Breaking Down South Carolina’s Lineup Decisions for Monday’s Critical SEC Road Test
As the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks (21-2, 7-1 SEC) prepare to face Texas A&M at Reed Arena on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET, head coach Dawn Staley faces critical lineup decisions following troubling developments from Thursday night’s 81-51 victory over Auburn. With freshman guard Agot Makeer suffering a hip injury and star Ta’Niya Latson sitting out the second half due to illness, the Gamecocks’ depth and adaptability will be tested once again in this crucial SEC matchup.
The Auburn Game: What Happened and What It Means
Agot Makeer’s Hip Injury – The Latest Setback
In the Auburn game on January 29, freshman guard Agot Makeer was subbed out with 6:18 left in the first quarter and didn’t return to the bench after going back to the locker room . This represented a particularly concerning development for a player who had just earned her second consecutive start for the Gamecocks.
Makeer made a layup in transition with 8:58 left in the first quarter and was fouled, making her free throw, but sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel had been waiting at the scorers table to check in for her for at least a minute before the timeout. The imagery told the story of a player in distress.
Makeer, who started her second straight game, fell on her hip in the first quarter at Auburn and did not return, appearing to have a heating pad on her hip throughout the rest of the game . Coach Dawn Staley said afterward that Makeer was in pain but would get examined in Columbia .
This latest injury adds to what has been a frustrating season for the talented Canadian freshman. Earlier in the year, she missed significant time in concussion protocol, limiting her ability to build consistency and rhythm within South Carolina’s system.
Ta’Niya Latson’s Illness – A Precautionary Measure
While Makeer’s injury drew immediate concern, Ta’Niya Latson’s absence from the second half presented a different scenario. The senior starting guard played 16 minutes in the first half and had five points for the Gamecocks, but didn’t appear to be injured or limited prior to the break and remained on the bench since the start of the second half ESPN .
Staley said that Latson wasn’t feeling well and they decided to be cautious and take her out WIS News 10 . This precautionary approach reflects Staley’s long-standing philosophy of prioritizing player health and the long-term success of the program over any single game, especially with a commanding lead already established.
The decision proved prudent as South Carolina handled Auburn 81-51, with Joyce Edwards scoring 20 points, Tessa Johnson adding 13, and Maddy McDaniel making all three of her 3-pointers for nine points South Carolina Athletics .
Historical Context: Latson’s Season-Long Battle with Ankle Issues
To fully understand Latson’s current status, it’s essential to examine her injury timeline throughout the season:
The Initial Injury (December 28, 2025)
Latson was injured on December 28 against Providence, suffering a lower left leg injury during the second quarter . The ankle issue proved to be more than a one-time occurrence.
The Diagnosis and Recovery
On January 1, Dawn Staley confirmed for the first time that Latson was dealing with an ankle sprain, noting “it’s her pain tolerance, it’s an ankle that she rolled earlier this season and it just kind of got irritated again”.
This revelation indicated that Latson had been managing ankle discomfort for an extended period, making her current health status all the more significant for Monday’s game.
Return to Play and Recent Performance
In early January, Staley stated “we’re going to see how she feels tomorrow, every day we’re ramping her up,” indicating a cautious, progressive approach to Latson’s return 12thMan.com .
The good news is that Latson has been back in action and performing at a high level. Against Auburn, she started the game and contributed before being held out in the second half as a precaution due to illness—not the ankle injury. This suggests the ankle has healed sufficiently for her to compete at full strength.
Bench Production: The Silver Lining Amid Adversity
While injuries have tested South Carolina’s depth, two players have emerged as reliable contributors who have seized their opportunities with both hands.
Maddy McDaniel: The Breakout Star
Sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel has been nothing short of sensational during this period of roster uncertainty. Her performance against Auburn exemplified her growing confidence and importance to the team’s success.
McDaniel made all three of her 3-pointers for nine points against Auburn South Carolina Athletics , showcasing the shooting efficiency that has become her calling card. But her impact extended far beyond scoring.
In earlier January contests, McDaniel has demonstrated remarkable consistency. Staley praised both McDaniel and Makeer after South Carolina’s 93-58 win over Arkansas, saying “Our bench has developed over the past couple of weeks. We’re seeing it a little bit more now because we have an injury. I think Maddy McDaniel and Agot Makeer are doing a really great job” Southeastern Conference .
Staley told McDaniel and Makeer, “Great job on both sides of the basketball,” adding that she wants “the people coming off the bench to know what they’re going to give”—emphasizing McDaniel’s predictability and reliability Southeastern Conference .
