georgia prior to the 2021-22 season. Taylor has gradually improved Texas A&M’s competitiveness, making the Aggies a tougher out than in previous years, though they still face a significant talent gap against elite opponents like South Carolina.
SEC STANDINGS: SOUTH CAROLINA’S POSITION AND CONFERENCE RACE
South Carolina enters Monday’s game at 7-1 in SEC play (21-2 overall), having reclaimed sole possession of first place following their 81-51 demolition of Auburn on Thursday. The Gamecocks’ only conference loss came earlier in SEC play, but they’ve responded with dominant performances that have re-established their championship credentials.
Tennessee (6-1) suffered its first conference loss Thursday, falling 77-62 to Mississippi State, which opened the door for South Carolina to retake the top spot. Vanderbilt (6-1) could create a first-place tie if the Commodores defeat Ole Miss on Friday in their rescheduled game, though South Carolina would hold the tiebreaker advantage.
Analysis: The SEC race has evolved into a three-team competition between South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, with the margin for error shrinking as February arrives. Every conference game carries heightened importance, making Monday’s road matchup against Texas A&M—despite the Aggies’ middling conference record—a potential pitfall if South Carolina approaches it carelessly or if injuries limit their roster depth.
Since winning their first SEC championship in 2014, South Carolina has compiled a remarkable 183-17 record across 200 SEC games—a .915 winning percentage that underscores their sustained conference dominance. This historical context frames every SEC game as an opportunity to extend an unprecedented run of excellence.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, sits in the middle of the SEC pack with a conference record that reflects the brutal competitiveness of a league featuring 10 ranked teams in the latest AP Poll. The Aggies have struggled to string together consistent victories against quality opponents but have shown flashes of competitiveness that make them dangerous on their home court.
STRENGTH ANALYSIS: SOUTH CAROLINA’S CHAMPIONSHIP FOUNDATION
Offensive Versatility:
South Carolina’s offensive attack features multiple scoring threats and exceptional efficiency. In the Auburn victory, the Gamecocks shot 52.7% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range while converting 16 of 17 free throws (94.1%). This multi-faceted scoring approach prevents opponents from keying on any single player.
Joyce Edwards has emerged as a consistent interior presence, averaging in double figures while providing efficient scoring around the basket. Sophomore forward has developed into one of the SEC’s most reliable post players, combining size, skill, and basketball IQ.
Ta’Niya Latson leads the team in scoring at 15.7 points per game (when healthy), providing dynamic guard play and shot creation. Tessa Johnson offers explosive scoring potential from the wing, while MiLaysia Fulwiley provides speed and transition playmaking.
Defensive Dominance:
South Carolina’s defense remains elite, holding Auburn to just 30% shooting in their most recent game. The Gamecocks excel at forcing opponents into uncomfortable offensive possessions through multiple defensive layers—a scheme Edwards described after the Auburn game:
“We knew Auburn is a predominantly driving team, they like to get to the basket. As a team, we just try to crowd, give them multiple layers of defense to go through, and contest their shots.”
This systematic approach to defense—rather than relying solely on individual talent—creates consistency regardless of personnel.
Depth and Roster Flexibility:
Perhaps South Carolina’s most significant advantage is depth. Against Auburn, all 11 available players logged minutes and scored—a remarkable display of roster balance. When starters Agot Makeer and Ta’Niya Latson were unavailable for significant portions of the game, reserves Maddy McDaniel and Ayla McDowell seamlessly filled the void.
Dawn Staley praised this depth after the Auburn victory: “Her teammates stepped up in a big way and filled the void of not having her and (Makeer).”
McDaniel delivered a career performance with nine points, six assists (career-high), and four steals (career-high) in a team-leading 28 minutes. McDowell contributed eight points, three steals, and crucial energy in 24 minutes—her most extensive SEC action this season.
TEXAS A&M’S STRENGTHS AND STYLE OF PLAY
Defensive Identity:
Texas A&M typically emphasizes defensive intensity and physicality, attempting to disrupt opponents’ offensive rhythm through pressure and aggressive help defense. The Aggies force turnovers and create transition opportunities through their defensive approach, though they’ve struggled to sustain this effectiveness against elite offensive teams.
Interior Presence:
The Aggies feature capable post players who can create problems on the glass and provide interior scoring. Their ability to control the paint and generate second-chance opportunities represents their most reliable offensive pathway, particularly against smaller or less physical opponents.
Home Court Advantage:
Reed Arena provides Texas A&M with a legitimate home-court advantage. The Aggies play significantly better in College Station than on the road, feeding off crowd energy and familiarity with their environment. South Carolina will face a hostile atmosphere that could amplify any execution mistakes or momentum swings.
