Source: On3 / GamecockCentral
With increased playing time against Coppin State, Alicia Tournebize offered South Carolina women’s basketball a clearer glimpse of what she can become — and the growing pains that come with a midseason arrival.
After a brief debut earlier in the week, Tournebize logged 13 minutes against the Eagles and made the most of the extended opportunity. She finished with eight points, along with one rebound, one assist, one block, and one steal, flashing both offensive touch and defensive instincts.
Her first basket came in transition, where she calmly knocked down a short jumper — a sign of comfort and confidence. Later, she showcased her length and coordination by reaching around a defender for an off-balance layup, a play that highlighted her natural feel near the rim.
Timing Still a Work in Progress
Through her first two games in a Gamecock uniform, one trend has stood out: chemistry is still developing.
South Carolina’s guards have occasionally struggled to anticipate where Tournebize will be positioned, particularly in pick-and-roll actions and during dribble penetration. Several passes have sailed off-target, not because of hesitation, but because timing and spacing are still being learned on the fly.
That adjustment period is expected — and unavoidable — for a player joining the team midseason.
Tournebize has been receiving significant individual instruction from the coaching staff, but those sessions can only go so far in replicating the rhythm built through live reps with teammates. The rest of the roster spent months — “hundreds, if not thousands, of hours” — developing chemistry during the offseason and preseason.
By January, practice time is no longer devoted to building habits from scratch. Instead, it’s focused heavily on scouting and game preparation, leaving limited opportunities to fast-track on-court cohesion.
Bench Impact Beyond the Box Score
From a statistical standpoint, South Carolina’s bench didn’t dominate the box score. Much of that was due to Joyce Edwards controlling the offensive workload, but the reserves still played an important role.
- Agot Makeer pulled down six rebounds, providing physicality and effort.
- Tournebize had productive moments on both ends.
- Ayla McDowell connected on a timely three-pointer.
- Maddy McDaniel continued to log steady minutes and maintain tempo.
While those contributions may not jump off the stat sheet, their collective impact mattered.
The Most Valuable Contribution: Rest
Perhaps the bench’s biggest accomplishment against Coppin State was absorbing minutes — a crucial factor as the season grinds on.
- Ta’Niya Latson led the team with 26 minutes played.
- Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson each logged 25 minutes.
For South Carolina, keeping its stars fresh — especially in nonconference games — is a strategic priority. Every minute absorbed by the bench reduces long-term wear and tear and preserves energy for SEC play and beyond.
Big Picture Takeaway
Tournebize’s performance against Coppin State was encouraging, not because it was flawless, but because it showed progress. The skill is evident. The instincts are there. The chemistry will come.
As noted by On3, the early returns suggest South Carolina is willing to be patient — understanding that while timing can lag, talent and trust tend to catch up quickly.
For now, the Gamecocks are gaining production, rest, and development — all at once — and that balance may prove invaluable down the stretch.
Source: On3 / GamecockCentral
