South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley broke down her team’s gritty 79-77 road victory over Louisville in the SEC/ACC Challenge, offering detailed insight into how the Gamecocks survived the intense battle.
On Louisville’s Game Plan and What Stood Out
Staley said she felt the team handled the Cardinals well despite the high-level intensity on both sides.
“I think overall we executed. It’s a great basketball team. They both executed, they both, you know, was a heavyweight boxing match, and it came down to who was going to make the biggest at the moment you needed it the most. I thought they got out and made big plays for themselves in the fourth and building the five-point lead, and it was a turning point for us, whether we were going to succumb to losing the game or fight to get back in it.”
She noted that Louisville’s Jeff Walz is known for disrupting opponents with tricky defensive looks.
“Jeff [Walz] ‘s always notorious for just throwing jump defenses, and I thought they did get us after a timeout one time, where we didn’t execute. We turned the ball over. But for the most part, I thought we were good the entire game.”
On Louisville Matching South Carolina’s Energy
Staley praised Louisville for rising to the challenge in their own building.
“I think they rose to the challenge of playing in the SEC-ACC Challenge. They’re at home playing in front of their crowd; they got a big crowd here. It was a great atmosphere, and they played to that.”
She added that the Gamecocks were prepared for a big crowd after seeing towels laid out on all the seats during shootaround.
“It was good to be in this atmosphere and actually win the basketball game.”
On Heavy Minutes for Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, and Tessa Johnson
With South Carolina short-handed, Staley said the trio had to push through long stretches on the floor.
“I mean, they’ve got to play heavy minutes for us until we develop our bench a little bit more.”
She admitted they looked fatigued at one point in the fourth quarter, but a key coach’s challenge by Louisville gave them time to catch their breath.
Staley credited the group’s chemistry for keeping them on the floor, though she did point out a strong contribution from Ayla McDowell off the bench.
On What She Learned From the Team in Consecutive Close Games
The Gamecocks’ resilience stood out most.
“Well, I mean, I learned that we do have some resiliency to see it through. You know whether we won or lost this basketball game. It’s a great game. We took steps forward.”
She emphasized how important these moments are—especially for Madina Okot, who delivered a huge performance.
“I think Madina [Okot] has to be in more situations like this to continue to rise to the challenge… we don’t win if she’s not on our side.”
On Battling Against Louisville’s Size
Staley acknowledged Louisville’s large lineup and the challenge it presented.
“Yeah, it was great. It was great. It was a big lineup for them. And I thought they just played extremely well.”
She highlighted the Gamecocks’ defensive focus on Laura Ziegler, noting their success in limiting her production was a difference-maker.
On Whether Feeding Okot Was a Conscious Strategy
Staley made it clear the plan late was to go through the post.
“Well, that was our number one option, is to get her the ball; she’s a high percentage shooter.”
When that wasn’t possible, she praised her guards for executing under pressure.
“I thought Raven was great down the stretch. I thought Ta’Niya and her, you know, her dumpoff tour with Madina was great.”
Final Thanks to Media
Before wrapping up, Staley offered appreciation to the reporters covering the team.
“I just thank our local media for coming, really for covering us… appreciate you. Safe travels home.”
