South Carolina women’s basketball faced unexpected roster challenges during its commanding 81-51 victory over Auburn on Wednesday, with senior star Ta’Niya Latson held out of the entire second half due to illness.
The high-scoring transfer guard played 16 first-half minutes and contributed five points before South Carolina’s coaching staff made the precautionary decision to shut her down for the remainder of the contest.
“She’s not feeling well so we just decided to hold her out and her teammates stepped up in a big way,” head coach Dawn Staley said. “Filled the void of not having her.”
ANALYSIS: Staley’s straightforward explanation suggests a non-injury related issue, likely an illness that didn’t warrant risking Latson’s health in a game the third-ranked Gamecocks (20-2, 6-1 SEC) controlled comfortably. The decision to rest a key contributor in a blowout demonstrates South Carolina’s depth and the coaching staff’s willingness to prioritize long-term health over individual statistics—a luxury afforded by their substantial lead.
DOUBLE ABSENCE COMPOUNDS CHALLENGE
The Gamecocks finished the game without two starters after freshman guard Agot Makeer exited with 6:18 remaining in the first quarter and never returned to action against the Tigers (13-8, 2-5).
Staley provided limited information about Makeer’s condition, stating only that she is “in pain” while declining to offer a detailed injury assessment. Makeer was initially absent from the bench when the first quarter concluded, but reappeared shortly into the second quarter wearing what appeared to be a wrap or heating pad on her thigh or hip area while remaining in uniform.
ANALYSIS: The contrast between Latson’s absence (illness-related, clearly communicated) and Makeer’s situation (injury-related, minimal information) reflects standard coaching protocol when dealing with uncertain physical injuries versus temporary illness. Makeer’s return to the bench with medical equipment suggests the injury may not be severe, though the team will likely conduct further evaluation. The fact that South Carolina maintained dominance despite losing both starters underscores the program’s remarkable depth—a hallmark of Staley’s roster construction.
LATSON’S SEASON CONTEXT
The second-half absence came on the heels of one of Latson’s strongest performances this season. In South Carolina’s 103-74 dismantling of Vanderbilt on Jan. 25, she led all scorers with 21 points on efficient 8-of-15 shooting while adding five rebounds and five assists—a complete stat line that showcased her versatility.
Latson is playing her only season with the Gamecocks after transferring from Florida State, where she established herself as one of the nation’s premier guards. Her transition to South Carolina has been productive despite early-season disruption.
ANALYSIS: The timing of Latson’s illness is unfortunate given her recent momentum. Her 21-point outburst against Vanderbilt demonstrated she was finding her offensive rhythm within South Carolina’s system. However, the brief nature of illness-related absences typically allows for quicker returns than structural injuries, suggesting Latson should be available for the upcoming Texas A&M matchup.
INJURY HISTORY AND AVAILABILITY
Latson’s season has already included one significant absence. She missed South Carolina’s first three SEC contests after spraining her ankle during the Dec. 28 non-conference game against Providence—an injury that sidelined her during the critical opening stretch of conference play.
She returned to action for the Jan. 11 victory over Georgia and has since been a consistent presence in the lineup. Despite the missed games, Latson is averaging 15.7 points per game, ranking second on the team in scoring.
ANALYSIS: The ankle sprain that cost Latson three SEC games demonstrates both the physical demands of high-level basketball and South Carolina’s cautious approach to player health. Her current 15.7 points-per-game average is impressive considering the missed time and adjustment period required when joining a new program mid-career. As a graduate transfer in her final season of eligibility, every game holds added significance, making health management crucial.
SCHEDULE PROVIDES RECOVERY TIME
South Carolina benefits from an adjusted schedule that provides additional recovery time for both Latson and Makeer. Rather than the program’s typical Sunday game slot, the Gamecocks won’t play again until Monday, Feb. 2, when they travel to face Texas A&M in an 8 p.m. ET matchup on ESPN2.
ANALYSIS: The extra day between games gives South Carolina’s medical staff additional time to evaluate both players. For Latson, an illness typically resolves within 24-48 hours, making her availability for the Texas A&M game highly probable. For Makeer, the additional recovery day could prove decisive if her injury requires only minor treatment. The altered schedule inadvertently provides optimal circumstances for managing these health concerns.
DEPTH PROVES DECISIVE
The most significant takeaway from South Carolina’s performance against Auburn may be what happened despite the absences rather than because of them. The Gamecocks won by 30 points without two starters, demonstrating the roster depth that makes them a legitimate national championship contender.
Staley’s comment that “teammates stepped up in a big way” wasn’t merely coach-speak—it reflected measurable reality. When elite programs lose key contributors, the expectation isn’t merely to survive but to maintain competitive standards. South Carolina did exactly that.
ANALYSIS: Championship teams distinguish themselves not by dominance when healthy but by resilience when compromised. South Carolina’s ability to maintain a 30-point margin without Latson (their second-leading scorer) and Makeer (a starting guard) reveals a roster construction that extends beyond top-tier talent to include functional depth at every position.
This depth becomes increasingly valuable as the SEC schedule intensifies. With 10 conference teams ranked in the latest AP Poll and no remaining undefeated teams after Tennessee’s recent loss, every game represents a potential trap. The ability to rest players strategically in blowouts while maintaining competitive integrity could prove decisive in the championship race.
LOOKING AHEAD
As South Carolina prepares for the road trip to Texas A&M, the health status of both Latson and Makeer will be closely monitored. The SEC injury report will be published ahead of the game and updated one hour before tipoff, providing clarity on their availability.
For a team with national championship aspirations, managing player health across the grueling SEC schedule represents an ongoing challenge. Wednesday’s victory demonstrated that South Carolina possesses not only elite talent but also the depth required to navigate inevitable adversity—a combination that defines championship contenders.
