South Carolina women’s basketball faces another test Monday night at Texas A&M, but the third-ranked Gamecocks will do so without two key players as injuries continue to plague their roster.
Injury Updates
Both Ta’Niya Latson and Agot Makeer have been ruled OUT for Monday’s matchup after exiting the Auburn game prematurely. Latson, who managed just five points in 16 first-half minutes, was held out of the second half entirely.
“Ta’Niya was not feeling well, and we decided to hold her out,” coach Dawn Staley explained.
Makeer’s situation appears more serious. After making her second consecutive start in place of Madina Okot, she converted an early three-point play before appearing to injure her left hip. Though she initially stayed in the game, her mobility deteriorated noticeably before she departed for the locker room. She later returned to the bench with wrapping on the hip and will be evaluated upon the team’s return to Columbia.
McDowell’s Opportunity
With both players sidelined, freshman Ayla McDowell is poised for expanded minutes. The Houston native has been trending upward, scoring six points on two threes against Vanderbilt before posting a season-high eight points with three steals against Auburn.
McDowell’s consistency has been impressive—she’s scored in all seven SEC appearances, averaging 13.8 minutes and 4.1 points while shooting 35.3% from beyond the arc. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, the freshman is expected to challenge her previous career-high of 27 minutes set against NC Central.
Staley faces a lineup decision with Okot likely returning to the starting five. The question becomes whether to deploy Maddy McDaniel in a two-point-guard lineup or insert McDowell at the wing.
Frontcourt Depth Needed
South Carolina’s post players—Okot, Alicia Tournebize, Adhel Tac, and Maryam Dauda—have yet to deliver a dominant performance during conference play. Against Auburn, none scored in double figures or grabbed more than six rebounds, though limited minutes (10-16 each) were largely responsible.
Favorable Timing
Monday’s contest represents the midpoint of South Carolina’s easiest SEC stretch, sandwiched between games at Auburn and home against Mississippi State. After demolishing Vanderbilt 103-74, the Gamecocks executed Staley’s “play to the standard” mandate in an 81-51 Auburn victory, spreading minutes efficiently with no starter exceeding 25 minutes.
“Take control of the game early and spread the minutes around evenly,” appears to be the game plan against the struggling Aggies, ranked 92nd in the NET and second-to-last in SEC standings.
Scouting Texas A&M
The Aggies (8-9, 1-7) completely rebuilt their roster after last season’s struggles, but the overhaul hasn’t produced results. Texas A&M ranks poorly in shooting, defense, rebounding, and most statistical categories.
Two players warrant attention: 5-3 senior guard Ny’ceara Pryor, a Sacred Heart transfer averaging 15.3 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds (seventh nationally in assists), and Saint Peter’s transfer Fatmata Janneh, who’s nearly averaging a double-double with 11.3 points and 9.9 rebounds.
Beyond that duo, the Aggies offer little resistance for a Gamecocks team seeking to maintain momentum despite their injury challenges.
Game Details
- Matchup: #3 South Carolina (21-2, 7-1) at Texas A&M (8-9, 1-7)
- Time: 8:00 PM ET, Monday, February 2
- Location: Reed Arena, College Station, TX
- TV: ESPN2
