Ta’Niya Latson Questionable, Agot Makeer Out for South Carolina vs. Mississippi State
South Carolina received a glimmer of positive injury news ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Mississippi State, though the Gamecocks will still be shorthanded.
According to the SEC’s Wednesday night availability report, Ta’Niya Latson has been upgraded to questionable after missing Monday’s game against Texas A&M with a leg injury. However, Agot Makeer remains listed as out, extending her absence from the lineup.
Staley Maintains Silence on Injury Details
Both players were visible during the media-accessible portion of Wednesday’s practice, with Latson noticeably wearing a brace on her left knee. Despite their participation, head coach Dawn Staley—who is notoriously reluctant to discuss injuries—deflected questions about their Thursday availability.
“I guess you’ll know tonight,” she said. “You’ll figure it out tonight.”
The official SEC-mandated availability report ultimately provided the answers Staley declined to give.
Latson’s Season and Recent Injury History
Latson’s leg issue first surfaced during South Carolina’s game against Auburn, where she played the first half and scored five points before sitting out the entire second half. Her questionable status for Thursday represents potential progress in her recovery.
This marks the second injury setback of the season for the Florida State transfer, who previously missed three games after suffering a sprained ankle against Providence. Makeer stepped into the starting lineup during that absence.
Despite the interruptions and adjusted role, Latson has posted career-best efficiency numbers this season. While her averages of 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals represent career lows in volume, she’s converting at 49.3% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range—both career highs. The statistics reflect a significant shift for a player who led the nation in scoring last season at Florida State with 25.2 points per game.
Makeer’s Injury Details and Continued Absence
Makeer’s injury occurred under concerning circumstances early in the Auburn game on January 29. After being fouled on a drive, she fell and was slow to rise. Though she remained in the game long enough to convert the free throw for a three-point play, her movement progressively deteriorated with each trip down the court.
She eventually substituted out and headed directly to the locker room, later returning to the bench with visible wrapping on her hip and thigh area. Her continued absence on the availability report suggests the injury requires more recovery time.
The setback adds to an already difficult season for Makeer, who previously missed five games in December while in concussion protocol.
In 18 games this season, Makeer has averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks. She’s earned five starts—the first three came during Latson’s ankle injury, while the last two were merit-based rewards for strong play.
Her conference numbers have been particularly impressive. In eight SEC games, Makeer averaged 7.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.4 steals, with standout defensive pressure and the ability to convert defense into offense.
Season-Long Injury Plague Continues
The Latson and Makeer injuries represent just the latest chapter in what has been a historically injury-riddled season for South Carolina. The Gamecocks have started just nine of 24 games with their full roster available and finished only six games with everyone healthy.
Those figures don’t even account for Chloe Kitts, who was lost for the season in October with a torn ACL. Beyond Makeer, Maddy McDaniel, Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, and Adhel Tac have each missed at least one game due to injury or illness.
Mississippi State Enters Healthy
In contrast to South Carolina’s injury woes, Mississippi State did not list any players on the availability report, giving the Bulldogs a rare full-strength advantage heading into Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. tipoff at Colonial Life Arena.
Whether Latson’s questionable status translates into actual playing time remains to be seen, but South Carolina will need every available body as they face a hot Mississippi State team fresh off an upset victory over No. 15 Tennessee.
