South Carolina was limited to just one game last week due to the exam break, but the Gamecocks made the most of it with a dominant 95-55 win over Penn State. From clutch performances to lingering concerns, here’s a closer look at what stood out — along with a favorite highlight from the blowout victory.
Three Clutch Players
Ta’Niya Latson
vs. Penn State: 35 minutes*, 18 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block, 6 fouls drawn
Latson was the key separator between a competitive first half and a runaway second half. South Carolina led 46-34 at the break, but the offense truly ignited after halftime. When Latson struggled to find her rhythm against Penn State’s zone early, she shifted her focus to defense, creating steals and pushing the tempo. That spark fueled her teammates, and what began as a tense contest quickly turned into a blowout.
Joyce Edwards
vs. Penn State: 33 minutes*, 29 points, 6 steals, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, 5 fouls drawn
Edwards delivered career-best performances in both scoring and steals. Just as impactful was her defensive effort against Penn State’s Gracie Merkle. Despite giving up a noticeable size advantage, Edwards relied on quickness, positioning and anticipation to hold the nation’s 10th-leading scorer to just nine points.
Maddy McDaniel
vs. Penn State: 21 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2-of-3 from three
With South Carolina down to only three bench players, McDaniel’s production was critical. After battling a knee injury and serving a suspension earlier in the season, she’s beginning to find her groove. Her shooting and energy off the bench are becoming increasingly valuable as the Gamecocks navigate a short rotation.
Two Burning Questions
1. Will the Gamecocks ever be fully healthy?
South Carolina entered the season already shorthanded, losing Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts before the first tip and leaving the roster at just 10 players. Through 11 games, the Gamecocks have started only four contests with all 10 available and finished just three games at full strength.
Beyond simply playing short-handed, the constant lineup shuffling has forced players into unfamiliar roles, which can slow the development of younger contributors.
2. How big of an issue are the free-throw struggles?
The Gamecocks’ performance at the foul line has been inconsistent. They’ve shot 75% or better in six games, but dipped below 70% in five others, including 58.3% against Southern Cal and 53.6% against Penn State. Missed free throws nearly proved costly against Louisville as well, with three straight misses that could have sealed the game.
This isn’t a roster short on capable shooters, but the misses tend to snowball, suggesting the issue may be more mental than mechanical.
One Favorite Play
Defense leading to offense, crisp spacing, and a finishing touch that brought the crowd to its feet — the perfect snapshot of South Carolina basketball at its best.
“NO LOOK NO PROBLEM!!! 22 pts for Joyce 😤”
📺 ESPN | https://t.co/IINDWZIchR
— South Carolina Women’s Basketball (@GamecockWBB) December 14, 2025