The numbers back up Staley’s praise. McDaniel has demonstrated exceptional court vision and ball security, becoming one of the SEC’s most efficient facilitators. Her ability to run the offense effectively has allowed South Carolina to maintain their high-powered attack even when rotation players are unavailable.
Ayla McDowell: The Rising Freshman
Freshman Ayla McDowell has also elevated her game significantly, providing crucial depth and versatility that will be essential at Texas A&M.
Against Auburn, McDowell’s energy and defensive intensity helped South Carolina maintain defensive pressure throughout the game. Her ability to knock down open three-pointers has added another dimension to South Carolina’s offense, forcing opponents to respect her shooting range and opening driving lanes for teammates.
Every player who saw minutes for South Carolina scored at least once against Auburn, with every player also having at least two rebounds, excluding freshman guard Agot Makeer who left the game with an injury in the first quarter NCAA . This balanced production demonstrates the depth Staley has successfully cultivated.
Projected Starting Lineup vs. Texas A&M (Monday, February 2, 2026)
Based on the most recent information from the Auburn game, injury updates, and Staley’s rotation patterns throughout the season, here is the expected starting five:
Starting Point Guard: Raven Johnson
The veteran floor general remains the unquestioned leader and catalyst for South Carolina’s offense. Johnson’s defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and ability to control tempo make her indispensable. Her experience in hostile road environments will be crucial at Reed Arena.
Impact Factor: Johnson’s leadership and defensive pressure will be essential in limiting Texas A&M’s transition opportunities and forcing the Aggies into half-court sets where South Carolina’s size and athleticism provide advantages.
Starting Shooting Guard: Tessa Johnson
The dynamic scorer has been remarkably consistent throughout SEC play, providing crucial perimeter shooting and secondary ball-handling. Against Auburn, she scored 13 points and continues to be one of South Carolina’s most reliable offensive weapons.
Impact Factor: Johnson’s ability to stretch the defense with her three-point shooting will be vital in preventing Texas A&M from collapsing into the paint to double-team Edwards. Her off-ball movement and cutting ability create additional offensive opportunities.
Starting Wing/Guard: Ta’Niya Latson (Probable)
Assuming she has recovered from the illness that kept her out of the second half against Auburn, Latson should return to her starting role. The fact that her absence was illness-related rather than ankle-related is encouraging for her availability.
Status Analysis: Staley said that Latson wasn’t feeling well and they decided to be cautious and take her out WIS News 10 , suggesting this was a short-term issue rather than a recurring problem. With two full days between games, Latson should be ready to contribute her typical 17.4 points per game.
Impact Factor: Latson’s scoring ability and offensive versatility are crucial for South Carolina’s balanced attack. Her career-high shooting percentages (51.9% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range) make her one of the most efficient scorers in the SEC.
Starting Power Forward: Joyce Edwards
The team’s leading scorer and most consistent offensive weapon, Edwards has been dominant throughout the season. Her 20-point performance against Auburn was her 12th game with 20 or more points this season.
Impact Factor: Edwards’ ability to score in the post, face up from mid-range, and create off the dribble makes her nearly impossible to defend one-on-one. Texas A&M will likely send double teams, requiring Edwards to make quick decisions and find open teammates.
Starting Center: Madina Okot
The Mississippi State transfer has provided the interior presence and physicality South Carolina needs. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to score in the paint complement Edwards perfectly in the frontcourt.
Impact Factor: Okot’s defensive anchoring and ability to clean the glass will be essential in limiting Texas A&M’s second-chance opportunities. Her presence alters shots at the rim and allows South Carolina’s perimeter defenders to be more aggressive.
Alternative Lineup Scenarios
If Latson Cannot Play:
Should Latson be unable to start or play significant minutes due to lingering illness or if the medical staff determines she needs additional rest:
Starting Option A: Maddy McDaniel
McDaniel would likely get the nod given her recent outstanding play and familiarity with the starting unit. Her ability to facilitate, defend, and knock down open threes makes her a seamless fit.
If Makeer Remains Out:
Makeer was in pain and would get examined in Columbia WIS News 10 following the Auburn game. If she cannot play, it primarily affects bench depth rather than the starting lineup, as she had been coming off the bench in most games before her recent two-game starting stint.
Depth Chart Impact: This would place even greater importance on McDaniel and McDowell maintaining their excellent play off the bench. The Gamecocks would essentially operate with a seven or eight-player rotation, which is manageable but requires starters to potentially play slightly extended minutes.
