No. 2 Gamecocks Set for Friday Night Clash with Bowling Green at Colonial Life Arena
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team continues its early-season homestand on Friday night, hosting Bowling Green at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., with live coverage available on SEC Network+.
Gameday Details:
- Doors Open: 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. for Fast Break Pass holders)
- Giveaway: Dominion Energy 3-Point Cards
Matchup Breakdown
South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0)
- Head Coach: Dawn Staley
- Top Scorer: Ta’Niya Latson (20.0 PPG)
- Top Rebounder: Raven Johnson (8.0 RPG)
Bowling Green Falcons (1-0)
- Head Coach: Fred Chmiel
- Top Scorer: Paige Kohler (18.0 PPG)
- Top Rebounder: Lauren Gerken (10.0 RPG)**
Gamecock Storylines
A Familiar Face Returns
For the second straight game, South Carolina welcomes back a familiar face to the opposing sideline. Fred Chmiel, now Bowling Green’s head coach, spent eight seasons (2015–2023) on Dawn Staley’s staff, helping guide the Gamecocks to two national titles, two additional Final Four appearances, and six SEC championships.
Backcourt Brilliance
South Carolina’s guard trio — Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, and Tessa Johnson — carried the load in Monday’s 94–54 win over Grand Canyon. The three combined for 50 points and 14 of the team’s 19 assists, committing just four turnovers.
All three rank among the SEC’s top 15 in assist-to-turnover ratio, led by Raven Johnson’s 7.0 mark, which sits fourth nationally and first in the SEC.
“You can’t just be a jump shooter. They’re attacking the basket; they’re getting layups. They’re in a pretty good rhythm,” Staley said of her guards’ efficient play.
Dominating the Paint
While the guards shined, the Gamecocks maintained their interior dominance, outscoring Grand Canyon 40–18 in the paint.
Senior Raven Johnson showcased her all-around impact with 11 points, 7 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, matching her career high with three made threes.
Transfer Ta’Niya Latson led the team with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding four assists. Her .700 field goal percentage ranks eighth in the SEC.
Sophomore Adhel Tac tied her career high with six rebounds in just 15 minutes, while freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell impressed in their collegiate debuts — Makeer’s three blocks rank third in the SEC, and McDowell contributed nine points on efficient shooting.
Series History
This will be just the third meeting between South Carolina and Bowling Green. The Gamecocks have won both previous matchups, including a 93–62 victory in their most recent meeting on Dec. 19, 2023 — a homecoming game for then-first-year head coach Fred Chmiel.
In that matchup, South Carolina shot a blistering 58.7% from the field and 56.3% from three-point range. Only Raven Johnson (5 points, 4 assists) and Tessa Johnson (4 points, 1 rebound) remain from that roster.
Home-Court Dominance
The Gamecocks have built a powerhouse legacy at home, boasting a 547–168 (.765) all-time record. Under Dawn Staley, South Carolina owns an astonishing 235–35 (.870) mark in Columbia.
Now in their 24th season at Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks are 298–68 (.814) overall in the venue — including four undefeated home seasons since 2013–14.
South Carolina also holds the SEC record for the longest home winning streak at 71 consecutive games (Dec. 17, 2020 – Feb. 13, 2025), a streak that ranks fourth all-time in NCAA history.
With a mix of veteran leadership, dynamic newcomers, and dominant guard play, the Gamecocks aim to extend their home winning streak — and their unbeaten start — when they take on Bowling Green Friday night in Columbia.
