When & Where:
The No. 2/No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks (18-1, 5-1 SEC) travel to face the Coppin State Eagles (4-15, 2-2 MEAC) at PEC Arena in Baltimore on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with tip-off set for 12 p.m. EST. (ESPN.com)
South Carolina enters the contest riding an 11-game winning streak, including a huge victory over Texas in its most recent matchup, while Coppin State hopes to build momentum on its home floor. (Lethbridge Herald)
How to Watch & Listen
TV / Streaming 📺:
The game will stream live on ESPN+, one of the major platforms for NCAA women’s basketball broadcasts not carried on traditional television. (Morgan State University Athletics)
Radio / Audio 📻:
While official radio broadcast details specific to this road game have not been widely published yet, South Carolina typically airs women’s basketball on local radio affiliates such as the Gamecock Radio Network and has been available via satellite or internet audio streams in past games. Information for that coverage often comes closer to game day. (On3)
Announcers:
Official announcements for play-by-play and commentary teams for this specific matchup have not yet been released. However, in similar South Carolina WBB broadcasts, teams like Sam Gore (play-by-play) with analysts such as Steffi Sorensen have handled coverage, and radio crews include local voices on affiliates such as 107.5 The Game in Columbia. (On3)
Likely Starters & Matchups
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s roster is built around a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Expected key contributors include:
- Joyce Edwards – dominant inside and one of SC’s leading scorers/rebounders;
- Madina Okot – physical force in the paint with scoring and shot-blocking impact;
- Tessa Johnson – perimeter scoring and defensive presence;
- Raven Johnson and other perimeter threats out of the backcourt.
These players anchor a deep lineup that has been highly efficient on both ends of the court. (Morgan State University Athletics)
Coppin State Eagles
Coppin State’s lineup will be oriented around its key scorers and rebounders:
- Khila Morris – the Eagles’ leading offensive contributor;
- Shanaii Gamble – strong on the offensive glass;
- Erin Henry – significant scoring contributor in recent games.
As Coppin State often plays a high-effort brand of basketball, its starters will need to be aggressive to hang with an elite South Carolina squad. (Lethbridge Herald)
Injury Notes & Availability
As of January 17–18, 2026, there were no major injury reports released for either team that would significantly alter the expected rotation for this game:
- South Carolina: The Gamecocks have maintained health through most of the season, with no key players officially sidelined heading into the Coppin State matchup. (Morgan State University Athletics)
- Coppin State: No widespread injury news has been reported, though smaller, day-to-day, or unpublicized player conditioning updates could affect availability closer to tip-off. (Lethbridge Herald)
Historically, Coppin State’s rosters in recent seasons have shown some turnover and depth challenges, which could impact their ability to match South Carolina’s talent over a full 40-minute game. (Coppin State University Athletics)
What to Watch For up
This matchup presents several intriguing storylines:
Maintaining Perfection Against HBCUs: South Carolina enters with a perfect 27-0 record against HBCU opponents under Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks will look to extend this streak while showing respect to their opponents.
Joyce Edwards’ Continued Excellence: All eyes will be on the sophomore sensation as she continues her National Player of the Year campaign. Edwards has been nearly unstoppable, shooting 59.2% from the field while averaging over 20 points per game.
Bench Development: With SEC play intensifying, Staley may use this opportunity to give extended minutes to reserves like Maddy “Mouse” McDaniel, who has been finding her rhythm with a league-leading 5.0 assist-to-turnover ratio in conference play.
Paint Dominance: South Carolina’s interior game has been historically good this season, averaging 49.2 points in the paint (second nationally). Look for the Gamecocks to establish themselves inside early and often.
Road Performance: Playing away from Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks will aim to maintain their impressive 45-13 road record in non-conference play under Staley.
Series History
This is the second meeting between these programs this season. South Carolina dominated the first encounter in Columbia on November 14, 2024, cruising to a 92-60 victory. Joyce Edwards and Maryam Dauda each scored 10 points in that contest, with the Gamecocks shooting 51.5% from the field and pulling away after a 23-16 first-quarter lead.
Implications and Looking Ahead
While this game won’t impact South Carolina’s SEC standings, it serves multiple purposes for the second-ranked Gamecocks:
Rhythm Maintenance: Keeping game sharpness during a break from conference play
Depth Development: Opportunity for reserves to gain valuable game experience
Preparation: Fine-tuning aspects of the game plan before returning to SEC competition
Community Engagement: Supporting HBCU athletics, a cause important to Coach Staley
How to Follow Along
For fans unable to watch via ESPN+:
Live Stats: Available through the official South Carolina athletics website
Social Media: Follow @GamecockWBB on Twitter/X for real-time updates
Radio: Tune into the Gamecocks Radio Network for play-by-play coverage
Game Preview Summary
This non-conference matchup showcases a powerful South Carolina squad trying to extend its remarkable season against a Coppin State program building toward consistency. The Gamecocks’ efficiency on offense (shooting around 50 percent from the field) and defense (holding opponents under 55 points on average) gives them a clear edge, while Coppin State’s tenacity — especially on the offensive boards — could earn them extra possessions and momentum at home. (Lethbridge Herald)
Fans can tune in via ESPN+ for full live coverage, with additional radio options typically available through Gamecock broadcast partners closer to game day. Lineups and announcers will be confirmed by both schools shortly before tip-off.
