As No. 3 South Carolina prepares for another SEC showdown, the Gamecocks return home with momentum and history firmly on their side against Missouri. With the regular season winding down and postseason positioning at stake, this matchup carries more weight than just another conference win.
Here’s a deep dive into what we know heading into the clash between and the .
Series History: South Carolina’s Dominance
The Gamecocks hold a commanding 12-4 edge in the all-time series against Missouri, including a flawless 7-0 record at home. That home-court dominance has often translated into fast starts, defensive pressure, and overwhelming depth.
The most recent meeting came on Jan. 2, 2025, when then-No. 2 South Carolina rolled to an 83-52 win in Columbia, Missouri. The Gamecocks led by 10 at halftime but completely took over in the second half, shooting a blistering 59.3 percent after the break. Four players scored in double figures — three of them coming off the bench — highlighting the depth that has become a signature under head coach .
Play Pattern: Depth, Pace and Interior Presence
South Carolina’s identity remains clear — suffocating defense, relentless rebounding, and balanced scoring.
Under Staley, the Gamecocks thrive on:
- Controlling the paint
- Forcing turnovers and converting in transition
- Rotating fresh bodies to maintain defensive intensity
- Wearing teams down over four quarters
Even when the offense starts methodically, South Carolina tends to overwhelm opponents in the second half — exactly what happened in the previous Missouri meeting.
Missouri, meanwhile, plays with more guard-oriented rhythm. Under head coach , the Tigers lean heavily on perimeter scoring and individual shot creation. Their offensive efficiency often hinges on rhythm shooting and limiting live-ball turnovers.
If Missouri can slow tempo and avoid extended scoring droughts, they can keep the contest competitive longer than many expect.
Players to Watch
South Carolina
Joyce Edwards (20.1 PPG)
The Gamecocks’ leading scorer has been the offensive engine. Edwards scores at all three levels and thrives in transition. If she gets downhill early, Missouri’s defense could struggle to contain her versatility.
Madina Okot (10.6 RPG)
Rebounding has defined South Carolina’s dominance, and Okot anchors that effort. Second-chance opportunities and defensive boards could tilt possession numbers heavily in the Gamecocks’ favor.
Depth will also be a storyline. South Carolina’s bench production was pivotal in the last meeting, and that rotational advantage could again stretch Missouri thin.
Missouri
Grace Slaughter (18.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG)
Slaughter is the Tigers’ centerpiece — leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. She’ll need a high-efficiency night while staying out of foul trouble. If she’s neutralized, Missouri’s offensive ceiling drops significantly.
Her ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches will be central to any upset hopes.
Possible Offset: Where Missouri Could Strike
On paper, South Carolina is deeper, more physical, and more efficient. But every SEC game has layers.
Missouri’s potential upset formula could include:
- Hot perimeter shooting
- Slowing the tempo to limit possessions
- Forcing South Carolina into half-court sets
- Winning the turnover battle
If Missouri can keep the game within single digits entering the fourth quarter, pressure shifts. South Carolina’s depth is an advantage — but tight games late test execution and composure.
That said, history and matchup trends favor the Gamecocks heavily.
The Bigger Picture
For South Carolina, this is about maintaining momentum and solidifying positioning as the postseason approaches. For Missouri, it’s an opportunity to challenge one of the SEC’s standard-bearers and build late-season confidence.
Given the Gamecocks’ 7-0 home record in the series and their overwhelming second-half performances against Missouri in recent years, the Tigers will need near-perfect execution to flip the script.
One thing is certain — if South Carolina establishes its interior dominance early, this could follow a familiar pattern. If Missouri controls pace and gets efficient scoring from Slaughter, the narrative could become far more interesting.
