No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks Set for Road Battle Against Texas A&M Aggies: Complete Game Preview
Game Day Essentials and What Fans Need to Know
The No. 3 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (21-2, 7-2 SEC) are preparing for a crucial SEC road matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies (8-9, 1-7 SEC) on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Reed Arena in Bryan-College Station, Texas. With conference positioning on the line, this game promises to be a significant test for both programs as they navigate the challenging SEC schedule.
Game Time and Broadcast Information
The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on either ESPN2 or ESPNU. Fans can tune in through their cable providers or stream the game via the ESPN app. Local tip-off time in Bryan-College Station will be 7:00 PM CT 12thMan.com .
For radio listeners, the South Carolina broadcast will be available on 107.5 The Game in Columbia, featuring the voices familiar to Gamecock faithful. The pregame show typically begins 30 minutes before tip-off, providing in-depth analysis and the latest team updates.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Current Form and Momentum
Game Preview
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina enters as one of the nation’s most complete teams this season, averaging 88.7 points per game while outscoring opponents by 32+ points on average. This efficiency has made them one of the top offensive forces in the SEC. Star performers include Joyce Edwards, who’s been consistently strong scoring and rebounding, and Tessa Johnson, who has been a key contributor over the past few outings.
The Gamecocks are riding high with an impressive 21-2 overall record and have established themselves as one of the elite programs in the nation under head coach Dawn Staley’s leadership. South Carolina is fresh off avenging its lone SEC loss, having defeated No. 4 Texas 68-65 at Colonial Life Arena on January 15 NCAA . This victory extended their winning streak and solidified their position near the top of the SEC standings.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M comes into this matchup struggling to find rhythm with recent results, including a loss to No. 10 Oklahoma that marked their fifth straight defeat. Aggie veteran Lauren Ware has been a key contributor on the boards, leading the team in rebounds and providing rim protection in every contest.
The Aggies have battled inconsistencies on both ends of the floor this season, particularly within conference play, where they’ve found it difficult to close out tight games.
Key Players and Expected Starters
Forward Joyce Edwards has been a consistent force, leading the team with 14 points and eight rebounds in their recent victory over Texas NCAA . Guard Tessa Johnson added 13 points in that game NCAA , showcasing the balanced scoring attack that has made South Carolina so formidable this season.
The Gamecocks’ roster features several key contributors including:
- Ta’Niya Latson: The Florida State transfer and former nation’s leading scorer who has brought elite offensive firepower
- Raven Johnson: Veteran point guard who ranks among the program’s all-time top ten in assists
- Madina Okot: Center who has delivered crucial buckets in close games
- Joyce Edwards: Forward who earned All-Final Four honors last season
Injury Updates and Player Availability
- Agot Makeer: Questionable to Doubtful (pending medical evaluation of hip injury)
- Ta’Niya Latson: Probable (illness-related, extra recovery days available)
The Gamecocks will be without forward Ashlyn Watkins for the entire 2025-2026 season as she continues recovery from a torn ACL injury sustained in January 2025 FITSNews . Additionally, forward Chloe Kitts is out for the season with a torn ACL FITSNews , representing significant losses to South Carolina’s frontcourt depth.
Despite these absences, head coach Dawn Staley has emphasized that the team’s remaining players are capable of stepping up to ensure success FITSNews .
Texas A&M Aggies: The Home Team Challenge
The Aggies will be hosting this game at Reed Arena as part of their eight-game home slate that includes six contests against teams that made the 2025 NCAA Tournament 12thMan.com . Texas A&M enters this matchup looking to upset one of the nation’s top-ranked teams on their home floor.
Series History
The Texas A&M Series
South Carolina holds a 13–4 advantage over Texas A&M all-time, including a 5–2 record in College Station, with every matchup occurring since the Aggies entered the SEC in the 2012–13 season.
The Gamecocks dominated the most recent meeting, cruising to a 90–49 win on Jan. 9, 2025 in Columbia. Joyce Edwards starred with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 10 rebounds, earning her first SEC double-double as South Carolina shot better than 60 percent in both the first and third quarters.
In their last visit to Reed Arena, then-No. 1 South Carolina earned a 99–64 victory on Jan. 21, 2024, shooting 67.2 percent, the fourth-best single-game mark in program history.
What’s at Stake
This SEC conference game carries significant implications for both teams’ tournament résumés and conference standings. For South Carolina, a road victory would further solidify their position as one of the conference’s elite teams and maintain momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
For Texas A&M, defeating a top-five opponent at home would represent a signature win and provide a major boost to their NCAA Tournament positioning. The Aggies’ last victory over a ranked opponent came against South Carolina on February 28, 2021 Goal.com , making this matchup even more meaningful for the program.
Keys to the Game
For South Carolina:
- Maintain defensive intensity that has been their hallmark
- Exploit their depth advantage despite injury losses
- Control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities
- Execute in crunch time, as they’ve shown the ability to do in close games
For Texas A&M:
- Feed off home crowd energy at Reed Arena
- Limit turnovers against South Carolina’s aggressive defense
- Find offensive rhythm early to build confidence
- Make this a physical, grind-it-out game to neutralize South Carolina’s athleticism
Looking Ahead
Following this matchup, South Carolina will return home to face Mississippi State on February 5 at 6:30 PM on SEC Network WIS News 10 , continuing their challenging SEC schedule that will ultimately determine conference seeding for the postseason.
With both teams fighting for positioning in one of the nation’s toughest conferences, Monday night’s clash in College Station promises to deliver high-level women’s basketball and another chapter in this SEC rivalry.
All game information is subject to change. Fans are encouraged to check with official team sources for the most up-to-date broadcast details and availability reports.
