South Carolina cruised past Winthrop with a dominant 106–56 victory, and several key storylines emerged from the blowout win.
Ta’Niya Latson Delivers a Statement Performance
Heading into the last two games, the big question was whether Ta’Niya Latson would step up offensively. Against Winthrop, she didn’t just answer—she exploded.
Her first-half numbers alone were wild:
- 20 points
- 7-for-7 shooting
- 2-for-2 from deep
- 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Latson wrapped up the night with 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists. She was dangerous at all three levels—knocking down jumpers, attacking the rim, and drawing contact. She absorbed five fouls and went 6-for-9 at the stripe.
Other than the missed free throws, Latson’s outing was “efficient, versatile, and occasionally spectacular.”
Ayla McDowell Shows Growth in New Role
Rocking braids for the first time this season, Ayla McDowell delivered a quietly strong performance—especially when South Carolina needed her to shift into a forward role early after Maryam Dauda and Agot Makeer both picked up two quick fouls.
Given Winthrop’s small lineup—its tallest players are 6-0 and 6-3—McDowell had a natural size advantage, but she still maximized every opportunity. She hustled in transition, finished at the rim, and hit the glass with purpose.
Her final numbers: 7 points and 4 rebounds, not eye-popping, but extremely encouraging for her minutes as a small-ball four.
Maryam Dauda Struggles to Find Rhythm
If Latson no longer holds the “we need to get her going” label, it now firmly sits with Maryam Dauda.
She picked up two fast fouls and barely played in the first half, logging just two minutes before the break. Things didn’t improve after halftime—she never settled in and couldn’t generate momentum.
Dauda ended the game as the only Gamecock without a point. Her final stat line: one rebound, one assist, one block.
Expect the staff to make a point of getting her involved early when South Carolina faces Queens.