Key Matchup Advantages for South Carolina
1. Frontcourt Dominance
The combination of Edwards and Okot should provide South Carolina with a significant advantage in the paint. Texas A&M will struggle to match their size, athleticism, and skill level in the post.
2. Defensive Versatility
South Carolina’s ability to switch across multiple positions and pressure the ball full-court can disrupt Texas A&M’s offensive rhythm. The Gamecocks lead the SEC in scoring defense during conference play at 57.2 points per game.
3. Bench Depth
Despite recent injuries, South Carolina’s bench production from McDaniel and McDowell has been exceptional. This depth advantage could prove decisive in a physical road game where foul trouble or fatigue might become factors.
4. Experience in Hostile Environments
This South Carolina team has played numerous road games in challenging environments. Their composure and ability to execute in difficult circumstances give them an edge over less experienced opponents.
Potential Concerns and Adjustments
1. Managing Latson’s Minutes
If Latson plays but is on a minutes restriction due to illness or cautionary protocols, Staley will need to strategically deploy her in crucial moments while ensuring McDaniel or Fulwiley can provide quality minutes in her absence.
2. Avoiding Early Foul Trouble
With potentially limited depth, South Carolina cannot afford to have Edwards or Okot pick up early fouls. This requires disciplined defense and smart positioning, especially against an aggressive Texas A&M team playing at home.
3. Maintaining Offensive Flow
South Carolina has averaged 89.0 points per game this season but will face a Texas A&M defense motivated by the home crowd. The Gamecocks must be patient in their offensive execution while still pushing tempo when opportunities arise.
4. Rebounding Battle
Texas A&M will likely emphasize crashing the offensive glass to create second-chance opportunities. South Carolina must be committed to boxing out and securing defensive rebounds to limit the Aggies’ possessions.
Statistical Context and Trends
South Carolina enters this game with impressive metrics that suggest they’re well-positioned for success:
- Field Goal Percentage: 51.1% (4th in the nation), including six games shooting at least 60.0% from the field
- Scoring Average: 89.0 points per game (4th in the country), including 81.1 points per SEC game (2nd in the league)
- Turnover Management: 12.8 turnovers per game (19th in the nation), allowing just 10.8 points off those miscues (12th-lowest in the country)
- SEC Defense: 57.2 points allowed per conference game (leads the SEC)
These numbers demonstrate a team that is both explosive offensively and disciplined defensively—a combination that makes South Carolina exceptionally difficult to beat.
The Road Ahead: Why This Game Matters
This matchup represents more than just another conference game. For South Carolina:
- Maintaining Conference Position: At 7-1 in SEC play, the Gamecocks are in excellent position but cannot afford slip-ups on the road against quality opponents.
- Building NCAA Tournament Resume: A road victory against a Texas A&M team that has faced six NCAA Tournament teams at home would add another quality win to South Carolina’s tournament profile.
- Proving Depth and Resilience: Successfully navigating this game despite recent health concerns would demonstrate the team’s ability to overcome adversity—a crucial trait for postseason success.
- Momentum for Upcoming Schedule: Following Texas A&M, South Carolina returns home to face Mississippi State on February 5 before hosting Tennessee on February 8. Building momentum with a road win would be ideal heading into that homestand.
Final Projection and Outlook
Expected Starting Five:
- PG: Raven Johnson
- SG: Tessa Johnson
- G/W: Ta’Niya Latson (assuming full recovery from illness)
- PF: Joyce Edwards
- C: Madina Okot
Key Reserves:
- Maddy McDaniel (primary backup guard, likely 20-25 minutes)
- Ayla McDowell (energy wing, likely 15-20 minutes)
- Agot Makeer (questionable due to hip injury)
Game Prediction:
South Carolina’s combination of elite talent, improved bench production, and championship experience should prove too much for Texas A&M, even on the road. The Gamecocks’ ability to score efficiently while defending at an elite level gives them multiple pathways to victory.
If Latson is healthy and able to contribute her typical production, South Carolina should win by double digits. Even if she’s limited or unavailable, the recent emergence of McDaniel and McDowell as reliable contributors provides Staley with the depth necessary to secure a road victory.
The Gamecocks have shown throughout this season that they can adapt to adversity, maintain their identity, and find ways to win regardless of who’s available. That resilience will be on full display Monday night at Reed Arena.
Final Score Projection: South Carolina 78, Texas A&M 64
Game Information:
- Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Location: Reed Arena, Bryan-College Station, Texas
- TV: ESPN2 or ESPNU
- Radio: 107.5 The Game (Columbia)
Note: Injury reports and starting lineups are subject to change. Fans should check official team sources for the most current information before tip-off.
