South Carolina vs. Alabama Women’s Basketball — Key Updates and Preview
The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks head to Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Thursday, Feb. 19, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network, featuring Courtney Lyle and Carolyn Peck on the call. Streaming is available via ESPN.com or the ESPN app, while radio coverage airs on 106.7 FM and SiriusXM Channels 117 or 191.
Game Context and Stakes
South Carolina (25–2, 11–1 in SEC play) has been one of the nation’s premier women’s basketball teams this season, maintaining its No. 3 ranking in the latest AP poll and riding a wave of consistent success under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley.
The Gamecocks boast one of the most efficient offenses in the country, ranking among the top teams in both field goal (.513) and 3-point (.383) percentages while also leading the SEC in defending both categories. Senior floor general Raven Johnson is on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list, and her defensive impact has been a key part of South Carolina’s success. Senior center Madina Okot has been dominant inside, posting double-double figures in her last three games and ranking near the top of the conference in rebounds.
Against ranked opponents this season, South Carolina is 7–2, showing its ability to compete with elite competition. The Gamecocks also hold a commanding historical edge over Alabama in the series — 34–15 overall and 24–0 in the Dawn Staley era — including an 83–57 win earlier this season in Columbia.
Alabama’s Position and Challenges
Alabama (20–6, 6–6 SEC) enters Thursday’s matchup as a top-25 team but with an up-and-down league record. The Crimson Tide have shown flashes this season but have struggled for consistency in conference play.
Alabama’s scoring threat is often led by Jessica Timmons, who averages over 16 points per game with strong three-point production, and Karly Weathers, a reliable scorer and rebounder from both inside and the perimeter.
Recent Form and Momentum
South Carolina comes off a road test victory against LSU (79–72), where Tessa Johnson scored 21 points and Madina Okot added a double-double, reinforcing the Gamecocks’ rhythm and confidence as they close toward the end of SEC play. Coach Staley also recently joined the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list, highlighting her sustained excellence.
Alabama’s recent results show a mix of close games and losses even against solid competition, underscoring how pivotal Thursday’s clash is for their SEC positioning.
Injuries and Lineup Notes
- South Carolina: While generally healthy, with Maddy McDaniel expected to suit up, and Tac is not, the Gamecocks have adapted to previous absences — former starter Ta’Niya Latson missed earlier matchups with injury, and forward Chloe Kitts is out for the season due to an ACL tear.
- Alabama: No major new injury news has been widely reported heading into this matchup, but consistency and health late in the season will be key for the Crimson Tide’s hopes.
What to Watch
- South Carolina’s efficiency on both ends: The Gamecocks lead the league in several defensive metrics and are among the national leaders in shooting efficiency — a balanced attack that consistently pressures opponents.
- Alabama’s perimeter shooting: If the Tide can knock down threes and control tempo, they could keep this game competitive — something they struggled with earlier in the season against top teams.
- Experience vs. hunger: South Carolina’s senior leadership and deep rotation contrast with Alabama’s quest to solidify postseason credentials.
Bottom line: This matchup is not just another SEC regular-season game — it’s a meeting of two ranked programs with contrasting trajectories. South Carolina’s national title aspirations and statistical dominance make them favorites, while Alabama will look to prove it can rise to the occasion on its home floor.