Analysis: Texas A&M’s style presents potential challenges for South Carolina, particularly if the Gamecocks are short-handed due to injuries. The Aggies will attempt to speed up the game, force turnovers, and create transition opportunities where talent differentials narrow. However, South Carolina’s experience and depth should allow them to weather Texas A&M’s pressure and impose their superior talent over 40 minutes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Carolina:
Joyce Edwards (Forward): The sophomore has been South Carolina’s most consistent performer recently, scoring 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting against Auburn. Edwards combines efficient interior scoring with defensive versatility, allowing South Carolina to match up against various lineup configurations. Her ability to dominate without forcing shots makes her the Gamecocks’ offensive stabilizer.
Maddy McDaniel (Guard): The sophomore’s emergence as a reliable backup point guard has been critical, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Latson and Makeer’s health. McDaniel’s career performance against Auburn—featuring team-highs in assists and steals—demonstrated her ability to manage the game and organize unconventional lineups.
Dawn Staley’s assessment: “Maddy ran the show. Maddy managed the game. Maddy got players who have not played together in practice, played in the game together at the end of that game, all on one accord.”
If Latson remains out or limited, McDaniel’s ability to replicate this performance becomes crucial.
Tessa Johnson (Guard/Forward): Johnson provides explosive scoring potential and versatility, capable of playing multiple positions. Her 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds against Auburn (in just 25 minutes) showcase her efficiency and all-around impact. Johnson’s ability to create her own shot and facilitate for others makes her a matchup nightmare.
Raven Johnson (Guard): The senior point guard serves as South Carolina’s floor general and defensive leader. Her experience, court vision, and ability to control tempo will be essential in navigating a hostile road environment. Johnson’s leadership becomes even more critical if the backcourt remains depleted
Texas A&M:
Key Players to Monitor: While specific Texas A&M personnel details require updated information, the Aggies typically feature athletic guards who pressure the ball and versatile forwards who crash the offensive glass. South Carolina must account for Texas A&M’s most aggressive defenders and transition threats to prevent easy baskets.
POSSIBLE UPSET FACTORS AND SOUTH CAROLINA’S VULNERABILITIES
Injury-Depleted Backcourt:
South Carolina’s most significant vulnerability heading into Monday’s game is backcourt health. Ta’Niya Latson did not play in the second half against Auburn after logging 16 first-half minutes, with Staley citing illness:
“She’s not feeling well so we just decided to hold her out and her teammates stepped up in a big way.”
Agot Makeer exited early in the first quarter against Auburn and never returned, appearing to suffer a hip injury. Staley provided minimal details: “We’ll get her back home and get her checked out.”
Analysis: If both Latson and Makeer remain unavailable or significantly limited Monday, South Carolina faces genuine rotation challenges despite their depth. Playing a true road game in the SEC without two rotation guards—one a leading scorer—tests even elite teams.
The extra day between games (South Carolina typically plays Sundays but faces Texas A&M on Monday) provides additional recovery time, particularly for Latson’s illness-related absence. However, Makeer’s injury situation remains unclear pending medical evaluation.
Turnover Vulnerability:
Against Auburn, South Carolina committed 16 turnovers—Auburn entered the game forcing 20.2 per contest. While the Gamecocks still dominated, this represents an area Texas A&M will surely target, particularly if South Carolina must rely on less experienced ball-handlers.
Texas A&M’s defensive pressure could create havoc if South Carolina’s primary ball-handlers are unavailable, forcing reserves like McDaniel and McDowell into extended high-pressure minutes on a hostile road court.
Road Environment:
South Carolina has been dominant all season, but road SEC games present unique challenges. Reed Arena will provide Texas A&M with crowd energy and momentum swings that could sustain Aggies’ competitiveness longer than neutral-site talent differentials would suggest.
Young or inexperienced players—particularly if thrust into expanded roles due to injuries—may struggle with the combination of defensive pressure and crowd noise.
Complacency Risk:
After dominant victories over Vanderbilt (103-74) and Auburn (81-51), South Carolina could underestimate Texas A&M, particularly if the Gamecocks assume their talent advantage guarantees victory regardless of effort or execution.
Edwards acknowledged this danger after the Auburn game: “We had to go in here and not take this team lightly. Execute our offense, stay disciplined on defense, and just get the win.”
TEXAS A&M’S WEAKNESSES
Talent Gap:
Texas A&M simply lacks the depth of elite talent South Carolina possesses. When both teams are healthy and executing, the Gamecocks hold overwhelming advantages at virtually every position. This talent differential becomes particularly apparent over full games—Texas A&M might compete for stretches, but South Carolina’s depth eventually overwhelms opponents.
Offensive Consistency:
The Aggies struggle to score consistently against elite defenses. South Carolina’s systematic defensive approach—multiple layers, help defenders, and disciplined rotations—presents exactly the type of organized defense Texas A&M has failed to solve this season.
Secondary Scoring:
When Texas A&M’s primary offensive options are neutralized, the Aggies lack reliable secondary scoring threats. South Carolina can key defensive attention on Texas A&M’s top one or two scorers without significant concern about role players exploding offensively.
INJURY UPDATES: COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH REPORT
South Carolina:
Ta’Niya Latson (Guard): Did not play in the second half against Auburn due to illness. Status for Monday remains uncertain, though the extra recovery day improves her availability likelihood. Latson is averaging 15.7 points per game (team’s second-leading scorer) and previously missed the first three SEC games after suffering an ankle sprain on Dec. 28 against Providence.
Prognosis: Probable if illness-related absence. Illnesses typically resolve within 24-48 hours, and Latson has until Monday evening to recover. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, she could remain unavailable.
Agot Makeer (Guard): Exited against Auburn at 6:18 of the first quarter with apparent hip injury and did not return. She later appeared on the bench with wrapping on her hip/thigh area but remained in street clothes.
Prognosis: Questionable to doubtful. Hip injuries can range from minor bruises to more serious soft-tissue damage. The visible discomfort and inability to return suggest more than minor soreness. Staley’s comment—”We’ll get her back home and get her checked out”—indicates uncertainty requiring medical evaluation.
Alicia Tournebize (Forward): No injury reported, but has struggled with foul trouble recently, accumulating 13 fouls over the last three games and fouling out in just 10 minutes against Auburn.
Prognosis: Available but must improve defensive discipline to contribute meaningful minutes.
Kaeli Wynn (2026 Recruit): Not on current roster. The incoming wing from Mater Dei has not played this season due to injury suffered at the end of last season.
Texas A&M:
Mya Petticourt: Auburn game notes indicated Texas A&M’s second-leading scorer did not play due to illness when the teams met Thursday. Her status for Monday against South Carolina remains unclear—if her illness mirrored what affected Latson, Petticourt should be available; if more serious, she could remain out.
Analysis: Petticourt’s absence would significantly impact Texas A&M’s offensive capabilities and depth, making an already difficult task nearly impossible against South Carolina’s talent and depth.
PREDICTION AND KEY FACTORS
Keys to Victory for South Carolina:
- Manage backcourt health: If Latson and Makeer are both available, South Carolina should cruise. If one or both remain out, role players must replicate their Auburn performances.
- Control tempo: South Carolina prefers playing at a measured pace that allows their size and skill advantages to dominate. Texas A&M will attempt to speed the game up and create transition chaos—the Gamecocks must resist this tempo manipulation.
- Limit turnovers: Texas A&M’s best path to competitiveness involves forcing turnovers and converting them into transition baskets. South Carolina must value possessions and avoid careless passes into pressure.
- Establish interior presence early: Joyce Edwards and the frontcourt should dominate the paint immediately, forcing Texas A&M to collapse defensively and creating perimeter opportunities.
Keys to Upset for Texas A&M:
- Force 20+ turnovers: The Aggies must create chaos and transition opportunities, as they cannot win a halfcourt execution battle against South Carolina’s talent.
- Dominate offensive glass: Second-chance points represent Texas A&M’s most reliable offensive pathway against South Carolina’s defense.
- Shoot exceptionally from three: Texas A&M needs an outlier shooting performance (40%+ from three on high volume) to offset South Carolina’s advantages elsewhere.
- Exploit South Carolina injuries: If Latson and Makeer are out or limited, Texas A&M must relentlessly attack South Carolina’s backup guards and force defensive breakdowns.
Realistic Outlook:
Even if South Carolina faces injury challenges, the Gamecocks should possess sufficient talent and depth to win comfortably. The Auburn game demonstrated that South Carolina can win by 30 points while missing two starters for extended stretches—Texas A&M doesn’t present a significantly greater challenge than Auburn at home.
A competitive game through three quarters before South Carolina’s depth and talent pull away in the fourth represents the most likely scenario. Anything closer than a 15-point South Carolina victory would constitute a moral victory for Texas A&M and a concerning performance from the Gamecocks.
Projected Final: South Carolina 78, Texas A&M 61
The road environment and potential injury limitations might keep the game closer than South Carolina’s recent blowouts, but the Gamecocks’ championship-caliber talent and coaching should ultimately prevail, maintaining their position atop the SEC standings as February’s crucial stretch begins.
